Going to shoot a tv series, no budget, no experience (this will be good)

[jaysodyssey]

What amazes me is that they are still available at all, sure you can still find the polaroid one-step cameras, but good luck finding the film. This is what leads me to believe that tape is not "dead" as many would have you believe!

[jaysodyssey]

Just wanted to update this thread while I was dropping off some film from 1947 Zeiss ikonta bellows camera I went and spoke with the film department there was a guy there named Jeff who remembered the X one from Canon he said they used to rent it and he even has a lens that goes over the other lens that makes it night vision he said it was very popular with private detectives back in the day . They were asking like $500 for it so I didn't look at it to carefully . I did talk to Jeff about the X one and he said he remembered it being a solid workforce he said the only issue she could think of where the humidity on the tapes for which you recommended using silica packets when I sealed in plastic bags to get the moisture out , he also said that the biggest faults on those cameras were the cassette neck and his him he said people would often push them and yank on them and because they were delicate they would break . He said to have a head cleaner and use it after each episode to keep dust and anything else out of the cameras mechanism . He also told me for acquisition he wasn't sure how to get the footage from the FireWire port to the computer since the computer has no FireWire or PCM IA slots . Did tell me another thing I should do is find a mini DV deck so that I'm not using the camera to transfer the footage this will cause less wear and tear on the camera itself but it will also be one more thing I'll have to travel with . I'm not even really sure where I can find one of those decks if they're even available anymore and if they'll be priced appropriately . he said he was aware that many series are still filmed on tape to this day and this machine would do justice for the show he also said he could understand why taking a D SLR would be more of a pain to taking this camera . He said just the fact that you wouldn't have to change lenses out so many times alone was a good thing and it would be a weight savings and a time savings to boot . Pretty dead set on this camera and some of the accessories I need to find if they still exist I'll update you more when I get back home if I have anymore formation information . It was a good idea to talk to someone with boots on the ground who's physically handle these cameras he said he couldn't remember anything bad about them either. It was a good idea to talk to someone with boots on the ground who is physically handle these cameras he said he couldn't remember anything bad about them either for the time it was truly a remarkable invention one that could still be used today to make good film .

[glenpinn]

1. Canon X One, never heard of it, can you give us a link to this camera ???

2. yes be sure to get a tape head cleaner, run it thru the camera for 30 seconds per day.

3. tape deck, yes get one if you have a lot of tapes to transfer, but look, cams are very robust, you can just transfer the tapes using the camera, but you must do it using firewire.

[jaysodyssey]

SOrry I was on a cell phone in the last post, the camera is the XL-H1 same camera we have been talking about all along, Forgot the specific model earlier

Head cleaner check!

Its true, its more weight, but this thing will have been used, who knows how many hours are on the cassette, If I can pick one up with less hassle I will, if not ill just used the camera

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SONY-GV-D1000-MiniDV-Mini-DV-Player-Recorder-Video-Walkman-VCR...item463dfce9bb

YEAH IN THEIR DREAMS!!!!!! Sent him a message saying I would give him 50.00 plus shipping if he came back to earth,





I know the firewire is still an issue, i still have yet to find a workaround!

[jaysodyssey]

Man o man, i go out to the Chic Fil A tonight, I am watching these two guys eat, and I think to myself that would be a 3 camera scene, two for the OTSCU (over the should closeups) on opposing sides, and one on a dolly for the master shot, DAMMIT. Lol, for the past few days i have been taking classes on everything from Blocking a scene, to marking a set all the way to lighting, camera movements and placements, proper rule use of the 180, as well as sound and location sound. Some of it is fascinating and some (most of it) i will never use. There was an entire class on script writing and story boarding alone, which I will most likely never do. But I did find it all very interesting. It seems whether you shoot with an Iphone, a Mini DV, or a badass hollywood camera on a rotating mount, it really doesn't matter as long as the thought goes into the movie.

I am learning a lot and will post here as I learn more, also I went out tonight and took some pictures with my D3200, i will be sad to sell that camera.

Ok thats all for now!

EDIT: http://www.film.ca.gov/res/docs/pdf/YourPropertyInAStarringRole.pdf

DAMMMM thats a lot of trucks!

[jaysodyssey]

OK quick update, i am shooting another adult film tonight, I plan on trying some dolly shots and a Crane jib as well, I wont be able to show the footage here sadly but I am excited!

Oh also I did some research, because of the travel involved as well as the production schedule for each episode, I think it might be more conducive to shoot say 5 weekly episodes before I begin the uploads. i found out "parts unknown" shoots for a week on location and it is sometimes months after they get back before we see the episode. If I shoot a few episodes first it will allow me to make a promo, a trailer, and also make a cool intro title. I think it will also allow me to stay ahead in case something happens along the way

Ill update more later, still trying to source an XL-H1 in fairly good condition.

