GH3 Gear questions? Need advice (Beginner/short films)

J

jibberjazz

Member
So I am just starting out and trying to bring one of my lifelong dreams of making a short film to fruition. I have abunch of ideas but want to make a suspense short film, a comedy, maybe even an internet sitcom etc

I have settled on the Camera (GH3) and Lens I will use to get started etc. Thanks to members on this forum I have been steered towards a Sigma 18-35mm 1.8 zoom with metabones speed booster and ND filter.

I need help/advice on accessories and have a few questions.

1. Do I need to buy A flash for the camera at all to make short film?

2. Do I need a separate recording device like a Tascam for audio or can I just use a boom mic?

3. What kind of budget lighting will I need to start out if any?

4. What stabilizers/tripods etc do you recc?

5. Any super CHEAP lenses that may be useful at all to handle situations that the Sigma 18-35 can't?

6. How many batteries do I need to get started? 2?

7. What is a fisheye lens and do I need one?

8. What BUDGET gear or acessories do I absolutely NEED to get started and can't live without?

Sorry for all the questions but I am a total newb and am learning everyday. People on this forum have been very helpful with this process.
 
I'll quickly answer what i can. There are ton of resources out on the web.
1. Flash lighting can't be used for video. You need continuous lighting.
2. You can record internal with the camera, but better off using Tascam or other recorder so your not tethered to the camera.
3. See resource below
4. Depends on what types of shots you want, but minimum you need a fluid head tripod.
5. if you need cheaper prime lenses, you can adapt a ton of vintage lenses to the camera, like Canon FD or Old Nikon. Look for lower f-stop numbers on the lenses.
6. 2 minimum. The GH series of cameras batteries last a long time.
7. Only if you were in a really cramped area to shoot or your going for a fisheye look.
8. See resource below


Here's a Filmmaking resource list I started for a student who was just starting out. There are lots of links to sites for more info.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wGLhOOZsNxQIsuZzIt6aYPQbslm53TvP8DtIB0p50XE/edit?usp=sharing
 
Everything jibberjazz said is correct.

If your Sigma 18-35mm is Nikon mount, then you can also get a cheap 50mm f/1.8 nikon lens for around $100 and use it with the speedbooster for more close-ups with shallow depth of field. Or even better get this Vivitar 85mm f/1.8 lens for better close-ups.

Also, I wouldn't go for a fisheye lens unless you specifically want it to look like a skateboarding video. The Sigma 18-38 with speedbooster should be plenty wide for most of your needs.
 
Just adding my $0.02...

1. Flash is for still photography. For motion video you need continuous lighting--lighting that is continuously (always) "on". I purchased a low-end lighting kit over 10 years ago, served me well. A lot of no budget people use Home Depot Work Lights. If you get halogen just be very careful as they run very hot and can be dangerous.

2. Boom mic into the GH3 is technically possible, but won't give you the best audio. A separate audio recorder is recommended. Keep in mind this will complicate your post production a bit as you have to sync the audio and video. Make sure your boom operator holds the boom very still. You don't want any vibration. Audio is very difficult to do well. And it can kill your movie. Practice before your shoot.

3. See #1 above. Try to use available light, a few strategic lamps, Home Depot work lights.

4. As was said, video tripod with fluid head. Here is a cheap rig I've seen people use and it's not bad:
https://www.amazon.com/ePhotoinc-RL...id=1466527104&sr=8-1&keywords=spider+dslr+rig

5. I don't know that Sigma, but that's a good range, 18-35mm. Maybe grab a "nifty 50" (50mm) as others have said. To be honest, I recommend Lumix native lenses such as the PL 25mm f/1.4 or the Lumix 20mm f/1.7.

6. Yes, 2 batteries. Don't forget the charger on shoot day.

7. Fisheye lens gives that "round" or 360 degree view. You've seen it in skateboard videos, music videos and maybe weddings. I don't see a need for this in a narrative film but YMMV.

8. I think you've covered the gear.

Some advice:
Get a good crew--sound, Production Assistants, Script Supervisor.

Create a shot list. List out all the shots required for your script. Include the location, type of shot, actors, props. Then you short the shots by location and shoot in that order.

Have rehearsals! Make sure you help your actors. Many of us are focused on gear and "the look". A big part of directors job is to direct actors! Help them get you the performance you want/need. Rehearsals will make your shoot days so much easier as actor will know how to perform a given line.

Expect the unexpected, go with the flow, be flexible where you can but stick to your vision.

In my opinion you should buy everyone lunch and reimburse them for transportation costs.
 
While much of this is good advice, the one thing I never hear discussed is the question of insurance. You get together a bunch of friends (volunteers) and you start to direct them to realize your dream. The relationship between you and the "crew" now becomes a little more complex. Lets say your sound guy trips over a light, breaking it and perhaps worst, sustaining injury which requires professional treatment. Who's ultimately responsible? It's amazing how swiftly friends in this instance can stop being friends when the medical bills start to come in. Do you, at the onset of production, tell the crew you're on your own when something happens? Great for moral.......

So along with researching equipment and the like, take a few moments to consider the broader picture. I haven't used them personally, but here is a link to an artist's organization that can provide some peace of mind and security.

https://www.fracturedatlas.org/
 
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