The bigger your project, the more you have to keep track of and I really like this software because it is SOOOO important to stay organized when you are doing a feature.
Here’s the official description: “MovieSet is a platform and tool kit that integrates with the actual production workflow process in order to enable the creation of authentic real time content. Its ultimate objective is to build core audience over each project’s life cycle from Development through Distribution. Fans can authentically track each film’s progress from green-light through to delivery.”
Great site and the software they have looks really good. I’m about to sign up for it. I’ll let you know how it is! If you have used it, please comment below and describe your experiences.
As technology keeps improving, it is hard to keep up with the latest gadget.
I’m sure you already know this, but for a filmmaker, it can be frustrating because if you want to buy a camera, you want to keep in mind that it has to produce a level of quality for you not only for now, but ideally for the next several years, so that you really get your money’s worth.
Unless you are shooting features, I would not go crazy with an expensive camera. Nothing over $10,000.
Don’t break a sweat though, I’m not even thinking in that ballpark in terms of price.
I’ve noticed over the years that the same cameras keep popping up. The DPs that I’ve worked with like them. They’re relatively simple but offer a lot of important features, and they are in a reasonable price range.
Here are my two favorites:
The Canon GL1, Canon GL2 and the Panasonic DVX100A.
Before I continue, I want to make clear that I come from an ACTING background, not a technical one. I am not a cinematographer but I’ve had to familiarize myself with the technology as a director.
I like these cameras because even though they are not HD, they will give you a nice picture and they allow you to manually adjust the shot.
**VERY IMPORTANT** They have external sound jacks, which means you can use a mic other than the one that is inside the camera.
This is key to making movies, even shorts, because poor sound quality is a sure give away to low production value. It’s the kind of thing that no one notices if it’s good, but everyone notices if it’s bad.
I’m not going to get into all the details, but these cameras also have a lot of accessory possibilities that will allow you to get more technical and professional with your shots as you grow into the camera.
They use Mini DV as storage which isn’t going to go anywhere any time soon.
Festivals accept films shot with these cameras. I’ve worked with feature film DP’s that like them.
And all of these cameras can be found on the Internet for under two grand, although the DVX100A might be challenging to find. You will probably come across the DVX100B which is in the $3K price range, but if you are going to pay that much, better to go with a lower end HD cam.
In the process of creating new articles I believe would be useful to you, I have come to the conclusion that this blog has ADD!
This started as a way to empower actors by teaching them to produce. Or how to become an actor by producing.
In retrospect, what possessed me to get a domain name like yourfavoritedirector.com is beyond me. I think it was a wishful attempt to consider me as such, but the ironic thing is that I do much more than direct, so it’s a bit limiting.
It could also be about my (Leslie’s) favorite director… or directors… Like Trey Parker or Kevin Smith… which I have written about on occasion.
But I tend to write about comedy in general if I am going to write about a specific work that I like. And it’s rarely just about the direction of the film.
I added my first movie review in July… That’s a whole other direction this site could go.
And then there’s the vlogs that I create, usually about my own work. This was never meant to be a space for that, but it kind of turned into that because I started to write here more often than on my personal blog: www.leslielello.blogspot.com.
So what am I to do?
My first decision is to write more articles about movie directing, since that is the topic related to the domain name of this blog and I noticed that I only have one page up about directing, which I found pretty ironic.
So I’m going to write more about the basics of directing… basic shots, storyboards, etc…
I have always oriented this site toward the actor that wants to make the leap to production in order to empower oneself as an actorand to put creative control back in to one’s own hands.
A major premise of this site is getting the job done, which is why the emphasis has been on producing. Again quantity is better than quality.
The posts about directing will help with how your project comes out.
Another way to say this is… once you get the quantity part of the equation, you’ll want to start honing what you have created. You’ll want to greater control the outcome of what you are creating by understanding how to create an effect or have something implied to those who view your film.
Essentially, you’ll want a more effective, crafted film.
What I’m saying is producing=quantity on this site and directing=quality (along with other aspects of film that create the nuance you want to have in your scenes.)
So I ask you now, in addition to the new category I have added (movie directing), what else do you want to see here? Or are you liking the pattern of content I have been posting (despite the random, attention-deficient pattern to my post topics)?
Speaking of randomly switching topics, I’m not just going to write my posts in this post, I’m going to leave you with a couple of YouTube videos about how to make your own green screen. In the first video, the guy sounds like he’s reading of a teleprompter that isn’t scrolling well, but the content is really good. The second vid is shorter… also good information.
