Useful thread on camera technology
This conversation between Mark Fogarty and Dave includes a lot of hardware tips we wanted to share. You have to read it from the bottom up, like an email thread.
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Any Sd card works. I just bought a standard 32GB card. You will want the largest size you can get and have multiple for doc filming.
If it is new, it should have the warranty in box. That price is comparable to what it is on Amazon ($999) You my want the safety of buying from a reputable seller. Look at their ebay ratings before purchasing. if they have a long history and few complaints, they should be okay to buy from.
We have several groups and meetings.
Our networking meeting is the 2nd Tuesday of the month at The Wild Colonial. Many people have had success meeting collaborators at this meeting. We also have a documentary group, a writers group, an actors group and a visual effects group.
We also run classes. The latest one is a screenwriting class but we have run all kinds of classes in the past.
The groups are run without money because they are all run by volunteers who take up the cause and organize the group for their own purposes as well as ours. The group leaders and members find many benefits to being a part of the group. They share resources, find collaborators, find work or get feedback for their work.
If you check out one of our meetings, please let me know how it went.
Thanks,
M
On Sat, Apr 9, 2011 at 7:39 PM, David Turner wrote:
Hi Mark, it the pest!
I ordered a Tamron 18-200 on ebay for $257.97 & it includes 3 filters & a 5 year extended warranty.
Now: I know SDHC cards come in various classes / speeds. Since I intend to use it for video,
what would you recommend?
Last but not least (you're not getting off that easy, lol), there's an ebay seller with a new 60D for $929.00.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170626071706&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_627wt_936
He doesn't mention warranty, but I'm assuming it must come with a warranty from Canon. If you have the time,
click on the link & tell me if you think it's kosher.
My TRV900 sold this morning. I've noticed where you can buy a Canon 50mm 1.8 new for like $130.00, give or take.
Now do you have other courses or groups in addition to the documentary group that would interest me? How do
you guys do this without charging fees for these groups?
Thanks in advance,
If you are looking for a good quality HD camera in the 800 - 1,000 range you should look at a Canon 60D or T2i.
This still camera has the best image quality for the lowest cost.
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-T3i-Digital-Imaging-18-55mm/dp/B004J3V90Y/ref=sr_1_17?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1301610081&sr=1-17
The problem with the panasonic you are looking at is it is consumer grade, so the image quality will be okay but the audio will be terrible. Also they are difficult to adjust and you will have trouble getting good results. Even with the Canon 60D or T2i you will have limitations, but from my experience, trying to get a consumer grade camera to record decent sound is next to impossible. You probably will want to buy a camera that can shoot at the 24p frame rate.
The Canon 7D, 60D or T3i are the cameras everyone buys right now and the T3i and 60D are roughly the same price as the Panasonic. You will still have problems getting great sound but you can either use a separate sound recorder or use a beachtek adapter to allow you to plug in a high quality microphone.
Do you need to shoot HD? I would say so. You should probably shoot in Progressive frame mode as well. Interlaced is out of fashion.
Also, if you have SD footage you need to use you can try "Instant HD". It is a plug-in that will upconvert your footage to HD and it is fairly reasonable in price.
http://www.redgiantsoftware.com/products/all/magic-bullet-instant-hd/
Hope this helps. Good luck,
Mark Fogarty
RIFC President
On Thu, Mar 31, 2011 at 3:49 PM, David Turner wrote:
Hello, Carol from The RI Film commission referred you to me.
Here's the situation: I began work on a documentary on the
RI Institute of Mental Health (IMH), & when I started this it
seemed shooting in standard definition was acceptable, however
I am very seriously considering the purchase of a Hi Def camcorder
(Panasonic HDC-HS250-K). I currently have a Sony VX1000,
but plenty of outboard gear. Do you think the quality of this
Panasonic would cut it?
Sound Advice from our Documentary Group's Guest Speaker
John Murney has graciously supplied a list of the audio equipment he brought and demonstrated at our last meeting. I thought it might be of interest to everyone.
David
As for equipment here's what we have and what I recommend:
Mixer: Shure FP-33 (For about the same price I recommend the Sound Devices 302.)
Boom Pole: I recommend the K-Tek line of boom poles. For shock mounts and wind
screens I recommend the Rycote pistol grip mount and the Rycote Softie
wind screen, sized for various model dimensions.
