I'm Looking for a Little Help :)

A

Adroitone

Active member
Hello everyone,

Well, I just lost one of my main cameramen, in which hurts since Sundance last deadline is on the 21st of Sept (sure all you know J ). So now, I’m in need of a replacement, preferably a cinematographer so he/she can take some of the load off of me. Problem is, throughout the 4 videos I’ve done, the crew consisted of people I knew personally (and really didn’t have a passion for filmmaking like I do). Now, with my back against the wall, I come to you and ask; what is the quickest way to get a cinematographer on my film? I absolutely no intention of giving and missing Sundance this year because I feel that this film has the potential to be accepted.

The film is a no-budget film, but pretty ambitious. In a way, I see losing my cameraman as a sign of me needing to break out of the mold and start networking more, so I come to you to hopefully help guide me in the right direction. J I’m a talent director, but I’m limited on help.
You can go to www.deevans.com and check out my first short film, “Lonely Man in the Park”. That film was a huge accomplishment for me. If you only knew what I had to go through to make that film :D.
 
I know this doesnt help you much now but a "no budget ambitious film" for a major festival thats deadline is less then a month is not something anyone is going to want to take part in.
 
yea we hear that alot.

A little bit of money will help. if that means, a payment schedule if you dont have them money now, or if you can offer somehting in exchange.

Remmember, professional quality work, usually needs a pro. though some students are fantastically talented. peraps finding one of them can help. go to Film schools, and ask around for reels.
 
lairhair said:
I know this doesnt help you much now but a "no budget ambitious film" for a major festival thats deadline is less then a month is not something anyone is going to want to take part in.
Click to expand...

Yes, and I do understand that. It’s not the most appealing thing in the world. In reality, making Sundance is a big deal, but it’s not the only big film festival out there. So if push comes to shove, I can just skip it this year and submit my film to the others like Cannes and Palm Springs. I just want to get this film done and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get it done. I have all the confidence in the world that this film will at least get my foot in the door. I just need to surround myself with people who have the same passion as I do towards filmmaking. I mean, I’m not necessarily looking for someone who has been in the industry for awhile (it would be nice, but I am a realist), I just need someone who can understand my vision and setup up the lights and cameras without me having to assist in showing them where the key, fill, and back lights needs to be place, or what f-stop the camera needs to be set and filters that need to be used.
 
Take this into consideration. Instead of trying to shoot a film in a month and scramble for a DP last minute, take your time and don't worry about fests. Just focus on making a good film first, then worry about where it goes after.
 
TimurCivan said:
yea we hear that alot.

A little bit of money will help. if that means, a payment schedule if you dont have them money now, or if you can offer somehting in exchange.

Remmember, professional quality work, usually needs a pro. though some students are fantastically talented. peraps finding one of them can help. go to Film schools, and ask around for reels.
Click to expand...

I will definitely look into that. Thanks.

Sadly, there are no film schools in my area. There's just one school, Regent University, that has a filmmaking department; hopefully I can fine some one there.
 
DM_rider said:
Take this into consideration. Instead of trying to shoot a film in a month and scramble for a DP last minute, take your time and don't worry about fests. Just focus on making a good film first, then worry about where it goes after.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice.

I'm not the type to sacrifice quality for anything, and as I said earlier, Sundance is a big deal, but if I can't make it, I just can't make it.

Having said that, I guess I should have clarified. We've already started filming on this film. Everything is in place, storyboard is set in stone, got the actors, and got the schedule. The film will only be 15 minutes long and shot at night. With someone with experience behind the camera, it'll take less time to setup shots and it will also mean I'll have more time to work with my actor. So, at most, I can see 3 more days of shooting.

So I mean, it's not some impossible spare of the moment type of thing. :)
 
What happened to your original cameraman if you don't mind me asking?

Also if you have the equipment, a seasoned gaffer, and know what you want the shot to look like your basically there. I understand that there is more to it then point and shoot but how desperate are you?
 
Brooksy said:
What happened to your original cameraman if you don't mind me asking?

Also if you have the equipment, a seasoned gaffer, and know what you want the shot to look like your basically there. I understand that there is more to it then point and shoot but how desperate are you?
Click to expand...

It's cool. He moved due to priorities. Technically, I can still use him, but it'll be only on Sundays.

I have the equipment, no gaffer, and I know how to setup each shot. Problem is, I'm in the movie also :D. So actually, that's where the true problem lies. Personally, I think it'll be quicker to get a Cameraman (preferably a DP) rather than finding an actor to play my part.

You agree?
 
...maybe list the equipment you've got on hand?

Depending on your expectations, restrictions, etc. a qualified (professional) DP may be more than you need.
 
Taylor Rudd said:
...maybe list the equipment you've got on hand?

Depending on your expectations, restrictions, etc. a qualified (professional) DP may be more than you need.
Click to expand...

Equipment:
Canon XL1s (Standard Lens, Wide Angle and Zoom Adapter, XLR Adapter, Monitor, filters (Black Mist, Warm, Enhancing, and Polarize)
3 flood lights (1 500 watts and the others 250 watts. 1 light dimmer, and 3 sets of filters)
Wheelchair
Generator
Tripod (with a dolly)


I just really need someone who can setup up a camera, place the lights, and understand what I want in every shot.
 
Simon Höfer said:
Something feels wrong here. Not to discourage you, but to get into such a major festival is not that easy. Your film better be really good, or you know somebody.
Click to expand...

Not discouraging, because I know it's hard to get into a festival. That's why I'm working my butt off to make this movie as good as possible. This is not the first time I've tried. I got rejected 2 years ago, so I took more time to get better.
 
Adroitone said:
Not discouraging, because I know it's hard to get into a festival. That's why I'm working my butt off to make this movie as good as possible. This is not the first time I've tried. I got rejected 2 years ago, so I took more time to get better.
Click to expand...


you should have taken that time to get a crew and shoot it WAY before a month to deadline. I dont see any feasible way of making that deadline.
 
lairhair said:
you should have taken that time to get a crew and shoot it WAY before a month to deadline. I dont see any feasible way of making that deadline.
Click to expand...

If I can find someone within the next week and a half, the deadline is absolutely not a problem. I already had a crew (until I lost my cameraman), and we've already started filming. I'm just at a halt until I can find a replacement.

Also, as I've said earlier, I'm not one to sacrifice quality. So if I can't make the deadline, well, there's always next year for Sundance. Plenty other opportunities right? :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top