I'm so Frustrated AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

J

JasonDexter

Member
So I have the 100b i can compose great shots, but there is so much to this camera and production and workflow that i dont know it gets on my nerves. Ive read Barrys Book. but it still dosent all add up to me. I have FCP but dont know how to use it. Ive been a iMovie guy since it came out. but there is no 24p time line in iMovie. im sure i could be getting so much more out of my camera then i am.....im sure im ranting and making no sense. Im just frustrated.

i go in the cinematography forum and its like reading spanish.

I need Jib, but cant afford one.

WHATEVER
 
Just use imovie for now. Go with 24p, F5. Not 24pa F6. It works fine. I made a short video the other day with it.

Then just practice with FCP. Do you live close to a Apple store? They have one on one training. Once you know some of the basic stuff you can do a lot with it.

Don't give up.
 
Forget all that technobabble

Composition, framing, continuity, coverage, story, talent (Actors!), sound design (Score, FX, Foley)

Don't be afraid to express yourself
 
J.R. Hudson said:
Forget all that technobabble

Composition, framing, continuity, coverage, story, talent (Actors!), sound design (Score, FX, Foley)

Don't be afraid to express yourself
Click to expand...

Well said!

The biggest mistake made by new camera owners is thinking the equipment will automatically make them creative. They've been sold on the idea of "easy".

In many ways today it is easier but you still have to work for it and "learn".

Get back to basics.

Forget about a jib. You're a long way off from needing one.

Tell a story. Find a subject that interests you and start shooting.

Step by step you will get there.

There is no shortcut to learning how to produce good work.
 
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thanks guys for the encouragement. The short film is in the works, but right now my main focus is local Music videos and commercials to pay the camera off. so the jib would defiantly come in handy for both of those applications. I made a $14 steady cam and with a little practice it works great, pretty damn smooth. if anyone wants to check out a few thing i did
youtube.com/skillsthebarber

the bueno video is super bleached out for a reason that was beyond my control, so its not really a mistake it was a necessity.

im starting to film a new music video tomorrow doe a crappy song but i think it will come out good.

and i think i have to really realize that its video and not film and there is certain looks that im just not going to be able to achieve and be ok with that..


thanks for listening guys.
and i think i am going to do the apple store 1 on 1 training
 
You don't need a jib, you don't need a steadicam. Keep reading, eventually things will make sense. Keep making movies and surround yourself in other productions, whatever level they may be.
 
JasonDexter said:
So I have the 100b i can compose great shots, but there is so much to this camera and production and workflow that i dont know it gets on my nerves. Ive read Barrys Book. but it still dosent all add up to me. I have FCP but dont know how to use it. Ive been a iMovie guy since it came out. but there is no 24p time line in iMovie. im sure i could be getting so much more out of my camera then i am.....im sure im ranting and making no sense. Im just frustrated.

i go in the cinematography forum and its like reading spanish.

I need Jib, but cant afford one.

WHATEVER
Click to expand...

Jason, it's very important that you don't fool yourself into thinking that you "need" any particular piece of equipment (aside from a camera) in order to go out and do video.

I fell into the exact same trap and I'm only just starting to try and dig myself out of it. Over the past year I've spent literally thousands on equipment (tripod, crane, dolly, microphone, boom pole etc.) because I believe that they're absolutely essential. I keep waiting and waiting to save enough money to get more expensive equipment, but I weren't actually shooting anything. It's becomes a case of sitting around dreaming of what I can do with the equipment instead of going out and make the best of it. In fact, the crane that I bought has been sitting in my room since; have not used it on any project at all. Just six months ago I turned down a project because I wanted to wait a few months and shoot it with the A1 instead of my old camera. Now that project probably isn't going to happen because everyone involved has no more time to put into it. And sadly, when I look at the work I did before I got gear lust, they were in some case better than stuff I did after.

So now I'm trying to ignore that temptation and getting back to just doing films again. Don't listen to that voice that tell you that you can't do it unless you have X and Y. If you're committed to it, you'll find a way to make it happen.
 
tmnt said:
You don't need a jib, you don't need a steadicam. Keep reading, eventually things will make sense. Keep making movies and surround yourself in other productions, whatever level they may be.
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Actually.... after having used onefor three projects in a row..... i have to say, YES.... EVERYONE needs a stedi cam.... they are amazing. ;)



Seriously,

the only thing that will make youre films better is to make them, then move on to the next project and hone your skills. Practice makes perfect. thats all that matters. your first film could suck so bad... itmakes people cry, but you know what, the next one wont suck quiteas bad, and the third, will be even less bad, then eventually... they are gonna get pretty good.....
 
