Filming my first short
- Thread starter kattie
- Start date
Katie,
My first short was on a super 16 mm, but it was an Arri. I'm not a shooter, so I can't help you there, but we can talk more after production about how to make the most out of post, etc.
Where is Hockley?
WC
My first short was on a super 16 mm, but it was an Arri. I'm not a shooter, so I can't help you there, but we can talk more after production about how to make the most out of post, etc.
Where is Hockley?
WC
If you're looking to have sound/dialogue, then you'll be needing a camera that is "crystal sync"... unless you are planning on really quick shots & cuts.
Non-synced film cameras drift in speed. That could mean that after anywhere from 10 - 20 seconds, when you match up the audio to the video, it will start looking like a badly-dubbed kung-fu movie from the '70s. None of the lips will match the dialogue.
The camera you mention is a wind-up. I have no idea about the actual quality of the camera you are looking at, but being a wind-up... it's not a sync one.
Some cameras can be converted to 'sync... some can't. It's expensive to do so, though. It may be better to rent a 'sync camera from a rental house, unless you plan on doing several 16mm projects.
...and
to IndieTalk.
Non-synced film cameras drift in speed. That could mean that after anywhere from 10 - 20 seconds, when you match up the audio to the video, it will start looking like a badly-dubbed kung-fu movie from the '70s. None of the lips will match the dialogue.
The camera you mention is a wind-up. I have no idea about the actual quality of the camera you are looking at, but being a wind-up... it's not a sync one.
Some cameras can be converted to 'sync... some can't. It's expensive to do so, though. It may be better to rent a 'sync camera from a rental house, unless you plan on doing several 16mm projects.
...and
to IndieTalk.
Its easier to rent. You can get away with non-crystal synch 3 ways:
1) Quick cuts, zero long dialogue scenes. I would recommend less that 5 seconds of dialogue per shot.
2) Dub in post.
3) digitally alter the sound to match the video. This can be very time consuming, but it is possible, I have done it.
For dialogue you will still need a source to record to, don't forget film doesnt record both video and sound.
1) Quick cuts, zero long dialogue scenes. I would recommend less that 5 seconds of dialogue per shot.
2) Dub in post.
3) digitally alter the sound to match the video. This can be very time consuming, but it is possible, I have done it.
For dialogue you will still need a source to record to, don't forget film doesnt record both video and sound.
Katy,
I'm in Ft. Worth, so it's a bit of a drive, but doable for a good project (I also work as an actor).
"Silent" film might be fun and "avante guarde", but there needs to be a reason for doing such, because you always have to think of your audience. MOS is good for some scenes, but what is the audience member going to "hear" to keep them "watching"? I'm also a writer and love the written word, and the filmmaker also uses "show me, don't tell me", but that doesn't mean MOS entirely. Perhaps the scenes are shot with sound, but the players don't have any lines, or very few. Maybe the actors don't say anything until the last moment, so the audience is anticipating them talking, but you can string them along until the last moment, and then throw the curve ball.
Without lines, you'll need darn good actors.
Is the short for festival fare? If so, some FF's will pass on your "silent" film unless it's so short and impactful that they don't mind. Other FF will only show it if it's full of shocking scenes that are designed to push the envelope and then they don't care if it's silent or not. In any event, shoot a film that will make a good first step for your filmmaker career. Shoot a film YOU want to see, then see if anyone else wants to watch it, too.
Let us know what we can do to help.
WC
I'm in Ft. Worth, so it's a bit of a drive, but doable for a good project (I also work as an actor).
"Silent" film might be fun and "avante guarde", but there needs to be a reason for doing such, because you always have to think of your audience. MOS is good for some scenes, but what is the audience member going to "hear" to keep them "watching"? I'm also a writer and love the written word, and the filmmaker also uses "show me, don't tell me", but that doesn't mean MOS entirely. Perhaps the scenes are shot with sound, but the players don't have any lines, or very few. Maybe the actors don't say anything until the last moment, so the audience is anticipating them talking, but you can string them along until the last moment, and then throw the curve ball.
Without lines, you'll need darn good actors.
Is the short for festival fare? If so, some FF's will pass on your "silent" film unless it's so short and impactful that they don't mind. Other FF will only show it if it's full of shocking scenes that are designed to push the envelope and then they don't care if it's silent or not. In any event, shoot a film that will make a good first step for your filmmaker career. Shoot a film YOU want to see, then see if anyone else wants to watch it, too.
Let us know what we can do to help.
WC