Shotgun Mic: For a low-budget shotgun mic I recommend the Audio Technica 835B. For
a mid-level budget I recommend the Sennheiser ME66. For a big-budget mic
I recommend the Sennheiser MKH 416.
Also, Rode now has some nice mic products at reasonable prices.
Lavalier Mics: Voice Technologies 500. For twice the price I recommend the Sonotrim mic
with a few advantages including a battery operated mic. Other good brands include Sony, Countryman, and Sanken.
Wireless Systems: I recommend the Lectrosonics brand. They offer higher end and lower
end products that are all very clean, reliable and well constructed.
Headphones: Sony MDR 7506 - Convenient size/weight and very good quality for about
$100.
Camera Cable: I recommend the Peter Engh 18' cable with XLR ends and detachable "pig
tail."
XLR Cables: I recommend Markertek's custom-made cables featuring Canare wire, Neutrik
connectors and color choice. They are excellent quality for a very reasonable price - high quality for a mid-range price.
Splitter Boxes: Whirlwind IMP 1X3 (If needed for feeding 2 or 3 camera interviews from a
mixer without multiple L/R outputs.)
Mixer Bag: PortaBrace - long-lasting and high quality, made for specific mixer models.
As for on-line purchasing I recommend Full Compass, Sweetwater, and Markertek.
As for a small, knowledgeable, reliable, and fair priced outlet for items not found in catalogs, Turner Audio in Newtown, CT. (www.turneraudio.com)
I hope this is helpful. My best to you all.
- John Murney
--
David Eliet
23 Grove Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860 Labels: Documentary Filmmaking, RI Film Collaborative, RIFC, sound design, sound recording
Talent Showcase monday, 48 Hr registration open, Editing with Final Cut class, Screening/Discussion group relaunched
| | | | | RIFC SPRING TALENT SHOWCASE Mon, May 23 at The Comedy Connection, 39 Warren Ave, East Providence: Actors, Singers, Musicians, Dancers, Martial Artists & other performers will have the chance to audition & showcase their craft in front of PVD48HFP (Providence 48 Hr Film Project) team leaders, as well as directors & producers of indie film, theater & music companies from the northeast, and our local celebrity judges, the cast of NBC 10's Rhode Bytes! There will also be technical stations for DPs & other crew to showcase their talents. Drinks & light food available for purchase. Doors open at 7 PM; no cover. |
| Registration for 48 Hour Film Project open
Hello, filmmakers, friends & fans of the 48HFP: Today is the day! The Providence 48 Hour Film Project is officially open for registration! This is looking to be our biggest year yet! On Fri, July 15, through Sun, July 17, you can join hundreds of filmmakers and make a movie in 48 hours! That's right... write, shoot, edit and score a short film in 48 hours. Then see it premiered up on the big screen! The 48 Hour Film Project is going to over 100 cities spanning all six continents this year. Which one of you will make the best short film torepresent Providence against teams from around the world vying for the title of "The Best 48 Hour Film of 2011"?
To register go to:
|
| Body of Proof not to return to RI ABC announced that the show was renewed for a second season a few days ago, but on Friday actress Jeri Ryan Tweeted that it would be shot in LA. Steven Feinberg, executive director of the RI Film and Television Office, confirmed this news today. The first season, comprised of nine episodes, finishes tomorrow night. It was filmed entirely in Rhode Island, with the sound stage and production offices in Warwick and other scenes shot at various locations around Providence, including the iconic GTECH building. The filming of the show was financially advantageous to the state, as in addition to the money made from the filming rights, it created hundreds of new jobs and extra roles for Rhode Islanders. Lead actress Dana Delaney and others involved in the show seemed to enjoy working in RI, but clearly other factors have played into the decision to move the show to California. Most of the actors live primarily in California, and reportedly "family obligations" of the show's executive producer Matthew Gross influenced the move as well. |