This is one of the best threads I've ever read...it should be a sticky for all those (like me) who are new and are falling into the same traps. I want to direct films and I feel it's my job to learn everything there is to know about cameras, F-stops, shutter speeds, focal lengths, 35 mm adapters, lighting set-ups, the right way to import HDV into a pc (blackmagic, cineform, or Pro-res in FCP), sound issues, and I could go on. I've been up until 3:00 am every morning reading books, forums, and watching podcasts about filmmaking. My partner wanted to take me out to dinner last week and I couldn't go because I had to "read up" on cinematography. I feel like I won't be a good director until I can log on to these message boards and understand all the technical terms. In our defense, it's an easy trap to fall into because it seems like everyone on here who is working understands all the terminology and technobabble. I'm also falling into the trap of constantly waiting for the next purchase to get started on a project. I've bought a Canon HV20 (leaving me $50.00 in my bank account to last until Friday and I hope to God my automatic truck payment doesn't hit) and now I want an XHA1 as the main camera (and use the HV20 as a 2nd cam), Lowell lighting kit, good mic with boompole, new apple PC to edit HDV, FCP 2, and a Beachtek adapter. Also I'll need a 35mm adapter and a follow focus. See what I mean? If I wait to get all that I'll never get a project off the ground. Somewhere along the line I'm forgetting that STORY and CHARACTERS are the most important part of this business. I'm a storyteller not a scientist (dammit). I still want to learn as much as I can so I can understand what everybody is talking about but hopefully that knowledge will come with experience. As far as the gear goes I'm sure the HV 20 is MORE than adequate for a first project, and I'll settle for just the lighting kit and microphone (and boompole). The rest I can purchase as I need it since I won't be editing something until I actually FILM something. Imovie will do for now. Learn as you go, don't neglect your personal life, and enjoy the journey. Great, great thread.

Mark
 
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As long as you see marked improvement on each short I don't think there's too much to worry about. I've only done 3 shorts and my main goal is to get each one looking much more filmic than the last, along the way, as an offshoot, I'm learing all the camera terminology and rules.
 
DirectX said:
This is one of the best threads I've ever read...it should be a sticky for all those (like me) who are new and are falling into the same traps. I want to direct films and I feel it's my job to learn everything there is to know about cameras, F-stops, shutter speeds, focal lengths, 35 mm adapters, lighting set-ups, the right way to import HDV into a pc (blackmagic, cineform, or Pro-res in FCP), sound issues, and I could go on. I've been up until 3:00 am every morning reading books, forums, and watching podcasts about filmmaking. My partner wanted to take me out to dinner last week and I couldn't go because I had to "read up" on cinematography. I feel like I won't be a good director until I can log on to these message boards and understand all the technical terms. In our defense, it's an easy trap to fall into because it seems like everyone on here who is working understands all the terminology and technobabble. I'm also falling into the trap of constantly waiting for the next purchase to get started on a project. I've bought a Canon HV20 (leaving me $50.00 in my bank account to last until Friday and I hope to God my automatic truck payment doesn't hit) and now I want an XHA1 as the main camera (and use the HV20 as a 2nd cam), Lowell lighting kit, good mic with boompole, new apple PC to edit HDV, FCP 2, and a Beachtek adapter. Also I'll need a 35mm adapter and a follow focus. See what I mean? If I wait to get all that I'll never get a project off the ground. Somewhere along the line I'm forgetting that STORY and CHARACTERS are the most important part of this business. I'm a storyteller not a scientist (dammit). I still want to learn as much as I can so I can understand what everybody is talking about but hopefully that knowledge will come with experience. As far as the gear goes I'm sure the HV 20 is MORE than adequate for a first project, and I'll settle for just the lighting kit and microphone (and boompole). The rest I can purchase as I need it since I won't be editing something until I actually FILM something. Imovie will do for now. Learn as you go, don't neglect your personal life, and enjoy the journey. Great, great thread.

