Hollywood Camera Work Dvd

Great review, Jarred, and I couldn't agree more!

By the time I get to volumes 5 & 6, my head usually hurts, but as you said: it's a fantastic reference, not meant to be digested in a single sitting/viewing. I've seen volumes 1 - 4 numerous times, and every time I learn or notice something new. There are many things I am going to try on my zombie flick that I learned from this course.

Per also started a new discussion board similar to dvxuser.com (with same software behind the scenes), but devoted entirely to the subject matters discussed in the DVDs. It's only open to those who purchased the DVD set, and I am sure it will bring a lot of additional knowledge to those who don't have the time/money to go to a film school. I think it's perfectly reasonable alternative to formal schooling in film making.
 
if anyone has this used for sale please let me know.
after buying my mic, i've been grounded for months, can't spend much money now! :(
 
I am sure it will bring a lot of additional knowledge to those who don't have the time/money to go to a film school. I think it's perfectly reasonable alternative to formal schooling in film making.

Hey, I go to film school and I'm impressed. Ever since I say their demos I've been trying to get one of those, maybe with the discount I might find them more reasonable, who knows. That excerpt of volume V is "whoa" from beggining to end, especially after you watch the complete sequence and see how simple it seems...
 
I was thinking of taking weekend cinematographery classes 101 one sat and sun and then 102 another weekend. It will cost me about $400 . do you think this would be better money spent?
 
tony404 said:
I was thinking of taking weekend cinematographery classes 101 one sat and sun and then 102 another weekend. It will cost me about $400 . do you think this would be better money spent?
I'd say yes (meaning the DVD is better spent money than a weekend course). But it may depend on your objective. While closely related to cinematography (angles, compositions), the DVD set does not cover lighting, filters, modelling of light, etc.

If you are interested in camera work (DP), the DVD set may not be enough.
 
XCheck said:
I'd say yes (meaning the DVD is better spent money than a weekend course). But it may depend on your objective. While closely related to cinematography (angles, compositions), the DVD set does not cover lighting, filters, modelling of light, etc.

If you are interested in camera work (DP), the DVD set may not be enough.
this what its teaching :
this is the 101
Before you begin your project, learn the basic principles, technologies, and techniques of shooting film. Topics covered include film vs. video, understanding film stocks and processing, basic camera function and operation, understanding lenses, setting exposure, using filters, basics of shot composition, fundamental lighting principles, and set etiquette and procedures. While no class can make you a cinematographer in a weekend, you will gain the basic knowledge you need to start shooting film, and the foundation for more advanced workshops dealing with more specific aspects of cinematography

102:
Want to learn more about the visual language of film and make your stories more compelling? This workshop goes beyond typical production classes to show you how shot design, composition, and lighting are used as both aesthetic and narrative tools. Discussions of design principles and concepts, and screenings of examples of different techniques will help you develop a unique visual style to enhance your storytelling. This workshop will change how you see the world around you!
 
craigbowman said:
This set is as important as Barry's book and you will wind up with "gotta have crane and dolly itis!"

Hey Craig, thanks for the plug.

I just ordered this set too. Looks extremely well done.
 
It's sensational. I've gone through the first one-and-a-half DVDs, and it's taught me tons about filmmaking already. Highly, highly recommended.
 
tony404 said:
this what its teaching :
this is the 101
Before you begin your project, learn the basic principles, technologies, and techniques of shooting film. Topics covered include film vs. video, understanding film stocks and processing, basic camera function and operation, understanding lenses, setting exposure, using filters, basics of shot composition, fundamental lighting principles, and set etiquette and procedures. While no class can make you a cinematographer in a weekend, you will gain the basic knowledge you need to start shooting film, and the foundation for more advanced workshops dealing with more specific aspects of cinematography

102:
Want to learn more about the visual language of film and make your stories more compelling? This workshop goes beyond typical production classes to show you how shot design, composition, and lighting are used as both aesthetic and narrative tools. Discussions of design principles and concepts, and screenings of examples of different techniques will help you develop a unique visual style to enhance your storytelling. This workshop will change how you see the world around you!

So would the dvds be a better buy, a noobie wants know :)
 
Great review Jarred, thanks.

I've just watched the sample clips and it does look like an excellent set of dvds and with the DVXUser discount, what a top buy!

Got my order in now, can't wait for them to arrive.

Cheers

.Alex
 
I've had this set for a couple of months, and I'll second what everyone else is saying. It is a far better value than a weekend course, or a week long course for that matter. Yes, you'll still need to add lighting references, but for getting a firm grasp on framing and blocking this is the most useful thing you'll ever get. The site is exactly right...one of its greatest strengths is that it uses unchanging CG models, so any twinge of emotion you get is entirely from the camerawork, and you can go back (I should say you will go back) at any time to get new inspiration or refresher information.
Maybe you will end up with gotta-get-a-crane-and-dolly-itis, but I personally think static is boring and handheld looks like crap 90% of the time, so here's how to do it right. :thumbsup:
 
I have this for sell if anyone wants to purchase send me an email at gonzoish79@yahoo.com.
One of the dvd's didn't play when i purchased them they told me to send it back. Instead of replacing that one they sent me a whole new set.
 
I have thise set and I would also like to say how great it is, you will never watch a movie the same way. One thing you need is to watch them over and over and pay attention. So much info is thrown at the viewer that if you space out for a few seconds you loose it. But hey thats what rewind is for.

\V
 
Other Videos or DVDs

Other Videos or DVDs

So what other DVDs or Videos should independent or aspiring filmmakers like me see? The kind that teach you filmmaking. So far, I have this DVD set and Visions of Light on my must-buy list... But are there other tutorials/guides/documentaries that are on a video or DVD medium?

Also, I was looking on eBay for this item, and found two auctions. The first auction seems very odd, because there are several bidders with 1 or 2 ratings who keep bidding on this item; almost as if they are all the same person (the seller), just to raise the price of the auction. Originally, I had thought that the item was in demand, but now, I'm hesitant to bid on the auction, because it seems like the seller is attempting to raise the price. I mean, it's still a lot lower (possibly the lowest you can find online), but I still feel ripped off because of this. Can someone take a look and tell me if I'm just being paranoid; or if they all really are the same person?

What doesn't make sense is that a single bidder kept raising the price of the auction (bidding constantly over HIMSELF); which isn't possible, since eBay automatically helps you help UP TO your maximum bid; so it isn't possible to just have one person bid over and over again to raise the price; it doesn't work. Unless, there is such a thing as anonymous bidding?
 
Stay away from those ebay auctions -- the seller has two ebay names (toledorocket21 and frontlineproductionsny), the first of which was banned so he started the second account. Notice how he built up his feedback on random 99 cent auctions and then listed this set? He's done that at least 4 times in the past 2 weeks, always uses the same photo for the set of DVDs, and keeps changing the "item location." Those auctions have scam written all over them.

The only legit set I've seen on ebay recently went for over $400 (link)
 
Owen, on that auction you posted, there was a bidder, Nalyom, who bidded over himself 10 times; perhaps to raise the price. Am I missing something here? And who would bid on this for over $400, when a person would easilly find it for much less?

Frontlineproductionsny does seem very suspicious; but even if he was trying to raise the price, does that necessarilly mean I shouldn't buy from him, since the price is still much lower than other places?
 
Back
Top