Hello, I've just joined Indietalk.com and wanted to introduce myself. I'm a long-time film fan, studied photography and video for a long time, and am embarking on my own short (12-15 mins) video project. even at such a short length, I am completely overwhelmed.
It's a documentary and I have an outline, but no script. I am interviewing subjects so I don't need to write a screenplay, per se. I'm composing questions for the interviews.
How many of you storyboard your projects? to what degree to do this?
I will continue reading and researching forums. Your responses I've read so far are very kind and helpful. I'm sure I'll be posting more in the future.
You are correct that there is no screen play, but many doc makers have a specific point of view (or worse, an agenda) so frame their questions and their shots accordingly. Do as much planning as you can.
On the technical side when you and your crew are in the field you all must know your equipment inside/out, backwards/forwards, upside-down/downside-up when you're all asleep, tired, hot, cold, wet, excited, bored or otherwise incapacitated and be able to communicate with a glance. Like ENG, things happen fast and you do not get a second chance to catch anything except maybe with sit-down interviews.
__________________ Filmmaking is the art of the invisible;
If anyone notices your work, you haven't done your job right.
Thank you for writing You are correct that there is no screen play, but many doc makers have a specific point of view (or worse, an agenda) so frame their questions and their shots accordingly. Do as much planning as you can.
On the technical side when you and your crew are in the field you all must know your equipment inside/out, backwards/forwards, upside-down/downside-up when you're all asleep, tired, hot, cold, wet, excited, bored or otherwise incapacitated and be able to communicate with a glance. Like ENG, things happen fast and you do not get a second chance to catch anything except maybe with sit-down interviews.
I have a point of view, but I am trying to keep it open (my doc is about taxi drivers).
I am VERY conscious of sound quality, and rent mics at all times. can't afford or justify the purchase of a quality mic but if this production goes well, I'll consider owning one.
re: crews, I don't have one! because I am so new at this, I am embarrassed to ask (even if I pay) someone. I have a friend who is a video producer; she is acting as consultant for me, but I'm pretty much it.
another question, if you could only afford one crew member, what skill would you hire eg, DP, sound, etc?
I am VERY conscious of sound quality, and rent mics at all times. can't afford or justify the purchase of a quality mic but if this production goes well, I'll consider owning one.
Don't bother purchasing, keep on renting. You'll have greater flexibility that way, and when you can afford to hire a production sound mixer/boom-op they will most probably have their own gear.
Quote:
Originally Posted by elisregina
re: crews, I don't have one! because I am so new at this, I am embarrassed to ask (even if I pay) someone.
Don't be embarrassed; there are plenty of people who want to get started just like you. The trick is to find people who are committed to quality and have the same drive and ambition that you do; since it's going to be a tight, small unit you'll have to look for compatible personalities and a professional attitude.
Quote:
Originally Posted by elisregina
If you could only afford one crew member, what skill would you hire eg, DP, sound, etc?
I would probably hire a camera-op/DP. As far as mics a lot will depend upon how you are conducting the interviews. If you are interviewing while the cab is in motion you could rent wireless lavs, one for the cabby and one for whoever is doing the interviews - a lot safer that way. If the cab is stationary and if you don't mind seeing the mic in the shot you could use an interview mic like you see them used in news interviews.
__________________ Filmmaking is the art of the invisible;
If anyone notices your work, you haven't done your job right.
Thank you AA! this is encouraging. I actually know a few video artists/operators. I will ask them if they or someone they know would be available. this gives me ability to follow through and actually be able to focus on aspects of the project that could otherwise suffer. \
I suppose I will need to plan and structure interviews (there will be quite a few) so that I can actually afford to hire someone. or maybe the local film school may have students available.
the comment about the mics is good because I will be shooting both in and out of cabs, so that is another technicality that I need to figure out. as you all say it is definitely and ongoing learning process.
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