| The Autism Project seeks videographer The Autism Project is seeking a filmmaker/videographer who would be willing to donate their time and talent to record the fashion show and have copies available for any of the models or designers who may want one. They can pay a small fee to cover the cost of the CD/DVD and postage. The event starts at 6 pm. The fashion show segment starts after dinner around 7:30-7:45 and runs about 45 minutes. They aim to have the event complete no later than 9 pm. There is also an after-party on Federal Hill which many attend. As long as s/he is over the age of 21, the volunteer is more than welcome to join, network, pass out cards, etc. Credit will aslo be given in the program book. A request that the person behave and dress professionally (no tshirts/jeans/sneakers/baseball caps), be punctual, and prompt with communications... A beginner or film student is fine or need for community service hours. Anyone who is interested is welcome to contact me directly at olgabeauti@cox.net or call me at 401-353-4656 The charity's website is theautismproject.org . An article about last year's show is under "events".. then click on "fashion show" |
| Rhode Island Film Collaborative 401.484.RIFC 172 Exchange St. Pawtucket, RI |
| | Screening/Disscussion group
On thursday June 9th, the RIFC will be relaunching the Screening/Discussion group. It will be held at the Roots Cafe located at 276 Westminster Street, Providence starting at 6 pm. Come and screen a film and stay after to discuss. | This is a great place to sharpen your critiquing skills and meet other film friends. Suggestions for first film can be sent to info@rifcfilms.com Food and drinks can be purchased there. There is no charge for this event. | |
|
| Editing with Final Cut Workshop Six Thursdays, June 9th - July 14, 2011
6:30 -9:00 pm
Bishop Hendricken High School, 2615 Warwick Avenue Warwick, RI 02889 Instructor Mark Fogarty
Price: $240 until May 31st $260 after thatDescription Learn the basics of film editing using Final Cut Pro editing software. In this six-week class we will study the principles of film editing while learning the ins-and-outs of Final Cut Pro. We will cover editing workflows, compositing, editing multi-camera sequences and using green screen. A guest speaker will also discuss the profession of editing from a studio perspective. |
| Acting/Auditioning classes Tuesdays, May 31 - June 21, 2011
5:00 -7:30
RIFC, 172 Exchange St. Pawtucket
Instructor: Carolyn Pickman Price: $189 until May 24th $209 after that Description Get the call back, book the job - or just learn to work the camera like a pro. Practice and insightful coaching are the keys to improving your ability to work with the camera, and your comfort with it. Carolyn Pickman brings actual audition material from television commercials, corporate videos, and film scripts. Participants will be videotaped in a mock audition setting at each class. Students will review the videos and learn to prepare, and adjust their performances for the camera, take direction, and learn tricks of the trade - both in auditioning successfully, and in effectively conveying character and presence through the lens of the camera. Carolyn walks you through auditioning step-by-step, pointing out the pitfalls to avoid and giving an insider's view on what industry pros look for. Students are welcome to repeat this course - different material is always added. To register go to: www.rifcfilms.com This course addresses the question, "How do I give an exceptional audition?" |
| | | | | | | Rhode Island Film Collaborative | 951 North Main St. | Providence | RI | 02904 | 
RIFC Spring Talent Showcase, Networking Meeting tonight, 48Hr save the dates, Doc Filmmaker imprisoned
| | | | | RIFC SPRING TALENT SHOWCASE
Mon, May 23 @ The Comedy Connection, 39 Warren Ave, East. Providence: Actors, Singers, Musicians, Dancers, Martial Artists & other performers will have the chance to audition & showcase their craft in front of PVD48HFP (Providence 48 Hr Film Project) team leaders, as well as directors & producers of indie film, theater & music companies from the northeast, and our local celebrity judges, the cast of NBC 10's Rhode Bytes! There will also be technical stations for DPs & other crew to showcase their talents. Drinks & light food available for purchase. Doors open at 7 PM; no cover. |