Oh and all you people who were railing me about my lighting last time will be happy to know from this point on ill be lighting with a 3-point light setup. one for the key light to light the talent, one to fill light in the harsh shadows caused by the key light, and a final light to be placed behind the talent to add dimension to the background and separate the talent from it. it wont be no super hollywood expensive as it will need to be lightweight and portable, But I hope it does the job. Of course if I shoot outside I can use sunlight for my key light and will not need as many lights!

thanks

[jaysodyssey]

Just an update will be shooting my fourth movie tomorrow, its so fun to shoot and make mistakes, the hard part is correcting them, I am still on the hunt for a camera. I have attached a couple photos to show you all my cinematography train wrecks lol

They are set dressing layouts and camera positions and also a blurred storyboard

Ill update after tomorrows shoot

thanks

[jaysodyssey]

Hey everyone, I know I have not written here in a while about the topic.

I have been going over a few things and wanted to pick everyones brains on them.

I am still taking a good look at some of the newer cameras as well as the older DV models. My issue comes down to three things

1. cost. While it is true the older cameras will be cheaper by comparison to the newer models, the added cost of outfitting them to be compatible with newer systems could very well offset the savings. A firestore drive holding 30gb of files is going for #350 on ebay, i know they have lost their minds but damn! Also another $150 or so for the box to get the dv tape to the computer converted, not to mention another 50 or so for a "cheap" dv camera to playback the tapes to the computer to avoid more wear and tear on the heads of the bigger unit. It all adds up

2. Size. The bigger cameras were huge, they looked like REAL movie cameras. When I was in the AP we could always spot a wannabe at a fire scene by his tiny little video camera and headset mic, the pros were weighted down with gear to the nines. Nowadays the tiniest camera can be BIG in terms of what it can do. Some of the smaller canon vixias running at around $500 or so can outperform the old GL and XL cameras. But from a "appearance standpoint" they will never cut it. Indeed before writing this I looked at canons higher end line of cameras, and unless you go full hollywood even the most powerful ones they have still are quite small. So its another tradeoff between do I want to be fast on my feet with a bite sized camera, or look all powerful with the big pile of gear that will inevitably slow me down.

3. Features based on price. Kind of the same thing as price , the older cameras had a ton of features and the cost to get into one now is not that much , I wont be taking RED with me on my bike trip (Although a bike trailer has now been discussed to help haul some gear) but the XL-H1 still remains superior to most of the "newer tiny" cameras

So lots to think about, i was wondering if anyone could find a camera that is comparable to the "XL-H1" that uses newer technology, that is priced appropriately, Remember the points of this series are interviews in semi lit areas, action footage on tours, taking the cameras into areas of the jungle or ruins. Being able to setup and deploy quickly. Being able to get the footage from the camera to the computer for editing without lots of gadgets. Also being able to run pro sound from the camera to boom mics or shotgun mics or lavs without having to use DSS as it will be a pain to sync all these files. My hope is with the right gear and the right price point i can focus on creating good tv and not the gear I am creating it with!

thanks again everyone!

EDIT: if I do go with tape the XH-A1S is looking at a more affordable alternative, as far as I can tell the A1S is comparable to the XL-H1 the only thing that seems to be missing is the "jumppack" and the ability for timecode and sync, which I do not plan on using anyway. So much to think about!

[jaysodyssey]

Just had a GREAT convo with Canon (Rep named Dan) it always amazes me when a company still uses USA based support reps. We spoke at length about the benefits and drawbacks to using older/newer cameras. Somewhere in the convo he asked about the trip and we started going in depth about it and he gave me a little known number to an internal PR person who might be interested in hearing about the trip

He said the XF-305 was the first PRO level NON DV camera they made, the XC10 which is the NEWEST has an amazing featurset as well and is 4 times as small as the H1 was. The lens alone packs a huge punch with a 1.8-2.8 range across the entire focal range of 30mm-308mm, that probably would have some great low light tech in it!

Ok Ill update soon when I know more from the PR Rep,

[jaysodyssey]

this was filmed with a combo of ENG cameras and Canon XA10 cameras

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUH9AR2hpEI

While it is not definite on what footage was shot with what the XA10 is a tiny but powerful camera,

here is the case study from canon

http://consumer.usa.canon.com/cusa/professional/standard_display/Markets_Journalism_KRGV_TV5

[smrpix]

So it appears you've gotten past your inexplicable fixation on HDV. Well done.

