Question from a NEW member

RudyPicardo

RudyPicardo

Member
Greetings DVXusers

I am new to this community, so I have a few questions. Most my be either redundant or asinine, so my apologies in advance. I know that this form is primarily for DVX100 and HVX200 users. The job I recent have doesn't own these cameras, but I'm really looking to learn about high-end video production, as our company hopes to become an in-house facility within 5-10 years.

I sadly don't have any formal film-school training (although I have 2-4 years of experience with Broadcast quality equipment and editors). I'm trying to find ways to get additional training without going to film-school. I'm looking more towards certification and short-term/self-paced training, particularly using digital video.

I acknowledge that nothing can replace formal film school training. If I was younger and had less debt, I'd consider film school in a New York minute. So sadly, I'm looking for anything that will help me at work (as our company grows) or at home when I eventually get a DV camera)

Per Holmes, a rep from Hollywood Camera Work recommended your site and his DVD training products. I was wondering if anyone here could suggest where I could find additional training on lighting and sound, as I know these are important aspects of video production. I would prefer DVD or on-line training materials.


My other question is in regards to grading. I'd like to know what filmmakers do make their digital video look like film. This is my first attempt in grading:This video shows a 50 second clip before and after color grading (color grading begins around 51 seconds). I have attempted the following filters/effects in order of operation:

1) De-saturation (60% of original)
2) Contrast (10% increase)
3) Slight Gaussian Blur blended with original video
4) Added a form of color grading (remapping any black with a dark gold, while remapping anything white with a light yellow).


I'd write more, but I don't like posting long threads. So my thanks for those of you who took time to read this.

Respectfully yours:
Rudy Picardo
 
Rudy,

Welcome to the site.

I looked at your clip, unfortunately I don't think it looks very film like at all.

I would recommend you go to the clips section and find clips where you like the look. I think you will find that most of the time the filmmakers will be happy to share with you the techniques they used to get that look.

Of course most people here will tell you to start with a DVX camera and shoot at 24fps and you will already have a great start towards achieving that "film look".

Chris
 
Rudy,

As the resident rookie of the board, I suggest searching some of these threads. There is also a DVD set for sell for filmaking and all that good stuff. Its under the Articles section of the board.

This board is a treasure chest of hints and tips

Your color grading looks good.
 
Welcome Rudy,

The term "film like" is so highly subjective that it can't really be defined. Consider the difference between reversal and negative film, 8mm and 65mm, slow and fast stock, there is no single look to film.

So, instead of trying to find the elusive look, try to shoot to get the best looking footage that you can and don't count to heavily on a "fix it in post" approach.

Obviously, no film will ever exhibit interlaced characteristics, so shoot progressive if you can. Also, matching the shutter speed to one that gives similar characteristics to that which could be expected from film is another good approach. Camera movement, framing and lighting techniques which are similar to those used in theatrical motion picture setups will also be very useful.

As Chris wrote, send some time looking around this site, you will find a wealth of great information here and most importantly, shoot as much as you can. There is no better way to learn than to practice your craft.
 
Chris, Eric, and khmuse:

Thanks for taking the time to respond....really

I agree that the "fix-in-post" approach is far from professional, but for the project I'm working on - its sadly the only option. Other than applying garbage mattes to improve the depth of field, I was wondering if the was anyway to improve the clip. I currently am editing using Final Cut Pro HD with Motion 2 to assist in grading.

This clip was taken using a "consumer" DV camera (Sony TRV series) while I was still at school. So my apologies if I come across as "below standards." At work we only have a Cannon XL I & XL II. I didn't want to post the cameras I used on this thread, since most of the users are probably DVX100 and HVX200 users. I don't know if I'll ever have the opportunity to work with real film and film stock, but I'll definitely remember to shoot 24 fps, progressively the next time.

I've been looking around the site. I feel a bit intimidated as I think I'm the ameatur kid posting amongst professionals of the purest form. But that's why I'm here - To eventually make the transition to more professional level. I know at work I'll need to take the next step with improved shooting, lighting, and sound-design, so my sincere thanks to you professionals that took the time to respond to this rookie.
 
Extremely funny, Zim.

Extremely funny, Zim.

Zim said:
"Just because Idon't care, doesn't mean I don't understand" was that the line? Do you care if I use that one on my wife sometime?
Click to expand...
Zim:

Ha Ha - That just made my day! Just when I feel too intimidated about the caliber of the users here, I read this! Thanks for lightening up the serious tone on the thread

You can use the line, but I might suggest bracing yourself after you say it. I think you might not like her retort. :lipsrseal

Thanks for the link suggestion - I take everyone's comments seriously
 
I've been looking around the site. I feel a bit intimidated as I think I'm the ameatur kid posting amongst professionals of the purest form. But that's why I'm here - To eventually make the transition to more professional level. I know at work I'll need to take the next step with improved shooting, lighting, and sound-design, so my sincere thanks to you professionals that took the time to respond to this rookie.
Click to expand...

ROOKIES OF THE WORLD UNITE!!!

I think you are a lot like me in the fact that you know what you want to look like in your head, but yet you don't quite know how to transpose that to the actual program or whatever.

These guys are great. They don't talk to you like you are an idiot. But they will be honest, and give you pointers on how to improve.

Hell I don't even own a "consumer" camera...much less a pro camera....(but I will soon) but just the stuff I read here has really opened my eyes to some things. Just things likes color correction, proper zooming and framing of shots, lighting, etc...just reading this makes me even more prepared for when I start practicing.

So..hey man... join the rookie circle...it's all good. Everyone here has strengths and weaknesses, and it's a good place to exchange knowledge.
 
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