edit the world

2009-08-02T17:52:00.000-07:00

Super 8 is alive and well!

2009-03-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

I recently had to buy a super 8mm camera for film school. I was amazed to find that Super 8 is indeed, alive and well and Kodak is still making S8 film. Super 8 can add a cool aesthetic to a digital film project; there is a nostalgic look to super 8 that makes even contemporary scenes look as though they were shot in the '60s or '70s. I did a lot of research looking for a reliable source for the camera and a place to buy and have 8mm film processed. The shop I bought my camera at is Du-All camera in NYC; they have an S8 camera for just about any budget and their work is exceptional!

I bought a Canon 1014 auto zoom electric (pictured above) the camera arrived in like new condition and worked as advertised AND you actually talk to a human when you buy the camera; you have to place your order buy telephone but these guys do great work and can be trusted! There are other reputable super 8mm camera dealers that I found on the net but Du-All camera is closer to Philadelphia, that's why I went with them. Film processing for super 8 is easy to find as well. I found loads of forums and other really good info to help get me back into super 8 film making here: onsuper8 this site is well organised and has a wealth of information to help you get back into super 8 or introduce you to the format.

What does it look like? Check out some samples:

condition: human

2009-03-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

condition: human is is a web series I want to bring to your attention for two reasons.

A) The equipment used to make this visually exceptional film is accessible to anybody!

B) It is a prime example of what can be done when you have a vision, some patients and a plan.

I've seen other very good films done on consumer HD camcorders, most of them were filmed on canon HV series cams and they were very good! but I chose condition:human because the level and quality of effects Trent Lepp (director) achieved are in my opinion; original, creative and something the rest of us can do or at least try.

The gear; canon HV30 consumer HD camcorder, five work lights, two big pieces of green felt. Trent mentions some editing and effects software he used to create some of the beautiful footage in the trailers on his blog "The Process"

Digital film making is a revolution unequaled since cinema began

The Director, Trent Lepp working on less than a shoe string budget has managed to pull together visually striking images of his vision of the future. Trent uses an HV30, ($500 to $600) made by canon. This camera was preceded by the HV20 which can be purchased for around $400 to $500 bucks on ebay. These are High Definition cameras and have a range of features usually found only on Pro level cams. I own an HV30 and am very happy with it! Around the end of the year I will probably upgrade to the canon HV40. This cam will shoot 24p without having to work through the pull down process.

You can find out how he is making magic here: The Process

See more trailers here ................................. VIMEO

Other film shorts I have saved to my faves:

Calls From The Führerbunker

Nokio's test footage

Experiance The Theory Of Film making

2009-03-09T17:15:00.000-07:00

Make A MOVIE!

You like a movie because it expresses an emotion or situation you relate to. A good film will make you want to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Even if it is fantasy. When the suspension of disbelief occurs in a good film you don't even notice it. You just find yourself caught up in the action. This happened to me during Jurassic Park when I saw the group of dinosaurs drinking water by the small lake in the beginning of the movie. This scene was pure magic, I finally got to see the dinosaurs alive! At this point in the film, Spielberg drew us in to the awe of seeing prehistoric life by tracking in to close ups of Sam Niel and Laura Dern as they became witnesses of the impossible. Spielberg made us feel like the expression on the faces of Neil and Dern were our own then he revealed the miracle that left them speechless. Use the link Jurassic Park (in blue) to view the scene I've discussed here.

How do these mega effects apply to your no budget movie?

They don't. But the camera techniques do.

Notice how the expressions on the actors faces make you feel
See how it affects the scene when Sam Neil moves in (frame right) and talks to Richard Attenborough while in the background Laura Dern is still reeling from the revelation that a T - REX is alive and well in Jurassic Park. These simple moves can add tension and suspense, even comedy, (depending on what you're going for) to your scenes when they are timed right. Watching how and when these techniques are used is an education in it's self. It's these small details that help move a good story along and can help us all become better at film making.

There are some great books out to help you with camera moves and how to more effectively tell your story using the camera.

SETTING UP YOUR SHOTS, CINEMATIC STORY TELLING, REBEL WITHOUT A CREW

Rebel Without A Crew is great inspiration but I differ on Rodriguez' feelings on attending film school. What his experience has been in the industry is definitely the exception.