I have been putting a lot more time the past couple of months into making films from 5 minutes to 30 minutes in length. I own a professional camcorder, tripod and, a reflector panel. I always use my tripod and camcorder and, a lot of the time my reflector panel. Is there any more equipment that could enhance my films? Like lighting and other equipment?
Camcorder Equipment
- Thread starter JHPFilms
- Start date
A good selection of mics, an audio recorder and other associated audio gear.
I really think sound is the often-neglected part of short films.
There's lots of care and attention to the picture, but too much reliance on capturing in-camera.
Secondary audio capture can make a huge difference. I personally use a modified Marantz PMD-660, but I've read lots of positives on the Zoom H4N, which seems fairly priced.
In addition to that - as Alcove pointed out - good mics.
I'd spend time sweetening the audio in post. You might try some foley stuff as well, to accentuate things which weren't captured in the original audio track.
Side-note: Always capture room tone / location noise for mixing later. Have everyone remain quiet and record thirty seconds or more, if possible. It's great for removing dialog, splicing tracks, etc. and achieving a seamless transition.
There's lots of care and attention to the picture, but too much reliance on capturing in-camera.
Secondary audio capture can make a huge difference. I personally use a modified Marantz PMD-660, but I've read lots of positives on the Zoom H4N, which seems fairly priced.
In addition to that - as Alcove pointed out - good mics.
I'd spend time sweetening the audio in post. You might try some foley stuff as well, to accentuate things which weren't captured in the original audio track.
Side-note: Always capture room tone / location noise for mixing later. Have everyone remain quiet and record thirty seconds or more, if possible. It's great for removing dialog, splicing tracks, etc. and achieving a seamless transition.
Good that Alcove got in first because the most important
equipment that could enhance your films are a good selection
of mics, an audio recorder and other associated audio gear.
Or at the very least an excellent shotgun mic and a boom.
And FrankLad offers excellent advice.
Lighting will also enhance your films. Not just the equipment,
but learning how to use light. A professional camera without
professional sound and lighting is not much better than a
consumer camcorder.
You don't need to buy professional lighting and grip equipment.
Most filmmakers rent these items, but it's great to have on hand
some lights with stands. Even if you are only using a few clamp on
lights from a hardware store and a paper lantern or two your films
will be enhanced.
As you progress to other equipment, items like c-stands, flags,
scrims and cookies are great to use. Then there is equipment used
to give more fluid motion to the shots like a dolly and a jib.