[jaysodyssey]

So it appears you've gotten past your inexplicable fixation on HDV. Well done.

Still considering tape as a medium it is not off the chart yet, these sd CF camcorders pack a punch but they are also very tiny

I still do not know whether that is a good or bad thing, I am looking at the XA20 right now, the specs between the XA10 XA20 and XA25 do not seem to change much between models

the XF305 is an awesome model, but it grows in size AND IN price, and has lots of stuff I will never use

[zoobie]

its so fun to shoot and make mistakes

I'll bet...

[jaysodyssey]

Just an update on the camera search, here is the list of models I have narrowed it down to so far, please keep in mind this list DOES include Dv cameras (as They are not off the table) but the more I look at newer models the less likely one will be used. I guess "tiny" is the new "pro" lol
THings I know i WILL NOT be needing on a camera
Timecode SDI (although nice it is highly unlikely I will be shooting DSS on this series)
Jackpack
sync to multiple cameras

As for the DV cameras still being considered are

Canon XH-A1S

Like this one
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-XH-A1s-HD-MiniDV-3CCD-Professional-Camera-Camcorder-/291...item43e071fe99
Canon XL-H1
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-XL-H1-XLH1-XL-H1-3CCD-HDV-MiniDV-HD-Professional-Camcord...item35ef8e7241

For the smaller more modern cameras that are almost as capable in features I am looking at
Canon XA25
Canon XA20
Canon XA10
If I stay with a larger camera I am looking at
Canon XF300
XF305
XF205
XF200
XF105
XF100

You can see all the features of these cameras at this page on canons website
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/professional/products/professional_cameras/uhd_hd_video_..._video_cameras

Here is a link to a shootout comparison of the three XA cameras
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/professional/products/professional_cameras/uhd_hd_video_...01e0248024aa53

The downside to these cameras is although affordable I think Depth Of field will be nonexistent on any of these models, something I really wanted to make use of, On the upside some of these cameras have true night vision on board, I am not sure if I would ever use that but who knows.
Some of these models come in at under 2 pounds without the rig handles, while the DV cameras came in at over 8 pounds, also if i get a partnership with canon I will also be taking along a Canon Powershot S110 , which is known for its HD video, as a backup B camera
Thats all to report, I am only SERIOUSLY considering the XA10-25 but most likely would be happy with the XA10 for my needs, all these cameras use pro audio inputs, eliminating the need for a preamp and yet another piece of gear. To sum this up if i took one of the DV cameras here is what I would need Minimum
Dv camera (pro)
2 lens
4 battery packs
Heavy duty tripod
DV Tapes
FIREstore or firewire to usb converter unit
extra dv camcorder to xfer tapes on
heavy duty charging packs
video lights
boom mic and wiring
lapel mic and wiring,
adapters to use mics


I know I am forgetting something, but with the lighter weight units all I will need is the boom mic a cable a camera, a couple memory cards and the video lights
Thanks everyone Ill keep you posted!

[jaysodyssey]

Hi Everyone, No i did not fall off a cliff while backing up a Dolly Shot! Lol

I just have nothing new to report concerning video life, i took a bunch of classes and got good scores and learned a lot. Now I am sort of cooling my heels waiting for what comes next. Also I am chasing Canon around which is no easy task!

The only thing I would ask is if ANYONE here as any advice on those models I mentioned in the past post, it will help me decide what I do and more importantly DO NOT need for this series. If I can get by with an XA10 for my needs then why spend the money on an XF305, tbh in my still very limited knowledge I think any of the XF series will be more for MOVIE filming then the type of work I will be doing

I am hoping to source a forum where I can meet people who have actually USED those models,

I am also thinking it is less likely that DV will be used on this series. The only thing that keeps me looking at the XH-A1S and the XL-H1 is the fact they can change lens, I do not think any of these newer ones can, I need to be able to create a DOF look, and if these lens have no way to get that, thats going to cause issues

I am alive and well, hope you all are too!

and CUT!

[jaysodyssey]

Hey everyone, hope the summer went well. I am happy to report that after about two months in film school, filming many projects. I am ready to leave for the big trip. I only have to get a couple more pieces of gear. Here is my updated gear list please look it over and let me know if anything sticks out, some of this stuff is already purchased ( I will put those items in bold). This setup required an entirely new look at how video is made, edited, and ultimately published.

Over the summer I spoke with lots of doc filmmakers and people making indie films on smaller budgets, some of those films were atrocious, others were awesome. I guess the mileage will vary. Ok here is the list.

