Filmmaking - Production - Film

A lot of people think shooting film is an unfeasible idea. However, if you cut enough corners, you can actually save $$ by shooting film as opposed to buying a DV or HDV camcorder, and you'll end up with a product that is more impressive to distributors simply because of the fact that your "film" is actually shot on "film" stock!

Here's a quick price comparison:

CANON XL2

Shooting 16mm Film

Of course, there are some variables to consider with each option. You may not be able to find a camera for free, which in that case, you'll want to see if you can get a relative to buy you one on Ebay or you'll need to rent. If you rent, obviously your price will go up. (check www.mpsfilm.com for 16mm and 35mm camera rentals)

On the flipside: if you limit yourself to 4:1 shooting ratio with film as opposed to an Unlimited:1 shooting ratio with DV, you'll end up planning more ahead and shooting much faster. This will save you lots of $$s in cast, crew, insurance, food, location, and all other costs that accrue daily.

On the other side again: you may want to consider Telecine-ing to HDCAM as opposed to Beta or Digi-Beta. As the HD-DVD market booms, you will want an HD Master of your film and distributors will want an HD master as well.

If you know you want to shoot film and have budgeted accordingly, you will want to rent a camera.

If you’re going to shoot Super 16mm, you’ll probably end up with a ARRI SRII or ARRI SRIII.

If you’re going to shoot 35mm you'll probably end up with the ARRI BL4. The BL4 is popular with low budget filmmakers because it is a little older and is not usually used by the big budget commercial shooters, who opt for the Arri 435 or 535.

visit www.mpsfilm.com for rental details.

Don’t Forget! Go to www.kodak.com or www.fugifilm.com to pick your film stock!

(* TELECINE is the process of transferring film to video and the color correction that goes along with it. Contact Video Post and Transfer or the Film Workers Club  for current deals and rates.

* SHORT ENDS – are leftover parts of 1000’ or 400’ Magazine film loads from big budget films. They are re-packaged, tested and resold for very cheap!