what do i need?

idk_man · Jan 15, 2014

i'm wanting to get started making shorts. was thinking of going the dslr route. i'm looking at a t2i or t3i. then i need a mic? do either of the canon's have a mic input? lighting? sorry for being a total noob. thanks for any and all help, guys!

ChimpPhobiaFilms · Jan 15, 2014

idk_man · Jan 15, 2014

i actually have celtx. producing what i write myself is the spark behind wanting to start filmmaking. so a camera and a rode videomic is a solid start?

ChimpPhobiaFilms · Jan 15, 2014

idk_man said:
i actually have celtx. producing what i write myself is the spark behind wanting to start filmmaking. so a camera and a rode videomic is a solid start?

Yes. Also, do you have an editing program?

idk_man · Jan 15, 2014

i have imovie but i was looking at getting something else. thought about getting final cut and upgrading from celtx to final draft. any cheaper suggestions?

MissingProductions · Jan 16, 2014

iMovie is more than capable of editing your clips just fine in the beginning.

The newest version of Final Cut looks exactly like it and based off the trial, it didn't feel that much different besides a few added effects and options.

idk_man · Jan 16, 2014

awesome! imovie it is. thanks guys.

Sweetie · Jan 16, 2014

I didn't think imovie allowed you to have different layers of video and audio? If not, it's not really what you want to use, especially if you're thinking long term.

As for the other questions, what are your goals? If you're just going to shoot the occasional amateur film for the family or post some low grade shorts/family vids to youtube, then your list will be fine. If you're looking at producing a feature film aiming for theatrical distribution, then you're a little short on your gear list that I'd suggest using.

Lucky Hardwood · Jan 16, 2014

You can layer audio in iMovie. If you are talking about setting transparency in various video clips, you are correct as far as I can tell. The transitions are pretty basic but, for a beginning tool, it works.

MissingProductions · Jan 16, 2014

Lucky Hardwood said:
You can layer audio in iMovie. If you are talking about setting transparency in various video clips, you are correct as far as I can tell. The transitions are pretty basic but, for a beginning tool, it works.

You can change the opacity in iMovie.

In my opinion, I'd purchase Motion 5 and use that for editing and effects in the beginning stages.

For $50 you do get your moneys worth and you're able to do quite a lot with it.

idk_man · Jan 16, 2014

my goal is definitely to make a feature. theatrical distribution isnt really something i'm thinking about atm. but i'm writing features so my goal is to produce one of them. so i dont really wanna spend money on software that isnt gonna be able to handle a feature. right now, i'm thinking i can make some shorts, get used to my camera, editing, lighting etc. then, i wanna write a webseries or a pilot and film that then work up to a feature. i guess thats my plan and goals. but its definitely not just a spare time hobby, making family videos etc. but i'm also not trying to go buy the top of the line everything when i havent filmed anything more than family videos.

directorik · Jan 16, 2014

idk_man said:
i'm wanting to get started making shorts. was thinking of going the dslr route. i'm looking at a t2i or t3i. then i need a mic? do either of the canon's have a mic input? lighting? sorry for being a total noob. thanks for any and all help, guys!

There is nothing wrong with starting small. iMovie, a camera, a cheap
mic, a few work lights and you can make several short films. Goals
change, I don't think you need to define them right away. And you
can build gear as you go.

idk_man · Jan 17, 2014

long term goal is to make a feature i've written. so its more than occasional home video. theatrical distro? who knows. in the meantime, i figure i can make some shorts to get used to my camera, lighting, etc. then maybe move up to a webseries then eventually a feature. so i dont want to spend money on software than wont last. camera is diff cos i cant justify top of the line gear when i've only ever filmed skateboarding and home videos.

RED ROBOT · Jan 17, 2014

No , don't start small.

Start big. ( or at least in your price range )

Get a T2i or T3i .

Don't " learn screenwriting first " because you simply can't learn screenwriting , you might very well actually be the most untalented writer in the world and there is nothing wrong with that.

