Entry #5

I learned quite a lot from the shooting assignment. First off; it would have helped to have a shot list or a storyboard because it would have let us get the shooting done quicker. The other thing would be that communication between DP and director is kinda hard. I had to stand over Collier's shoulder to make sure the shot is what I envisioned it to be. The other thing that would have been better would to have brought some filters along to get some different looks from the footage. I learned from watching other's films that it would have helped to have some nat sound from the location that I filmed at. Also, I learned from their films that the soundtrack should compliment the footage. I really liked the fact that people liked my film. I think that the positive feedback encourages me to do some of the same things I did in this assignment and that I should take into account of what I learned from other's films.

Abandoned: Portrait of a place

Here's the vimeo link: http://vimeo.com/19957537

What camera to film with?????

Well. It's about time for our first assignment and we must make a decision on what camera to choose. We can use the JVC or the Sony HDV camera. One major consideration is the continuity of shooting when selecting the camera. With the Sony, you must use an HDV tape that is limited to around 60 minutes and must record color bars just in case the tape snaps. Also, when editing with the HDV tapes, you can only use one hdv deck in room 130 if you want your portrait of a place to be in HD. But, the Sony is a good choice if you like using 2 rings for focus and zoom which is great for controlling your shot. The Sony also had good features such as 2 ND filters and the ability to use external filters for polarizing or fog. The Sony also feels sturdier in my opinion and looks more professional. The JVC is the best choice for what we are doing in this class. The camera is good for quick shooting and not having to worry about tapes messing up and getting the recording heads dirty. Also, the JVC is nice and portable. The JVC does struggle with its size though. Lots of controls and buttons we saw on the Sony are now in internal menus on the JVC, and there is only one focus ring. Finally, the JVC has the best HD editing because all of the bays in 130 have card readers, so everyone's project can be in HD.