okay, so here are my questions...

P

priyankeshu

I am a web site designer who spends time in composing music, writing lyrics and stories/screenplays in spare time. I have studied some basics of acting on the stage so im interested in making a movie.

But, im weak in the technical aspect esp things related to camera, etc.


I am planning to make a movie and my budget is tight, around $1000-1500 (yet a bit flexible). I would not like to spend more if it is possible to do something cheap.

so here is my requirement
A full feature film for about 2 hours. which will be shot mostly in desert and village areas. The budget mentioned includes only the technical cost of the movie like camera, sound equipment etc.


I am here as i need help in understanding the basics of camera and sound recording. I want to make a movie that can be run in theatres. (and aired on tv/ DVD ofcourse)


So my Question 1 is which Camera? should i buy around $1000?
Camera is the most important aspect for me Because i want my videos to look pro.

I have done some homework on this. I feel that a DSLR video would be cool(in my budget) because it gives a film look.

Would u recommend a camcorder? Or DSLR can get the job done?

I would be carrying a laptop in the shooting location so, the recording time won't be an issue with DSLR. I would regularly take backups of the recordings.


Please answer keeping in mind that i want a print that can be run in local theatres. I am sorry if that is a silly question, but i don't understand too much of resolution and HD stuff. So i dont know if it is even possible to shoot a movie from a DSLR camera and run it on big screen. But i read about some indie films that made it big and were shot using consumer camera, so im hopeful....


Second thing i wanna know is how should i go about "sound"?
I know that sound is one of the most important aspect. What are your recommendations? I would like to buy something that is not too fancy and just get the job done.

Is it okay to record using camcorder or DSLR's microphone input jack (if it has one), please guide me on this..

Budget for sound recording equipment etc is around $200


is it okay to record the sound in the laptop instead ?
 
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As far as audio...

$200 won't even get you a decent microphone, much less cover all the rest of your audio requirements if you want "to make a movie that can be run in theatres."

You may want to start with my blog:

http://www.myspace.com/alcoveaudio/blog

And Ken Stones "Location Sound: The Basics and Beyond"; it's a little dated - pre DSLR and digital recorders - but excellent none-the-less.

http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/location_sound.html

You will also need to factor in audio post, which is another topic entirely. You may want to spend some time at http://filmsound.org/.
 
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I think the best information I can give you is this:

Filmmaking is a highly collaborative artform. The idea that any one person can wrangle all of the aspects of making a quality product (especially a feature) is a recipe for disaster.

So, that being said:
I would suggest that first you find ways of networking with other filmmakers in your area. I've yet to find an area where there aren't like-minded individuals attempting the same thing you are.

Volunteer to work on other's projects. PA is usually the place to start. You'll learn far, far more being on set than any classroom.

Planning, planning, planning. This is where books can help you to identify the thousands of items which need to be attended to when producing a film.

Work your script and have it reviewed by other screenwriters. What may make perfect sense to you may not translate to film at all.

Keep in mind that a 2 hour movie is built off a script. All projects I've been on have averaged about 1 page per minute of screen, so you're looking at a 120 page script. Maybe that's what you have, but let your script dictate the length of the movie, not the other way around.

With a decent team, you can expect to execute around 4 pages per shooting day. Big budget pictures average around 2-3 pages a day. So, you're looking at about something like 30 days of shooting.

All of this leads back to the collaborate nature of this work. Alcove accurately pointed out that your budget for sound equipment is, well, fantasy. 30 days of shooting will likely consume $200 worth of batteries, let alone the gear that uses them. As an example, I use the G3 sennheisers. Transmitter takes 2 AAs, reciever takes 2 AAs. With proper attention to turning them off when not needed, I can get a day out of a set. That's 4 AAs/day/per channel of wireless. Keep in mind that most location sound mixers carry a minimum of $6k to $20k worth of gear on location.

None of this is meant to discourage you. It is meant to prepare you. I am a member of a local filmmaking team. Two years ago we discussed the possibility of producing a feature. We have shot 6 short films in the last two years preparing for this feature. Each of us have built our inventory of gear in preparation. We shot our first day last Saturday and knocked out right at 4 pages in two locations taking right at 18 hours. Everyone knew their job, had been working their craft for two years, and we think we are on the right track. There is no way would could have taken this on without those two years as a team.

It's a long road, enjoy the view. Welcome to filmmaking.
 
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thanks everyone for the responses...


So i should probably start with movies that can at least be seen on television :P . (Because at the moment i cannot afford more than $2000-2500 to the max. )

So what are your recommendation if i want to record audio outdoors? Is it okay to use a camcorder's XLR jack or use a dedicated portable audio recorder?

also are there any decent microphone recommendations?

Also......, which camera is okay for my requirement? I am leaning towards DSLR that can shoot video because i ve seen some good depth of field and filmy look.

The shopkeepers in my area hardly know anything about camcorders etc. All they ask me is to give them my money whether or not the product is really what im looking for..


so your guidance will help me in investing the hard earned money into the right place...
 
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Here's my version of a passable low-budget production sound kit:

Marantz PMD-661 w/case

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ble_Flash.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...rder_Case.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Universal.html

Audio-Technica AT-897 Shotgun Kit

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Condenser.html

Audio-Technica AT4053b Hypercardioid Microphone

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...icrophone.html

You'll also need some nice headphones.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Headphone.html


Add a few extra XLR cables, a good case for everything else and some insurance this totals under $2,500.

Yes, you can plug directly into a camera with XLR inputs; you should replace the PMD-661 with a good mixer like the Sound Devices MM-1; only one channel, but you'll only be using one mic at a time for a while.
 
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I'm a big fan of the NT3, but not outdoors, it's cardioid pattern (as you pointed out), makes it prone to much extraneous sound. I believe the original poster said most shots will be outdoors. Even an ME-66 will perform better outdoors. Other than that, I've owned a DR-100 for over a year and consider it a workhouse, albiet not very bag friendly. Wind protection outdoors is a must, and while I'm a fan of DIY, I've yet to find a DIY solution for wind protection that comes even close to what the people who specialize in this do. Especially for someone with limited budget for ADR, quality wind protection is worth it's weight in gold, literally.

But seriously, this is only touching on the investment required to make a feature, even one acceptable for television. That last thing I want is to give someone a shopping list with the implication that with these few tools, and no experience, a quality feature can be made.

brianluce said:
Here's a sound kit that's suckier than Alcove's but still works
Tascam DR100 recorder $300
Used Rode NT3 $120
DIY windscreen $15
Mic shockmount $50
DIY boompole $19 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83d3qLHaAN4
homemade XLR cables $40

This kit is cumbersome, and not that good for outdoors, but in the right hands, you can get adequate audio.
Click to expand...
 
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I'm running a Standard Definition setup with a Canon XL1s on a tripod with a fluid head... and for audio, I've got an audio technica AT835R connected to a Shure 6 channel mixer (for 48v phantom power and analog limiting) connected to the MA-200 shoulder mount with XLR inputs for the XL1s... all said and done:
1 - Camera
1 - Tripod
1 - Mixer (This could be replaced with a Nady DMP2 as I don't actually mix with it)
1 - Microphone
1 - Internally cabled Boom Pole
1 - Shock Mount w/ wind noise reduction cover (fluffy!)

Double your budget overall and you could get all of these bits on ebay (although shipping would be quite high to India)... More budget will get you better picture and sound, but this setup will produce results that can be used for local television quite well... don't forget some lighting and grip gear to actually produce a GOOD picture to show on the TV.
 
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