Buying my first Camera/ Doubts

M

M&AFilms

Hello.
(I don't know if this is the right place to but this, but whatever.)

I finally saved up enough money to buy my camera, I hoping to buy it next month.
I'm aiming to get the Canon T3i.

But latey been having doubts about buying my camera because of personal issues, and I don't if I should or not.
In my heart I know I want this, especially in life.

But, if I do. I don't really have any people to act in my short films or help me at all.
I would go on those site to hire people to be in my films, but it seems awkward asking someone online, to come for a meet up
And discuss about stuff.

Has anyone had issues like this? Nervous about asking someone online for a meetup?
And having doubts, if you had any personal issue or reason.
 
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Hello.

First off, have you made anything before?

For a camera, I recommend you get a T3i, build a cheap DIY light kit from clamp lights, worklights, and stands from Home Depot. Spend the rest of your money on a NLE and audio.

Finding people?

For your first short films, all you need are friends and family. You can also make movies by yourself. I've seen some great short films without actors. Practice, practice, practice.

Sure, people have their doubts with meeting up with people from online. But if you are using a legitimate site, and can find updated info on that person or past projects they have done.

Best of luck! :cool:
 
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As always, my advice is to rent (or borrow), not buy. "If you don't use it every day, you don't need to own it." The problem with owning is that you don't need just a camera; you need a tripod, lights, production sound gear, an editing computer and software, etc.

You haven't mentioned anything about your previous experience (or your age), so before you invest try working for free on projects with other people as a PA, gofer, whatever. Start with Mandy, Craigs List, and MeetUp.com. Here's a few for a start.

http://www.meetup.com/ChicagoFilmmakersInAction/
http://www.meetup.com/Chicago-Filmmakers/
http://www.meetup.com/chicago-screenwriting/
http://www.meetup.com/The-Chicago-Film-Alliance-Meetup-Group/

Find out if it's really what you want to do. If it is, see how others are working and what they are using. Discover what it is that you want to do. Directing may not be for you. Maybe you want to just stick with writing. Perhaps you want to do something else like production sound, or be a grip, or a gaffer, or special effects, or stunts, or set design/dressing, or editing, or audio post, or ______??? Maybe you want to act. There are hundreds of other disciplines involved in making films.
 
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M&AFilms said:
Hello.
(I don't know if this is the right place to but this, but whatever.)

I finally saved up enough money to buy my camera, I hoping to buy it next month.
I'm aiming to get the Canon T3i.

But latey been having doubts about buying my camera because of personal issues, and I don't if I should or not.
In my heart I know I want this, especially in life.

But, if I do. I don't really have any people to act in my short films or help me at all.
I would go on those site to hire people to be in my films, but it seems awkward asking someone online, to come for a meet up
And discuss about stuff.

Has anyone had issues like this? Nervous about asking someone online for a meetup?
And having doubts, if you had any personal issue or reason.
Click to expand...

I'm in Chicago.....
 
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Alcove Audio said:
As always, my advice is to rent (or borrow), not buy. "If you don't use it every day, you don't need to own it." The problem with owning is that you don't need just a camera; you need a tripod, lights, production sound gear, an editing computer and software, etc.

You haven't mentioned anything about your previous experience (or your age), so before you invest try working for free on projects with other people as a PA, gofer, whatever. Start with Mandy, Craigs List, and MeetUp.com. Here's a few for a start.

http://www.meetup.com/ChicagoFilmmakersInAction/
http://www.meetup.com/Chicago-Filmmakers/
http://www.meetup.com/chicago-screenwriting/
http://www.meetup.com/The-Chicago-Film-Alliance-Meetup-Group/

Find out if it's really what you want to do. If it is, see how others are working and what they are using. Discover what it is that you want to do. Directing may not be for you. Maybe you want to just stick with writing. Perhaps you want to do something else like production sound, or be a grip, or a gaffer, or special effects, or stunts, or set design/dressing, or editing, or audio post, or ______??? Maybe you want to act. There are hundreds of other disciplines involved in making films.
Click to expand...

Thanks for those links
 
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Regarding meeting with actors, you can use local classifieds to your advantage. If you're 18 or older, I see no issue with meeting people. If you're younger than 18, you run the risk of people not taking you seriously, but that's all circumstantial.

I used online classifieds myself (Craigslist Canadian equivalent) and found myself 4 actors, one older stage actor, plus I used my best friend in my films as well. The main issue you will find with these "classifieds actors" is they will treat it the same as you treat it. I presented my films as "fun, no pay, no (although potential) profit, comedy shorts." Because of this, and the fact I'm so lenient with my actors, all but one and my best friend are a bit flaky when it comes to film days. My last scheduled film day was Wednesday of last week, and only 1 guy showed up, who was the film school trained actor and understands the value of sticking to production dates. If you have unpaid actors, make sure you present yourself as a professional (perhaps even it you aren't), and make sure they know you're taking it seriously. If you get too lax (like I have been), they'll flake out, take too long to prepare for a take, etc.

Although I preach being as professional as possible, I do suggest you do your homework before you take on anyone that does take it seriously themselves. Learn as much as you can, practice on the side. No point bringing in someone that's expecting big things, but you can't deliver because you don't understand the basics. Although it can somewhat sabotage you, I did inform my actors that I was still learning, and as such, they've been accepting of flaws, knowing that I do my homework as much as I can to improve.
 
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