Format Selection for Project

G

GHamm

Member
I'm new to the DVX and want input on choosing the right format for my first project. We're working on a feature action/adventure film, using both crane shots and a lot of steadicam work - the camera will be moving a lot. We don't expect to go out to film, but would anticipate distributing either online for video download, or out to digital for film festivals and direct-to-DVD. We are shooting 16:9 squeeze mode (no anamorphic lens). We like the idea of a film-look, but because we're not going to film, we are considering shoting in 30p to get the 'best of both worlds' as I understand it.

Any pros and cons that you can offer will be greatly appreciated. If it matters, we will be editing in the newest version of Premiere.
 
No 30P... if you ARE planning on going to film, or even if you MAY, shoot 24PA (Advanced Pulldown Removal). If you're certain it's not going to film, I'd shoot 24P Normal. That way you're still editing on a 29.97 timeline, and if you need to incorperate other framerates (60i for slow motion, for instance), you won't run into any frame rate conflicts.

That's just me, but I'm sure others will agree.
 
yeah, 30 is a compromise. not as good as one, yet not really the other. go 24pA or 60i

My bigger question is why are you shooting squeeze? either shoot with an anomorphic lens or shoot 4x3 and crop in post.
 
Shoot 24P, do a bunch of test shots, watch your daily's and learn from them. Practice more and then shoot your feature. Becoming a better filmmaker is worth it's weight in gold compared to poor format choice. You shouldn't compromise on your feature; shoot it right. 30P and 60i have their place but their place is not a feature.

Nearly EVERY major motion picture is shot 24P and they use cranes, steadicams, and moving shots all the time. I wouldn't consider these reasons to NOT shoot 24P.

Also, it doesn't matter whether you output to film or not, the look you achieve with 24P is fantastic even when the final output is digital.

I don't see a problem in shooting with squeeze mode, just make sure your LCD is set to display 16x9. That way you won't have to look at a squeezed image when framing shots.
 
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