Where does a beginner start?

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rucker99

New member
Hi. This is my first post. Not sure which forum to post this in as I don't see any section anywhere for complete newbies.

I want to make a horror movie. Or several. I have no experience, except for doing some super 8 stuff in elementary school, which was years ago. I have what I think is a pretty good script, some other ideas for shorts, about $1,000 to spend and all the time in the world to pursue this. I live in an old house on some land near the woods just made for a low-budget flick.

I've been cruising these forums looking for somewhere to start. I need a camera, and guess I should get one used since I don't want to spend any real money till I have some experience and knowledge under my belt. Figuring I also need some editing software and some lights, mics.

Where do I start? The biggest thing right now is, what kind of camera should I buy?

I apologize for not posting this in the appropriate forum. If there's a better place, please let me know and I'll post my questions there instead.
 
rucker99 said:
Where do I start? The biggest thing right now is, what kind of camera should I buy?
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Depends on how much you can spend. You stated you had a 1,000 budget for the short film. Does that include your camera budget?

Some lower cost but high quality HD cameras would be a Canon HV20, HV30, or HV40. Those all shoot to tape in the HDV format. If you are on a tight budget, your best bet would probably be to just hunt down a used HV20 in good condition. The HV30 and HV40 don't really have anything major over the HV20.

Another good choice for filmmaking would be the Panasonic GH-1. It is actually a stills camera that shoots HD video to SD and SDHC memory cards as well. The GH-1 is a big deal because it allows you to change the lens and due to its image sensor size, allows for a film-like shallow depth of field.

Both of these do 24p, which is essential to achieving a film look, although there are many other factors that make something look film-like or cinematic.

Also, depending on what kind of computer you have, that will help determine whether you can edit HD or not. Of course, you can always find an editor to work with who has their own editing computer and software.

Sounds like you've got a great location, plus a script, so you're already on your way.
 
Don't buy a camera. Rent and borrow gear and go shoot your project. Buying a camera isn't going to make your film. Hook up with other people who've invested in gear, rent it from them and bring them on board to crew your project. Stretch that $1000 and make every dollar visible on screen. You'll end up with a product your proud of, rather than a shiny new camera with no money left to shoot anything with it.
 
My personal advice would be to find someone local who will let you borrow or rent a camera to shoot your first film (or bring them on in order to use their gear). Get your first one out of the way! Then save for the best camera you can for future productions. (I'm a part of the camp that fully believes in owning the means of production). I don't recommend simply blowing money on a lesser camera now, just to start shooting. Don't let something like not having a camera keep you from shooting.
 
Nektonic had an brilliant post there.

I have to disagree with someone though sorry, if your intending on doing long term filmmaking. Buy a cheap camera (Canon HV30) i recommend.

If it's a one off.. yeah sure, rental. :)
 
This MonsterFest would be a great place to start making short films again. Head over to the collaboration section of this monsterfest http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/forumdisplay.php?f=184 and post a thread there asking for people in X area to help you out and hopefully someone with a camera, any kind of camera will help you out. But just get out there and make something and upload it for the Fest and people will give you their opinions and what you can do to make it better and you'll learn a lot.
 
Hey, thanks everyone so much for your replies. Edgen, your movie was great. I've been thinking about doing something similar with my 12-year-old son and my nephews, only it involves zombies. I had no friggin idea you could do all that with a cybershot, which has been on my list for awhile since I've been needing a new camera. Which model cybershot did you use? What software did you use to edit?

If I got an HV20 or something similar, what type of computer set up would I need? I'm in the market for a new computer as well, and ideally it would be something I could use for both movie editing and music production (I'm an acoustic musician just venturing into the world of electronic music).
 
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rucker99 said:
If I got an HV20 or something similar, what type of computer set up would I need? I'm in the market for a new computer as well, and ideally it would be something I could use for both movie editing and music production (I'm an acoustic musician just venturing into the world of electronic music).
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I recommend a Mac. Any new Mac comes with enough movie and audio software straight out of the box to make your first movie. Plus, you can load windows on it (ick) if you want to. The software to do that comes standard with Leopard.
 
I have to agree with a lot of the advice on here about hooking up with other people to collaborate on your film. If you have a script and the ideas there will be people around with the equipment willing to help out. If you really want to get into it seriously and feel you have to have some equipment, definitely go used on forums like this or ebay. Just a warning it is addicting and you will never have enough. I started thinking I would get a used camera and good editing software and that would be good for a while. Now I can't even remember all the things I have purchased and I am always looking for more and looking to upgrade everything. It never ends with equipment.
 
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