Write something big.Start big.Writing something that you think people spend millions of dollars for but you are the one to make it for 10 bucks !

And then you'll fail. You will fail horribly and you will crash and burn . But you'll not die yet . You'll try again and you'll fail as well . You'll try 20 more times and you will fail every single time I can assure you .

But every time you will learn something new. And eventually after a lot of practice and building up connections and passion you'll eventually achieve your goal.

You think your first short will get into sundance and you'll be a phenomenal because you're so much different than all the other filmmakers.

Not gonna happen . But if you set the bar low you're not going anywhere.

So buy a t2i first or t3i , learn to light a scene,learn to tell a story,learn to edit,to color grade , to work with actors,learn to market your film , learn audio , learn everything .

And then you'll start upgrading.

For now , having a camera and the most basic lighting kit is enough. There are hundreds of tutorials on how to build one for cheap or just using work lights.

Good luck.

8salacious9 · Jan 17, 2014

8/10 people buy the equipment then dont bother after month 3.

this is a tough industry, dont do it seriously!

people will piss you off, put you down, tell you your rubbish.

go be a doctor or something its easier.

you dont have the talent, nor the capacity to do anything that will get you noticed.

theres a bunch of 13 year olds who want to do the same as you? what makes you any different?

rayw · Jan 17, 2014

Be warned: It's not impossible. Not at all.
It's just awfully d@mn difficult to get something made, marketed, and distributed.

Mostly what you need is persistence with a heaping side order of patience.

FYI:
A - http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?p=344622#post344622
B - http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?p=347081#post347081

idk_man · Jan 17, 2014

i definitely don't expect to get anything distributed any time soon, but i most definitely want to make things. i thoroughly enjoy creating and as one of those links said it's easier to get attention from a produced script than just a script. so why not actually put my words to use and have some fun. right?

Alcove Audio · Jan 18, 2014

What do you need? You need lots of perseverance; an ability to be brutally honest with yourself about your own work; huge amounts of patience; and a determined, disciplined work ethic.

First, make a decision about what you want to do. You said that you want to make shorts. That's fine, but why do you want to make shorts? What are your goals? To write? Direct? Be a DP/Cinematographer? Editing or CGI? Something else?

My feelings are that your goals define your tools. Once you've decided what you want to do you can begin to make your purchases.

Now, assuming that you want to direct...

I'm one of those old fashioned types that sees the merits of "working your way up the ladder" and "paying your dues." How many film sets have you been on? Even crappy, no-budget sets count. So get out there and be a go'fer, a PA, a runner - any job you can get. Because what you also need is practical experience and, just as or even more important, a broad network.

I know that many on IndieTalk are opposed to this view of working on other projects before beginning your own; they feel that you should jump in feet first. And that may work well for some people. But my position is that you can observe the mistakes that others are making and then, when working on your own projects, not repeat those mistakes.

The difference between a hobbyist and a professional is that a hobbyist learns from his mistakes; a professional learns from the mistakes of others.

What will (hopefully) happen is that you will build a network of people with whom you like to work. Many of those people will probably have equipment - so now you don't have to buy any gear at all and you can rent those few things that you need to fill in the gaps. And, since you have been paying attention when you worked on other sets than your own, you've learned how to avoid the worst mistakes, and learned that you need to preproduce the crap out of your projects, and then preproduce some more.

By running an efficient shoot your people stay motivated, and when people feel motivated they give you better work. And, since you haven't blown every last cent on gear you (should) have the money to treat your cast and crew reasonably well - and people who believe that you are looking out for their welfare will work hard for you.

Anyway, enough rambling from old Uncle Bob.

photon · Jan 18, 2014

All you need to get started is:

And:

You can always buy more stuff later.

Michael Bergner · Jan 18, 2014

I love how everyone goes: "You need a t3i!"
As if the T3i is such a great dslr.

what do i need?

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