Filmmaking Production

FAQ: Hey, but what if I want to shoot my movie on VHS-C???

Answer: Don’t.

FAQ: Hey, I'm shooting a documentary and I want it to have that interlaced video look, but I want the video quality to look good!

Answer: find an old Betacam or buy a Sony PD-170

FAQ: Hey, if you’re so smart why haven’t you mentioned shooting in Raw 4:4:4 data?

Answer: because that format is still unpractical to rent, buy, edit with and just about everything else unless you happen to be financed by a Hollywood studio.

For more info on RAW shooting formats, check www.dalsa.com   www.thomsongrassvalley.com and www.kinetta.com

The best option is to hire a location sound person who has their own gear.

However, if you plan to have someone new do it, you're better off buying (or maybe renting) sound gear.

Your first question is will I be using Double System Sound or Single System Sound?

DOUBLE SYSTEM SOUND PACKAGE: (recording sound separate from the picture… or recording a back-up sound track)

For a SINGLE SYSTEM Package, use the above guidelines, but remove #1.

After you hire your DP (Director of Photography), youll discuss what type of lighting that you’re going to require. Your DP will probably make requests that your budget cannot handle. Lighting is expensive and a lot of filmmakers choose to rent instead of buy.

HINT: If you rent a grip truck… it’ll already be filled with Flags, Nets, C-Stands, Mounts, Appleboxes and expendables.

If you’re confused about this terminology, read THE GRIP BOOK, by Michael Uva

If you want some nice camera moves, you'll want to rent a FISHER 10 or 11. You cannot physically own one of these, you have to rent it or lease it.

Other options are to buy an inexpensive dolly like such made by Matthews  or IndieDolly .

Other options for camera movement are body rigs from Glidecam or Steadicam. Again, you're best bet here is to hire an operator with his own rig.

Other options are Cranes and jibs which are also available from us through Glidecam or Sachtler. For a more heavy duty crane or jib, you'll want to rent from MPS.