Hello, everyone. Wow, my first post. So happy to be here and I promise to return the favors of questions with respect and class.
Anyway, my question:
I'm about to film my first short and my DP and I have decided to film it in HD because we can monitor our progress as we shoot. Originally I wanted to film it in film because film is beautiful, traditional, etc. Ultimately, I decided against film because I wouldn't be able to see what I was filming until days after the shoot. Since we're filming in a public place, the owners of the store gave me exactly one day to complete what I need to do (plus, I don't have enough money to film multiple days). Anyway, I was wondering what your opinions on HD vs. super 16mm are. Please share your experiences/horror stories/advice on this thread. Anything at all is greatly appreciated!
Super 16 is great, Its a really nice format and when telecinied is about the same resolution as HD video. So in an ideal world, Super 16 would be the stock of choice... However, there are many problems with shooting on film. First of all, its very complicated, having to deal with light meters, and magzine changes, and sync sound, and colour balancing and a huge set of issues that you just dont have to deal with on film. So if you are wanting to shoot on film, you have to really know what your doing. Digital is easy, what you see on the view finder is what your going to get. But with film, anything could go wrong with your exposure, or with your colour balance, or hairs in the gate, or your recently exposed film getting exposed again by mistake. And the cost of stock is huge (although film salesmen will try and convince you otherwise). Also as its your first short, film proberbly isnt the best option if you are inexperienced, starting on video is definitly idea for a first time director. Sometimes you have to think "is this film supposed to be a masterpiece, or mostly to get experience for other films" Your first few films will, in most cases, be relativly awfull compared to what youll be producing once you have a better idea on how to direct better.
Film is nice, but in most cases, the nice film look generally doesnt justiy the extra work, money and risk that it involves. So i would recomend investing your money in some really good film lights and have some damm good lighting, because thats the best way to get a filmish look on video. Yes super 16 is better but in terms of practicality and suitability, HD is often the best option.
I worked with Super 16 at film school. We made 12 short films on super 16 and another 12 in XD HD 1080i. The Film ones were great but we had a bunch of industry proffesionals to help us out. So we learnt how much different film production is to video. Also check the film gate every few shots, Stuff can get stuck in there like fluff or hair and ruin the film.
Tim Ellis
Post Production Editor
paradox.ct?gmail.com
Tim Ellis
Post Production Editor
paradox.ct?gmail.com
