I'm going to start shooting a documentary soon, possibly next week.
It is based on a marvelous and magnificent story, that sounds like a fairly tale, thou it's a true one, told by a retired army general. Because of the story is so good, it has potential for screening on festivals (should it be well executed). I'm quite sure it will be broadcasted at least on a local (Israeli) HD TV channel.
It would have two parts.
The first part will be straight interviews (actually testimonies) of some of the characters involved in the story. Few people will narrate their story to the camera and mike, each individual separately, at each individual's home.
The second part will be a docu-drama, or staged, where actors will represent parts of the chain of events. It will probably be shot in a studio.
Right now there is almost zero budget. It all comes from my pocket, which (me being retired) is almost empty these days. My plan is to shoot first the interviews (or testimonies) part, which can be done with my meager budget. I own a Canon 7D camera with few good lenses and I'll purchase within few days some more lenses. The audio and lighting gear will probably be rented.
Only after having the full text of all the testimonies, I'll be able to write the full script for the entire movie, including the docu-drama (staged) part.
With the video of the testimonies and the full script I'll be able to apply to few sponsors (local organizations that support documentaries). It seems to me that there are good chances for me to get sponsors and reasonable budget.
If and when there will be reasonable budget, I'll be able to start the second, staged part, hire entire crew, actors, studio and rent the needed gear and then have proper post production.
Yet, shooting the interviews should be fully professional, both video and audio, suitable for HD TV and festivals screening. This is because of the main story teller is approaching 90 years old, so the final shooting of the main interview would better be done on the coming weeks.
My following questions concern, at this point, only the first part of the movie – shooting the interviews, or testimonies.
The questions:
1. Audio gear.
1a. Mike, or microphones. What are your recommendations?
1b. External recorder, with or without a separate mike pre-amp, or mixer. What are your recommendations?
2. Frame rate.
Residing in a PAL country and considering that the only thing that has some certainty to it is broadcasting on a local HD TV station: is it better to shoot on 25p, or 24p? What are the reasons or considerations for each frame rate?
3. Magic Lantern hack.
Is it recommended (for the 7D)? What settings are recommended? Does it allow RAW output? If yes, is it recommended?
4. Editing software.
I'll have to edit the first part on my own (having no budget at this stage for post production). What software is recommended (video, audio and possibly sync)?
It is based on a marvelous and magnificent story, that sounds like a fairly tale, thou it's a true one, told by a retired army general. Because of the story is so good, it has potential for screening on festivals (should it be well executed). I'm quite sure it will be broadcasted at least on a local (Israeli) HD TV channel.
It would have two parts.
The first part will be straight interviews (actually testimonies) of some of the characters involved in the story. Few people will narrate their story to the camera and mike, each individual separately, at each individual's home.
The second part will be a docu-drama, or staged, where actors will represent parts of the chain of events. It will probably be shot in a studio.
Right now there is almost zero budget. It all comes from my pocket, which (me being retired) is almost empty these days. My plan is to shoot first the interviews (or testimonies) part, which can be done with my meager budget. I own a Canon 7D camera with few good lenses and I'll purchase within few days some more lenses. The audio and lighting gear will probably be rented.
Only after having the full text of all the testimonies, I'll be able to write the full script for the entire movie, including the docu-drama (staged) part.
With the video of the testimonies and the full script I'll be able to apply to few sponsors (local organizations that support documentaries). It seems to me that there are good chances for me to get sponsors and reasonable budget.
If and when there will be reasonable budget, I'll be able to start the second, staged part, hire entire crew, actors, studio and rent the needed gear and then have proper post production.
Yet, shooting the interviews should be fully professional, both video and audio, suitable for HD TV and festivals screening. This is because of the main story teller is approaching 90 years old, so the final shooting of the main interview would better be done on the coming weeks.
My following questions concern, at this point, only the first part of the movie – shooting the interviews, or testimonies.
The questions:
1. Audio gear.
1a. Mike, or microphones. What are your recommendations?
1b. External recorder, with or without a separate mike pre-amp, or mixer. What are your recommendations?
2. Frame rate.
Residing in a PAL country and considering that the only thing that has some certainty to it is broadcasting on a local HD TV station: is it better to shoot on 25p, or 24p? What are the reasons or considerations for each frame rate?
3. Magic Lantern hack.
Is it recommended (for the 7D)? What settings are recommended? Does it allow RAW output? If yes, is it recommended?
4. Editing software.
I'll have to edit the first part on my own (having no budget at this stage for post production). What software is recommended (video, audio and possibly sync)?