MattHawkins Online - Film Making Forum

Not to pimp my site, but check out this article I wrote on putting together a low budget lighting kit: http://www.scottspears.net/Lowbudgetinglighting.htm Regarding using plactic grocery bags as gels, well whatever works, but that just sounds unsafe to me. (I once used cardboard barn doors when the ...

I understand that not all folks can afford to shoot film. (I've shot over 10 DV features and one one on HD.) I think HD and DV can be great tools, in the right hands, to get movies made. I guess being a DP, I want people to strive for the best image quality and I feel film is the best right now. But...

Ok, I was just addressing your comment, "easier is better." That statement isn't always true. I've been shooting film for over 20 years and video almost nearly as long and I know that to make video look great I have to do a lot more work than when shooting film. I have to watch my contrast...

Easier is easier, not always better. I can shoot with no lights and it will be easier, but not better. I can use the on camera mic which would be easier, but not as good as a nice shotgun mic. If you want to boil everything down to time and money, you can do the easy thing and shoot some video forma...

HD is making gains, but it ain't there yet. Someday it will eclipse film. I'd guess on a mass scale about 7-10 years. Yes, video is easier, but not better.

Scott

Regarding this comment: "35mm is like $5 a foot to develop." I don't know where you found this figure, but it's only .10-.15 a foot to process 35mm film, depending on what lab you use. The film will cost between .38 - .55 a foot. All this said, film is still more expensive than film, but S...

The Canon GL2 is a good fit for your budget. Another option is the Panasonic PV-GS500 ). It's 3 chip and runs around $1000-1100. Here's another great choice, Panasonic AG-DVC30 which runs around $1600 from http://www.bhphotovideo.com . Remember to save back money for a tripod, case, spare batteries ...

I was shooting a film(Super-16) project recently and had to train one of our crew members on the slate, so that's where this tip originated. When you break it down, there are lots of little procedures which are all illumnated in this tip. This tip can apply to shooting video too, especially if you s...

Nate,

Thanks for the kinds words. I'm been on the road for the last week or so, so I didn't see your nice post.

I try to be helpful. Shucks.

Scott

Hey Nate,

I posted it in both of the sites, to name a few. Just spreadin' the love around.

Scott

Vor,

I'm glad you found my tips helpful. I don't think I'm at Rodriguez's level, but I do what I can to help newbies from making beginner's mistakes.

Scott

Hello People, When I have some spare time, the teacher in me comes out and I make some little video clips to help newbie filmmakers. I've done tutorials on: China lanterns, grip kit goodies, c-stands, lighting units and the latest is on white balance. Also, I've written some artilces on filmmaking t...