Beginner Q's that want A's

Magicmann

Magicmann

Ok, i'm s beginner to film making obviously and would like a few questions answered.
  1. What do i need in a camera?
  2. What would be a good idea for a first film?
  3. What are possible legal complications?
  4. I like sci-fi, horror, and comedy, which should i chose?
And if anyone can give me any tips on how to make quick money for use in equipment, that would be greatly appreciated.
 
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I'm sure everyone will have some different answers.

1. How much are you willing to spend? There are all kinds of cameras from cheap $300 to $50,000. I have a Canon HV30 that I'm pretty happy with. It cost me about $600. It has a microphone input, some manual controls, and it is extremely light weight. If you have a bigger budget I would go for a 3CCD camera, I don't know too much about them so someone else can probably help you with picking one of those out. I highly recommend that you get a camera with a microphone input at least.

2. Whatever you want. The sky is the limit when it comes to filmmaking. For a first film I would stick to something simple though. It is good to start out with doing short films to get your feet wet.

3. Look into purchasing http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Lawyer...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240711912&sr=8-1 I've heard many great things about it, I myself have ordered a copy for my future projects.

4. Once again this is up to you. Experiment, try all of those genres and find what you like best and then go from there. If you end up doing comedy great, but you can also switch over to horror or scifi at any time too.
 
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1) There's several great threads in the camera section of the forums, that you should read through. Obviously, you have to take your budget into account, while going through them - but if you know what's great to have, you'll have your wish list. You'll have to sacrifice several things from that list (looking at what you plan to spend), but you'll still be in a good position to get as much as you can, if you know what to look for.

2) Entirely your call, dude.

3) Well, you need permissions for several things. Actor/Talent releases & location releases should be two things that you'd definitely want to learn more about. SonnyBoo has some generic forms for these, on his website, and these are usually good enough for starting out.

4) Consult your Magic 8-Ball :)

any tips on how to make quick money
Click to expand...

Teh sekrit is:
Get a job
:secret:

Well, here's a more serious reply. Do you actually need to own your own camera/gear?

I don't own a camera at all. I'll rent one, or borrow one from an acquaintance, when I need it. (I also hire/beg someone to operate it, too, 'cos I'm a menace when I use one)
 
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Magicmann said:
Ok, i'm s beginner to film making obviously and would like a few questions answered.
  1. What do i need in a camera?
  2. What would be a good idea for a first film?
  3. What are possible legal complications?
  4. I like sci-fi, horror, and comedy, which should i chose?
Click to expand...


1. Just a working camera since you're just starting out. I recommend the Canon HV20/HV30 as it does 24P with cinegamma color (film look 24 frames per second) and is also HD at 1920x1080

2. Something simple and easy. Don't try to motocross your first time on a bike, try learning to steer and be stable. Maybe find something 2-3 pages to shoot and edit and try practicing first.

3. Get everything signed. Location agreements, actor release forms, and work for hire agreements for every single person on the movie (even people who work for free). Every single person who works on a movie has equal claim to the copyright without signing a work for hire agreement.

4. Depends on the script. Work with what you can. Know that sci fi is hard for the complications of FX work, Horror is hard for the lighting, and comedy is hard for nor everyone has the same sense of humor and it's not easy to make people laugh.
 
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Yah, I read it - even said hi. ;)

Just 'cos you're young doesn't mean you can't earn some bucks by working, though.

Obviously it's not gonna be a traditional 9 to 5 job, but if you really want to raise some money you'll find a way. Your time is always going to be worth someone else's money. The problem is, most times it's going to be something extremely menial (heh, like shovelling chicken-poop into 5-pound burlap sacks - yup, I did that at your age - made good money, too), but if you need the funds ya do what you can do.

Think creatively, and you'll find something that needs to be done. :cool:
 
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Zensteve said:
Yah, I read it - even said hi. ;)

Just 'cos you're young doesn't mean you can't earn some bucks by working, though.

Obviously it's not gonna be a traditional 9 to 5 job, but if you really want to raise some money you'll find a way. Your time is always going to be worth someone else's money. The problem is, most times it's going to be something extremely menial (heh, like shovelling chicken-poop into 5-pound burlap sacks - yup, I did that at your age - made good money, too), but if you need the funds ya do what you can do.

Think creatively, and you'll find something that needs to be done. :cool:
Click to expand...
I agree with Zensteve, try mowing lawns, walking dogs, or something for some money. If not, your at the age where you could greatly benefit from any camera and experience you get with it no matter how cheap it is.
 
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