Mark
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When I first came onto these boards, I was a total novice in every respect. Simply just reading around will be the ultimate technical lesson. Every time a word or phrase is used that you do not understand, google it.

Because of DVXuser, I know just as much, and often more, than the film-school grads that I work on sets with. I try to say that in the least arrogant way possible. It's not because I'm particularly smart, it's because I constantly browse DVXuser and am dedicated to becoming more knowledgeable.

Pretty soon, our "technobabble" will become very easy to understand.
 
if you're frustrated, i think that's a good sign because it means you're learning something new. so don't give up, you can't learn everything all at once. and you don't have to buy all your gear at once either. baby steps!

if you're trying to be a director, it's good to know the technical aspects but the director must focus on the actors and their performance. the DP and the camera department will take care of the technical things. and if you feel the urge to buy new cameras or gear, just remember you can always rent.

it's hard to not get seduced by all the new technology (that sony xdcam ex looks sweet), but it's what you can do with what you have. david lynch shot his last feature on the sony pd150. no 24p, no hdv. i doubt he had a jib.
 
well first off, lets dispell some myths here. Since this looks like it may wind up a sticky.

Lets go over a BARE MINIMUM of what you need to make a film. And im talking realistic, not "what people seem to think they need"

1: A good script.

2: A little bit of money, a bare "zero" budget movie still costs like 150$ a day, because you have to feed your crew, and cover trandsportation.

3: You dont NEED TO BUY A CAMERA. Instead of dropping 7 grand on a hvx200, why not rent it for the day for 300$ and spend the other 6.7 k on the production.... Also, why not hire a Starting out emerging DP? he probably has a camera, and believe it or not KNOWS HOW TO USE IT!!!!!!!!!!! AND HE KNOWS HOW TO USE LIGHTS!!!!!!!!! so instead of wasting all thoes funds on buying something you dont know how to use yet, why not hire someone that is an expert right now, and has everythng you need! this way you dont wind up with 50$ in your bank.....

4: SOUND IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE VIDEO QUALITY. If youre gonna buy anything buy good mics. 1 nice shotgun w/ shockmount and a lavlier mic is about enough to cover your bases. However, these can be rented too, with a dedicated pro audio guy for surprisingly cheap. get an out of college sound recordist, they are cheaper than 20 year veterans.

5: Art Direction, 50% of cinematography is Art direction. If youre shooting in a white walled apartment..... no matter what you do its gonna look like a white walled apartment. plain and simple.

6: Lights. This is something you do need. but you dont need to spend a fortune. A britek kit, or a nice Lowell DP kit will get you going, but honestly, its easier to bring a light down on set than it is to push up footage in post. Buy the brighter light, and a scrim ( a mesh disc that cuts the light out put by one half) For example if you have a choice between a 300W light and a 650 watt light, even though its 100$ more, buy the 650, you can always bring it down, but when you need the punch, its invaluable.

7: Rehearsal. Rehearse your actors, it will save time on set, and it will help the acting be more believeable. ITs very very important.


HAppy filming.
 
Good points Timur but I think owning a camera (doesn't have to be an expensive one) is a huge plus, you can learn in your own time and basically shoot as much as you want. You don't need a great cam to learn fundamentals like framing etc.

If you're trying to make quality, compelling films then it all comes down to the scripts, we can't compete with huge budgets so it's no point trying to put style over substance.

Where should you spend your hard earned money? Well if you want to DP get a camera, if you want to do sound spend the majority of the money on a good mixer/mics etc.
 
I would never hire a camera ever...in my opinion and in my experience it has helped me vastly to own my own one...there are many occasions where you just see something...you grab your gear and you set out and you film it
(totally unplanned and totally out of the blue) filmmaking is as much about waiting as it is anything else somtimes.



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wow

wow

Hold up. One of the biggest problems I had was that I tought I needed a 24p timeline, to edit it 24p footage. You don't, unless you eventually want a film print of your 24p footage. You can use a standard 29.97 timeline only if you use 24p, 24padvance is a different story. Imovie works, but i'm used to nonlinear editing, so I can hardly make a cut on it. Don't worry about all the technononsense, it just a lot of trash you don't need to worry about.
 
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