cinematography Do I Really Need It?

themattcastro

themattcastro

I'm making a short film, and posted an AD on CL looking for a camera op since I don't want to be the camera op in this film so I can focus more on the acting and misc en scene.

On CL, I got an email telling me I need a wider lens for my films, is that true? I've never ran into a problem with the lenses I have already, but if someone is telling me I need something wider, is that true?

Here are the lenses I have:

1 50mm prime, 1 35mm prime, 1 28mm prime, 1 35-85mm zoom

They said I need to have a 25mm prime at the least. Is a 28mm really that much different?

Is this just a perfectionist comment saying I need something wider? Or do I REALLY need one as an essential?
 
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You can make an arguement for needing any kind of gear. Usually, however, it's just a nice option to have something extra.

So when's the shoot? Link to CL or details, por favor. If the stars align (ie: not doing anything), I might be able to help out.
 
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Thanks for the help. I know it could help out as something extra, but I'd rather spend my money on lights, and sound rather than more lenses for my film. As long as I have the essentials to tell my story, I'm perfectly fine with that.

We're filming next weekend, and are getting together this weekend to run through the script and get everything in line (like camera angles, and movements) before we start filming next weekend.

Originally, we had someone be the camera op, but you know how indie filmmakers are, all aspiring and not actually doing anything. So after bailing so he could go to a party instead (a week before pre-pro too) we're now scrambling to find a new Camera Op.

This is the link:
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cwg/2411503571.html
 
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28mm is fine.

But, I can't say that I wouldn't like the same thing as a DP/Operator. 25mm to 28mm is negligible, and I'd rather have a 28mm over a 25mm still lens, anyway.l

I'd at least like to have something in the 18-20 range for indoor material.
 
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From the lens choices it seems you're shooting on DLSR. If that's the case, and especially if you're looking for shallow DOF, then the one thing blatenly missing is ND filtering. Using large apetures at the mandated shutter speeds with any outdoor scenes will require the ability to cut light into the lens. While I would agree that something like an 18mm would provide more options, somewhere in this list should be the necessary ND filters (or a variable ND) to get that shallow DOF look when the light outdoors is shouting for a smaller apeture.

themattcastro said:
I'm making a short film, and posted an AD on CL looking for a camera op since I don't want to be the camera op in this film so I can focus more on the acting and misc en scene.

On CL, I got an email telling me I need a wider lens for my films, is that true? I've never ran into a problem with the lenses I have already, but if someone is telling me I need something wider, is that true?

Here are the lenses I have:

1 50mm prime, 1 35mm prime, 1 28mm prime, 1 35-85mm zoom

They said I need to have a 25mm prime at the least. Is a 28mm really that much different?

Is this just a perfectionist comment saying I need something wider? Or do I REALLY need one as an essential?
Click to expand...
 
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Do you really want a DSLR camera operator who doesn't own their own equipment? I don't think that's such a wise move.

Besides, I have to assume (hope) that you won't be doing anything complicated with the camera. Keep things simple, and there's not much need for expertise. You can compose a shot, right? Every director should be able to do that.

If you're lucky enough to find someone who is expert at DSLR camera work, then by all means, hire them! But you can rest assured -- they will bring their own equipment.

Instead of trying to hire a camera-op/DP, I think you should just hire a DP. Try to find somebody who really knows how to work the lights (though, to be honest, if somebody really knows how to work with lights, and is willing to work for free, I'd bet dollars-to-donughts that they have a DSLR and a few nice lenses).

Also, I agree with Kholi -- for indoor shoots, with the T2i crop-factor, I personally think 18 or 20mm is invaluable.
 
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How many replies did you get from CL? I'll be shooting one of these weekends in June as well. Also need an operator or two. Freebie. Santa Barbara area.

Btw, seems like an odd thing, you post an ad for a operator and you get a reply saying your gear is wrong.
 
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How much detail did the person have before saying flat out that you needed that specific focal length?

Or were they even that specific about it?

I guess I would be concerned with anyone who made a flat out gear demand prior to reading a script (or seeing story boards), checking out the location (at least in pictures), and discussing your approach to the film as a director. Without that information it's hard to say exactly what your "must have's" may be.

Also, x2 on what CF said about having someone for lighting rather than for operating. - hypothetically even someone with a small light kit, if that is what you need as well.
 
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