I need some help folks!

P

Phillip Ritchie

Hey folks, first off, I have never made a film... I'm currently studying Visual Communication in my 3rd year at Glasgow School of Art specialising in Graphics (full undergraduate degree), but I'd quite like to get into a new media - film.

I have loads of ideas, a few short scripts written and moreover, a good visual eye... But I fear I'm going to struggle implimenting these as I have a seriously limited knowledge on the technical side of things.

Could anyone please give me a brief description of the different types of camera used in film-making? Don't worry, I'm under no illusion that my first film will see me using anything close to high end gear - quite the opposite... I just want the basics before I start.

Whats the best type of mics to use for dialogue? I play in a band and have access to a decent selection of dynamic/condenser/etc mics but what do you find are the best to use? Has anybody used small drum mics to mic up a set to get intimate sounds such as, i dunno, locks turning or something?

What is the best way to go about recruiting actors and crew? What is the best way to approach people?

What is an ideal budget set up for your first film? Could anybody please give a short description of their own set up?

I know many of these questions may be elementary, but thanks for your time guys! :)

Phil
 
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Could anyone please give me a brief description of the different types of camera used in film-making? Don't worry, I'm under no illusion that my first film will see me using anything close to high end gear - quite the opposite... I just want the basics before I start.
Click to expand...
Most films made for the theaters are shot on 35mm film. The common
cameras are Panavision and Arriflex.

Then there are the professional HD cameras made by Sony (HDW-F950)
and Panavision (Genesis), the Viper Filmstream and Arri has
entered the HD market.

Then there are the professional and consumer DV cameras from all
the usual manufacturers - Panasonic, JVC, Sony, Canon. There are
Standard Definition (SD) and consumer grade HD called HDV.

For the model numbers and specs, I'll let you do the research.

Whats the best type of mics to use for dialogue? I play in a band and have access to a decent selection of dynamic/condenser/etc mics but what do you find are the best to use? Has anybody used small drum mics to mic up a set to get intimate sounds such as, i dunno, locks turning or something?
Click to expand...
For recording dialogue on set you're looking for a good shotgun
mic. You want a good condenser mic with a lobar pick up pattern
to put on your boom pole.

Sennheiser is the mic most used by professional sound recordists.
They are expensive and worth it. Check out the ME-66 and the
ME-67. The MKH60 is the best if you can afford it.

But there are other, less expensive mics available.

Yes, a small drum mic can be used to record intimate sounds. This
is almost always done after the production - not on set, but
during post production.

What is the best way to go about recruiting actors and crew? What is the best way to approach people?
Click to expand...
Be as professional as you want to be treated. Be clear what you
are planning, how long they will be needed, exactly what they
will be doing, where you are shooting and what you will pay.

You can find actors in acting classes, small local theaters and
through various acting web sites. You can find crew at film
schools, theaters and various staffing websites.

Frankly, no one gets their ideal budget for your first film. You
use waht you have. If you can only spend or raise £200 then you
make you movie on that. If you can spend or raise more, that is
ideal.
 
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