Main Camera A & B : (2) Canon XA10
Backup Camera- Stills: Canon Powershot S110
Action Cam: Anart SJC 3200
Boom-Directional: Rhode VideoMic Pro
Lav Wired: (2) Sanheiser LAV Mics
Lighting: (2) Yongnuo YN300 LED
Tripod: Manfrotto Compact Action (Double Duty)
Editing: Lightworks Pro
Production: TBD Network, Youtube, Main website

Obviously with this setup I will need a few batteries, some rain gear, cabling, and whatnot, the XA10 has a built in 64gb hard drive in it, so that should come in handy. The powershot takes amazing stills and also shoots Full HD so it can double as a video

First episode airs in January 2016!

[glenpinn]

Why this fixation with Canon cameras ?

Have you not even considered anything from Sony or Panasonic at least.

[jaysodyssey]

Why this fixation with Canon cameras ?

Have you not even considered anything from Sony or Panasonic at least.

Glen

Main reason is because when it comes to PRO Cameras Sony ALWAYS lets you down, Panasonic has some good offerings for point and shoot, i never really considered them seriously past that.

I wanted light and easy to travel with, and more importantly dependable and tested, these cameras cover all of those bases!

BTW just so you do not think I am biased I owned a Sony Alpha A850 at one time, great camera if you want to carry around 5 lens (which I did not for this trip) which is the reason i ditched the Nikon!

I also owned a Panasonic Lumix Camera in the past, great stuff excellent optics, but limited sound and lighting capabilities

[TreeTops]

Maybe she's not a pro using a Sony camera?

[jaysodyssey]

Maybe she's not a pro using a Sony camera?

That is so beyond what I will ever be doing. TBH The majority of the cameras that hollywood shoots with nowadays is major overkill!

Ever seen 4GOT10, It was shot entirely on prosumer cameras, albeit ones with amazing technology

But yes I guess Sony makes pro cameras, just not anything I will ever want/need

This thread (if you read it) was not about which company was better, rather the premise was about what technology would be used and advice to that effect. Surely your not telling a three man crew on bikes to haul that right?

[glenpinn]

I don't want to be a downer, but your budget, schedule and equipment are totally inadequate for a major network -- unless you actually find and interview Bigfoot.

Rubbish, obviously you have not seen some of the gear that some Doco makers use to shoot their videos that are shown on tv.

Rather than just coming into this topic with a "Downer" why not at least offer some advice to the guy, after all, that was one of the reasons why he made this thread in the first place.

[jaysodyssey]

Thats not the FIRST time someone said that lol (have you seen some of the crap they let on TV today?)

28th Jul 2015 21:06 #7
smrpix smrpix is offline
Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: USA
Search Comp PM
I don't want to be a downer, but your budget, schedule and equipment are totally inadequate for a major network -- unless you actually find and interview Bigfoot. It could make a decent video blog however and would showcase your talent if well done.

Warnings aside, best of luck.

[poisondeathray]

Ignore it guys - jxgjxhj is a spam bot . They copy / paste some posts in the thread to get post counts (to look legit), then eventually start spamming past a certain number. Click on the user posts

[jaysodyssey]

To bad I was really looking forward to Bigfoot interviews!

If your following this thread for the REAL reason stay tuned this weekend, Exciting update on all I did this week!

Lots of shopping done, I can use anyones help on anything I might have missed!

[bobit]

before you take off around the world/block

have you any previous examples of your camera work

taking a push bike on your own around the world
your bike will get nicked you will get mugged of all your stuff

bad idea

ask ewan mcGregor

lol

[jaysodyssey]

before you take off around the world/block

have you any previous examples of your camera work

Bob

if you read this thread from the start you will see why no examples are shown here!

[bobit]

before you take off around the world/block

have you any previous examples of your camera work

Bob

if you read this thread from the start you will see why no examples are shown here!

your making a porno film in post 37

it says you are on your 4th movie

upload somewhere post link
see if your a budding spielberg or just another perv with a camera

ps: rocco just uses a handheld camera lol

[jaysodyssey]

Not sure if bobit is on point or just one of these



FYI: Not posting footage from those films, they were done under studio contract, i have no permission to do so.

3 Man crew so far btw!

[jaysodyssey]

Lol He may have been talking about this



Worse thing that happened was

"Cameraman Claudio von Planta suffered a theft on the trip, when an opportunist thief stole his tent and personal effects which had been briefly left unattended while in Siberia."

" Charley Boorman also had his wallet stolen from his jeans at some natural hot springs in Canada, which contained $500 and €400 along with his credit cards."

Mental notes watch stuff carefully, and do not swim without jeans on it hotsprings!

[Clockwork]

...they were done under studio contract...

So, you have no experience as a film maker...NONE WHATSOEVER...yet, you've done contract work for studios...

Oh...okay.