Hello.

[outlandishflamingo]

Hello, dvxuser users! I'm new to filmmaking. "New" meaning I'm still waiting for my camera to arrive in the mail. I've never actually done anything in film but I've been interested for quite some time. Although I've only recently ordered my camera, I've been interested in filmmaking for a long time. However, I don't actually have any experience what so ever.

Now that I've finally ordered my camera, I'm starting to think ahead and I'm starting to realize that I have no idea what I'm doing. I mean I've watched shows mostly about post-production that also touch upon pre-production etc etc, but I'm pretty nervous... so I decided to look for a filmmaking community where I can share my questions/concerns and Google lead me here.

One of my main concerns is that I don't think I have even nearly enough money for equipment/software that I might need. I'm fine with whatever freeware software I can find for now, but I'm not even close to being able to afford useful equipment. I just spent pretty much all my money on my T2i and, although I'm pretty sure I can manage without any lighting equipment until I can afford it, I've always been very worried about audio.

I guess I would want to use some kind of external audio recorder and add the audio in post, but I don't have enough money for the equipment required for that (I also don't currently have a job).

So I guess my my main concerns are regarding equipment cost and audio. I'm hoping that someone can give me some tips regarding these subjects.

Also, just a quick question before I forget, how would someone get good audio recording while recording a long shot if it's too far to use a boom mic without getting it in the shot?

Well, I guess that's it for my intro/questions/concerns at 3am... sorry if some of it doesn't make any sense, it's pretty likely that I forgot what I was writing halfway through a sentence but continued it anyway without realizing.

 

[Alex H.]

Welcome to DVXUser! You'll find a community full of experienced and helpful folks here.

My first suggestion is that you do some reading through the forums here. There's a forum for questions about the T2i, one specifically for audio (tread lightly... some of the sound guys don't sugar-coat anything for newbies), and forums for all sorts of other stuff. Here in the Café, we tend to talk about anything but work.

I know you spent most/all of what you had on your camera, but there are a couple things you may want to keep on your radar. There are two edumacational DVDs available through DVXUser, both created by DVXUser mods. One is for sound, the other for lighting. I haven't seen the lighting course yet, but if it's anything like the sound DVD it will be an invaluable resource for you. (And to answer your question about audio and a long shot: either wireless or ADR, or both, depending on the shot.)

The most important part: as soon as your camera arrives, read the manual and then get out and shoot. Shoot a lot. Get to know your camera, work to refine your shooting style, and don't be afraid of mistakes. Mistakes are invaluable for learning. Just have fun with it.

Again, welcome to the forums!

 

[outlandishflamingo]

Thanks!
I'll be sure to continue browsing the forums. I'm really looking forward to getting my camera and getting started.

I'll see what I can do about getting a hold of those DVDs (they sound like they'd be very helpful) but I should probably make sure that I have the equipment before I learn how to properly use it lol .

 

[Alex H.]

I'll see what I can do about getting a hold of those DVDs (they sound like they'd be very helpful) but I should probably make sure that I have the equipment before I learn how to properly use it lol .

Actually, they'll give you a better understanding of the gear and help you make the right purchases.