new to filmmaking (dont know where else to post this)

J

jonples

Member
not that new. but anywho....

i bought my dvx in april of last year, dont have much to show for it, a couple shorts here and there because i can't really find people in my school who like to do stuff like that. ive been filming some of my friends who skate but thats getting boring.

skip the story, i really want to study film in college and i want to take the initiative now. as of now all i have is my dvx and a crappy tripod. so im going to need to make some purchases.

where is my jump off point. like i need help getting started and i honestly don't even know what to type to ask for it.

i know that i most likely will need a 35mm adapter, and im gonna need a new tripod and an xlr microphone. maybe build a track dolly or some other diy.

you can see some of my stuff here : youtube.com/jonples
basically: what do i need to get, what do i need to learn.
 
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OK, why do you figure you'll "most likely will need a 35mm adapter"?

Too many things come long before a 35mm adapter.
 
Pookie said:
OK, why do you figure you'll "most likely will need a 35mm adapter"?

Too many things come long before a 35mm adapter.
Click to expand...

okay. then why dont you give me some suggestions. the post says new to film. im just going by what ive read.
 
go the different sections in dvxuser and read the stickys. for example:
audio

you'll also need things like a tripod, lighting, carrying case, extra battery, video editing software...
 
Before you need to buy things, you need to learn how to use things. For starters, study lighting. It's one of the most important things you can ever learn if you want to shoot anything that looks good.
 
ya, I'd try'n focus less on gear and more on just shooting lots. You definitely don't need a 35mm adapter, and I'd say a microphone would be a much better buy (Something like the RODE NTG-2). I'd suggest just grabbing a few worklights from home depot (25 bucks each or so) and practice lighting. You can use stuff like parchment paper or trashbags for diffusion, foamcore posterboard for reflecting, the tricks are endless. Just shoot lots and don't stop.
 
ugafan said:
go the different sections in dvxuser and read the stickys. for example:
audio

you'll also need things like a tripod, lighting, carrying case, extra battery, video editing software...
Click to expand...

i have a crappy tripod , a hard and soft case, and aftereffects cs3/vegas 7
 
skip the story, i really want to study film in college and i want to take the initiative now. as of now all i have is my dvx and a crappy tripod. so im going to need to make some purchases.

where is my jump off point. like i need help getting started and i honestly don't even know what to type to ask for it.
Click to expand...

The DVX and a crappy tripod is perfect for getting started. Way too many buy this expensive and legendary tripod and just leave the camera on it all the time. As a result the film can turn out pretty genetric in terms of the way it's shot (a little OTS here, a wide shot there...NEXT) Move the camera round. Make it exciting. Put it in places other people wouldn't.

Worklights are a good starting point (You can even rig barn doors on them if you DIY, otherwise they spill all over the place), though if you have a bit of extra cash I'd recommend trying to get your hands on some fresnels etc. Your high school theatre department might loan you some. I got 6 fresnels by going to my old high school and seeing if they had any old ones lying around. They just gave them to me for free. Chinaballs are quite cheap and very useful, and indiemogul (on youtube) has a very good tutorial on putting together a cheap fluro rig. That will get you started. When it comes to lighting, it's far more important to know WHY you're lighting and what you want to create than having expensive tools.

If you can light your own films, at least on a decent, basic level, you'll have a leg up on a lot of other directors who rely 100% on their DP for everything light related.

I agree with others, the adaptor can come way later. When you've learned to tell a great story. They're expensive, and probably a good mic would be a better investment if you want to start showing the world your films.

Some books that I've found to be really good:

Shot by Shot.
Directing Actors by Judith Weston (I highly recommend you get this)
Hollywood camerawork DVD set
Commentaries, interviews, behind the scenes etc.

Film school is expensive, and I think you should consider your options and your way of learning before you dig too deep into the pockets for film school. If you're very self motivated and passionate about film, don't mind buying some dvd's and books, and putting in the hard work yourself - a more rounded college education (history, arts, english etc) might actually be more interesting for you. Having said that, there are some great film schools out there and having other people to make films with is always useful. Just keep in mind there are other options, depending on your learning style, how much you can progress alone, etc.

Developing your eye and sense for what looks good and doesn't will help you a long way. Knowing what clothes look good with certain scenes and backgrounds. Colours that go together well. The best way to shoot peoples face, body. On the low end, you're going to have to do a lot of stuff yourself. So the more time you spend thinking about these little things, the better your films are going to look. A lot of it comes down to budget yes -- but a hell of a lot comes from having a good eye - what will look good.

Become a motivated storyteller. Know why you're doing certain shots. Don't just go in for the close ups because you've seen it before. You need to know why you're doing everything. Milk the hell out of everything you have. People will be impressed.

Just make lots of films. Learn the technical stuff. But don't be afraid to experiment. Go crazy. Forget about using actors in your school, go find some real actors. You might be suprised at just how many are willing to work for little or no pay on an interesting project, for some credit and exposure. You can help them out, they help you out. Too many people blame their pockets when they should be looking harder.

As you learn all this stuff, you'll slowly start to realize what gear will help you do a better job. It's far better to start with the bare minimum and have to improvise. Then you'll work it out from there I think.

Since you've got After Effects, you may as well become a master at it. Visual effects I think is going to play a big picture in some of the new upcoming directors. The next Rodriguez is going to be some 20 something who makes a feature film with hollywood level effects in his basement for a low amount of cash - and of course the story is going to be interesting and daring. Something mindblowing. You may as well learn everything you can, even if you just want to make dramas. It's amazing how skills can cross over, when you think they'd have nothing to do with each other.

Become a filmmaking monster, you'll rise above the rest if you want to.
 
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You can't find people in your school interested ?

Try the Drama crowd (I assume you have a drama class?)

Jocks; love playing the tough guy, hero types.

Cheerleaders; come on, they'd love to star as your lead girl

Without being presumptuous, be more social and proactive in seeking out the people you need !

I find it far fetched that a school would not have all types; writers, actors, actresses, music junkies ....

And by all means, keep making your shorts !
 
some work lights like every one said is what you need and experience. The more you film the better you get. make mistakes and learn from them. Try to find at least one other person that is just a passionate as you are. The buddy system works well...lol.. good luck!
 
I pretty much agree with everything said above, especially about the 35mm adaptor. It is near the bottom of things you need. What you need most is practice and persistence. Good luck to you. It is a wild ride.
 
I had the exact same problem you had before I got to university. It's worth pandering to your strengths but looking into the things that do not appeal to you. Be very open - don't close yourself off to one specialism in case it falls through.
What kind of things within film are you interested in?
 
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