I firstly would like to thank everyone involved in Filmaking.net and especially the moderator for your website as it has been informative and helpful to me in my pursuit for a career in filmaking. You have the only proper school database I have seen on the net so far so again, well done guys.
Now to my question or questions for that matter. I have put going to a film course off temporarily and I will probably seek advice through these forums on the subject in the near future. I have just been offered the chance to go shoot a mock documentary in Africa of an almost extinct tribe with a leading English expert on the tribe. It is going to be only the two of us so the crew is basically myself and myself. There is no pressure on this as he is an old friend but I do want to get the best results for my portfolio. My main issue is the camera to buy as I have a home handycam of poor quality. I have been planning on buying a semi-pro camera for a while but it has become a matter of urgency now for this project. My budget started in the $700 range but after doing a bit of research I am willing to stretch it to $1,200. I have been looking at second hand Sony vx2000s pd150 pd170 and so on. Any suggestions? I haven't ever used a semi pro cam so do you think a month dedicated only to using it and practice will help me get the basic runnings of it before I go down in the action?
Any input, anyone?
as for the prices its unlikely that youll get a pd150/170 in that price bracket as theyre still widely used and good cameras. The vx2000 im not sure about but there is one on ebay now with an hour to go for $1200
A moonth using it should be okay to get most of the basics. I notice youre in italy, is that right. in the uk there are a couple of colleges where you can get a day or twos basic tuition, these tend to use the pd150/170 and may be a good starting point, they arent all tat difficult to use its just getting used to the pro features and switches etc
Now another question. Are you going to africa for a holiday?
Only because it would be expensive, and seeing as its a mockumentary you may be able to alter your local surrounding thus negating the cost. hope this helps some
http://filmind.meetup.com/296/?gj=sj3
http://filmind.meetup.com/296/?gj=sj3
Cheers Bvlgary,
I have been watching that vx2000 but I am a bit paranoid at the fact it is his first transaction. I am currently biddin on a vx1000 that comes with three batteries, 3 filters, hard case, rain cover(very important for the rainforest), tripod etc.... My main reason for going down is this mockumentary but also to see some family. I grew up there so I am prepared in some ways. Thanks for the tip about tghe camera tutorials camera. I actualy have day and half stopover in London on my way down.
Hi yes, just seen about his feedback now. That maybe why it was cheaper.
if youre going to africa for other reasons too thats okay, just thought it may be expensive.
Try some local charities community centres near to you. The colleges though may be your best bet.
I think the hire and to be shown the basic use of one for an hour wont cost too much.
Also facilities houses, if you explain to them they may give you a discount if youre going to use them for editing or anything else as well.
Not sure if youll be able to rent a camera, as they may not like it going out of the area, but if you can get one that will rent for long enough you could possibly get away with not telling them.
I personally wouldnt do that unless i was only away for a couple of days and could afford the loss if it did get damaged.
Also you could try to meet other people near you with the same interests, who may have a camera. I know they are hard to find but they are out there.
If you do fins someone you will have to share the portfolio. I.e both take credit for camera work, project management etc.
Hope it goes okay and if theres anything else please ask,
wayne
http://filmind.meetup.com/296/?gj=sj3
http://filmind.meetup.com/296/?gj=sj3