| Save the Dates for Upcoming 48 Hr Film Events THE BEST 48HFP DOUBLE FEATURE - Sun, June 12 @ The Spot Underground, 15 Elbow St, Providence : Come see the best 48HFP films the world has to offer! First, we screen the Best of 48 HFP 2010, with films from London, Rome, Johannesburg & Buffalo, among others. Then, we screen the Best of the First 10 Years, a special collection in commemoration of 10 years of film, 48 hours at a time. The Spot Underground has food & drink available for purchase. Doors open at 6:30 for a 7 PM start. Suggested donation: $5 for 1 feature, $8 for both. THE PROVIDENCE 48 HOUR FILM PROJECT 2011 July 15-17 @ Pawtucket Armory Center for the Arts, 172 Exchange St, Pawtucket: This is it! On Friday, representatives from all registered teams will converge on this spot, draw film genres from a hat & learn the common elements -- character, prop & line -- they must use in their film. Then, they're off, trying to make the best 4-7min film in 48hrs! Doors will open at 6 PM & the clock starts at 7; they have until 7:30 Sunday to come back to this spot with a finished product. An RIFC rep will be on hand until 9 PM, to collect late entries. 1 - 2 representatives only per team. THE PREMIERE SCREENINGS July 19-21 @ Cinema World - Lincoln Mall 16, 622 Geo. Washington Hwy, Lincoln: Come see all the films created for the PVD48HFP 2011 on the big screen! Teams will be assigned to different screening groups (TBD, check our websites for info); you can come support your team at one screening or come to every screening & see them all! Q&A with the filmmakers will happen after each screening. Screenings will start at 7 & 9:15 PM; Tickets will be $10, with discounts for multiple screenings. THE BEST OF PROVIDENCE 48 HOUR FILM PROJECT 2011 Sat, Aug. 6 @ RI College Tonight, we re-screen films chosen by our panel of judges as the best that Providence has to offer the 48HFP, followed by an award ceremony; trophies will be given to award-winners in all categories, from audience favorite in each individual screening to the top prize, Best Film! Q&A with the filmmakers will happen after the screening. Afterwards, come share food & drink with the filmmakers. All RIFC members & film fans are welcome! Doors open @ 6:30 for a 7 PM show; tickets are $15. 48 DAYS LATER - Sun, Sept. 25 @ The Spot Underground An event unique to Providence. Filmmakers are invited to continue working on their 48HFP submissions: if you had to cut a scene, to fit it in the 7min. time limit, you can put it back in; if you didn't have time to make certain color corrections, make them now; if the sound doesn't quite sync up, fix it! Do whatever you want (except make it feature length; that'll require its own special screening - & have the finished product at the RIFC office -- Pawtucket Armory Center for the Arts, Suite 304 -- by 10 PM on Friday, Sept. 23, 48 days after the Best ofPVD48HFP 2011 screening, & we'll screen it on Sunday at The Spot Underground! There will be no judging or awards, but Q&A with the filmmakers will happen after the screening. Food & drink will be available for purchase. Doors open at 6:30 for a 7 PM show; suggested donation: $5. |
| Documentary Filmmaker imprisoned in Iran
To: His Excellency Ayatollah Sadeqh Larijani (Office of the Head of the Judiciary) ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN We wish to express our deep concern for Arzhang Davoodi, an author, poet, and former Director of the Parto-e-Hekmat Cultural Educational Centre in Teheran. Mr. Davoodi was arrested without a warrant on November 9, 2003, for his involvement in the production of a TV documentary called "Forbidden Iran" in which he spoke out about human rights violations in Iran. After a trial behind closed doors that lasted less than an hour, and without the presence of a lawyer, he was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment. He is now being held at Reja'I Shah prison, where he has been tortured and beaten. As a result of beatings, he has a broken shoulder blade, broken jaw, and broken teeth. He has been denied medical attention, as well as family visits. Earlier this year, Mr. Davoodi's treatment was reported by the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment or punishment and delivered by the Human Rights Council to the General Assembly of the United Nations.
As Rhode Island film makers, we are especially concerned about Mr. Davoodi being subjected to seven years of harsh, brutal treatment simply for making a film. Amnesty International considers Arzhang Davoodi a prisoner of conscience, imprisoned solely for peacefully expressing his beliefs. I urge you to use your authority to grant him immediate and unconditional release, as well as to see that he receives needed medical treatment. To sign petition go to: http://www.petitiononline.com/airifc1/petition.html |
| Rhode Island Film Collaborative 401.484.RIFC 172 Exchange St. Pawtucket, RI |
| | | Networking Meeting Tuesday, May 10, 2011 7:00 pm At the Wild Colonial 250 South Water Street, Providence
Come meet other members of the RI Film Collaborative and share ideas, find out about upcoming productions, events and what is going on with your fellow independent filmmakers. We look forward to seeing you there!
