Complete Novice - what first?

K

kazze

Good Saturday and thanks for reading this post!

Is there a decent book I can purchase or borrow from the library that anyone could recommend to get started? Looking randomly on yahoo did me no joy.
My hobbies have been still photography but have had this idea sitting in my head for a while. I just need to know where to start.
 
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Best way to learn is to DO.

Do you have a video camera? Even a $200 camera is fine for getting started, and most (if not all) these days have the ability to import video footage onto a computer. So here's what you need -- a camera, a computer, and software on your computer to edit video.

Get some practice by shooting footage and editing it into something. Maybe you could make a music video for a song you like (of course you shouldn't post it online since you won't have permission to use the song). Then come up with an idea for a short movie (5 minutes) and start working on that. Recruit help from friends.

Probably the first thing you'll want to do after that is improve audio quality. Built-in camera mics tend to be disappointing, so you'll either need to look for a new camera that has an input jack for a microphone, or you'll need to get an external audio recording device and sync the audio with the video during editing. This is getting a ways ahead, though. No need to worry about that just yet.

My suggestion is to start. Then, when you realize something didn't work -- search this site for tips to improve. These people know quite a bit!
 
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Okay that is sort of the way I wanted to start - you mentioned there is software to edit a video....is there a special brand I should look for? Or is it something I can buy at Staples or Best Buy?

Thanks for the reply. I wanted to just mess around at first. I have a lot of footage I wanted to edit but wasn't sure how to go about that - and add sound as well.
 
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Newer PC and Macs typically come with at least one free software program for editing movies. Windows has Movie Maker, Macs have iMovie (I think -- not a Mac user). You can use these to get a grasp of basic editing techniques. After that, you may want to upgrade to a better program. Thom 98 is right that there are several options in the $100 range. My personal choice is Sony Vegas, which has an intro version available for around $100 -- but there are definitely other versions out there. Many programs have a 30 day free trial available for download from their websites, so you can test out different ones to pick the one you like best. Before doing that, though, I'd still recommend playing with something like Movie Maker or iMovie to get a feel for the general concept of editing. It is easier to evaluate how well a trial program works for you if you already understand the basics of what it is supposed to do.
 
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Thanks guys. I hate to say it but in the eighties I used to fool around with editing...then I needed two Vcr's and whole lotta patience. Since then I have sort of let modern technology slide by me.
If I were to get the SonyVegas for instance, would I need to have internet access on the computor I would use for that?
The reason I ask is that where MY own laptop is, I do not have internet set up. I dropped the server because of too many problems concerning the wiring so I use someone elses desktop for internet access.

I ordered a book called Filmmaking for Dummies.
 
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Well, generally internetaccess for a video editing pc is not needed. However, there're often times where you'll need to download an upgrade of your program or one of the latest codecs ect. While you could potentially download it all on that other desktop and then bring it to your laptop with a usb-thumbdrive or a cd, that's a bit complicated I think.
Shouldn't be too hard to set a wireless network, should it?
 
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No. Thinking of it , where I am now has Verizon wireless and they are allowed up to so many computors to have access to it. I might bring my laptop over here to set it up.
 
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Kazze,

The first thing you need to be a filmmaker is desire. Desire is what will motivate you and drive you to pick up the camera and shoot things. You obviously already have that, so, you're already a filmmaker.

Filmmaking is a large amount of things that come together, and is an amalgamation of the technical and creative. By that I mean, for instance:

Lighting can be technical. A three point set up so you have your key, fill, and kicker light. Alright, so you know how to light a subject now, where to place the lights for good effects, but it's also creative. How far away should the fill be? Should the key be higher or lower to accent the shadows on the face?

Don't let filmmaking seem daunting to you -- anyone can do it. The biggest thing, and I can't stress this enough, is a good script to shoot. Something creative, something that stirs the imagination... something controversial. Don't be afraid to write something because you think people might be offended. Offend people.

Things like lighting, setting up the camera, editing, you can pick that up pretty easy by just practicing and flipping through a few books, and reading this forum.

Now, your question was how to get started. That's simple.

Pick up a camera, and start shooting. Shoot anything and everything. Get your friends to come act out a short scene for you. Record yourself staring at the camera. Do anything. Don't get caught up in sitting around reading books or technical manuals, actually start filming things -- you'll be surprised at your results.

I hope you find this helpful.
 
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What first?

Well you're in a pretty good position considering you're a photographer. I don't know what level of photographer you are but if you can create beautiful still images that gives you a pretty descent start at film making.

Get a descent camera. You have to realize that you're not a novice. you have experience in imagery. Get yourself something you can change the lenses on and has total manual control capability. I can't make any specific recommendation right now as I am still researching cameras myself, but at least take a look at the Canon XL2 or the XL2 HD. You can change the lenses and its compatible with most of the lenses in the Canon system. I don't know what you shoot with but if you already have Canon lenses then that gives you a pretty good start. You can find the XL2 HD for under $10,000 and XL2 for under $5,000. If that's more dough than you're lookin to spend then you can take a look at the Canon GL2 (I know it sounds like I'm a Canon salesman or something) it's just that I'm a cameraman for a company that uses Canons, so its the only camera I have experience with. The GL2 is a pretty descent camera that you can find for under $2,000. I really don't think that you should go with anything lower than this caliber of camera. Unless of course you absolutely can't afford it, then just use whatever you can get your hands on. But if you can swing it, get a descent camera.

Now I can go on all day about Guerrilla Film making, but I feel like I'm writing a full length feature here.
I'll hit you up with a friend request and we can talk more.
 
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Purchasing an XL2 would be a step in the wrong direction, if I may add.

XL2 is SD, which is rapidly becoming obsolete, if not so already.

If you are going to blow that kind of money, pick up a Canon XH-A1.
 
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Thanks all.
I own a cheap Sony camera really designed to film family events but it will do for now.
So my first filming will be me. I will film myself at work (I work with animals and alone) today. I will check it out tonight and figure out the lighting and the rest as time passes.
I am going to try to put together a cheaply made documentary on what I do for a living but haven't figured out what to do to make it interesting. I think that will come from just filming.

When I finished filming I will have to do the editing part which will probably be the most difficult for me.
 
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The YouTube market is still pretty damn crowded, but I still believe it can be worth using as a means to just kind of see how people take to your work.

If nothing else, you still have a shot at walking away with that much.
 
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