There is no charge for this event. |
|
| RIFC looking for Volunteers The RIFC is looking for volunteers to help with the many events of the 48 Hr Film Project. If you would like to volunteer look at the scedule of dates list on the left and email: Any and all help is most welcome! |
| Auditioning and Acting for the Camera 1 Tuesdays, May 31 - June 21, 2011
5:00 -7:30
RIFC, 172 Exchange St. Pawtucket
Instructor Carolyn Pickman
Guest Instructor TBD
Price: $189 until May 24th $209 after that
Description This course addresses the question, "How do I give an exceptional audition?" Get the call back, book the job - or just learn to work the camera like a pro. Practice and insightful coaching are the keys to improving your ability to work with the camera, and your comfort with it. Carolyn Pickman brings actual audition material from television commercials, corporate videos, and film scripts. Participants will be videotaped in a mock audition setting at each class. Students will review the videos and learn to prepare, and adjust their performances for the camera, take direction, and learn tricks of the trade - both in auditioning successfully, and in effectively conveying character and presence through the lens of the camera. Carolyn walks you through auditioning step-by-step, pointing out the pitfalls to avoid and giving an insider's view on what industry pros look for. Students are welcome to repeat this course - different material is always added. To sign up go to www.rifcfilms.com |
Advanced Auditioning and Acting for the Camera II Tuesdays, May 31 - June 21, 2011
7:30 -9:00 pm
RIFC, 172 Exchange St. Pawtucket
Instructor Carolyn Pickman
Guest Instructor Michael Corrente
Price: $189 until May 24th $209 after that This course is the sequel to Auditioning for the Camera with Carolyn Pickman.
If you're interested in expanding on the skills you learned in earlier courses, you'll enjoy this advanced approach to knocking auditions and performances out of the park.
You'll use actual audition material from television commercials, corporate videos, film scripts and tv shows. Your mock auditions will be videotaped at each class, and reviewed with feedback and coaching. You'll learn to prepare, and to adjust your performances for the camera, take direction. You'll also learn tricks of the trade, including protocol, what to expect on a set, how a shooting day goes. There will also be a discussion of union and non-union work, the pros and cons of each, and strategies for building an acting career. The end result will help you, both in auditioning successfully and in effectively conveying character & presence through the lens of the camera.
Take your skills to the next level. Work will include mock auditions for guest directors as well. Students for the Level two class must have taken the intro to Auditioning for the Camera or an equivalent class or real world experience. If you're not sure whether you qualify, inquire at info@rifcfilms.com. |
| | | | | | | Rhode Island Film Collaborative | 951 North Main St. | Providence | RI | 02904 | 
Casting Moonrise Kingdom & Edge Infinity Studios, "Fixing America", camera man needed
| | | | | Casting Moonrise Kingdom
As many of you know, we are working on MOONRISE KINGDOM, directed by Wes Anderson
This is shooting in Rhode Island, May and June and we are seeking BACKGROUND ACTORS.
ADULTS In general we are seeking SAG Adults for this film - for BACKGROUND WORK.
Please respond here if you're interested - and if you've already responded....you're good then, no need to do it twice. I will be in touch.
BOYS (union and non-union) 11 years old to 15 (you must be 11 by May 13 - but if you're over 15 and still LOOK 15, that's fine) here's what I need from you if you're interested MUST BE AVAILABLE May 13 AND May 21 (there may be additional days but we can't consider you for those unless you are available May 13 AND MAY 21) YOUR NAME YOUR DATE OF BIRTH YOUR HEIGHT YOUR WEIGHT and if you have any SCOUTING EXPERIENCE - please let me know. UNION STATUS (SAG, AFTRA or NON) WE ARE ALSO SETTING UP WARDROBE FITTINGS Fittings may include hair cuts if that's necessary. Fitting are done in Middletown , Rhode Island this week - Tuesday through Friday 3:30-6;30 Hourly 10 boys and hour If you're interested - drop me a not with the above info and your Fitting Time and Date Preference - and we'll try to accommodate you. --
LDI 401.226.4677
www.ldicasting.net This is not an RIFC production |
| Casting for Edge Infinity Studios Edge Infinity Studios LLC is casting for upcoming Pilot Shoot. - 50-90 y/o Asian/Japanese-looking actor to play role in upcoming Pilot Demo. $100/day. Needed on May 21st. - 40's - Quirky male Caucasian actor to play Janitor. Stipend. - A Young Walter Cronkite impersonator Stay in touch with our facebook group for casting and crew notices "Edge Infinity Studios LLC" This is not an RIFC production |
| "Fixing America"
The 989 Project is proud to announce, in collaboration with Stephen P. Laffey and Stephen T. Skoly, the filming of the feature length documentary Fixing America. Currently in production, Fixing America will raise relevant questions about the state of our country and attempt to get to the core of the issues by speaking with Americans from across the United States. Discussing not only the problems we are facing, but also the possible solutions that can lead us to a better future, the film will represent opinions ranging from everyday Americans to experts on policy.
Currently on the road, crew members, including director Anthony Ambrosino ( Sleather) and director of photography Jeff Hoffman ( The Corporation), are making sure to keep everyone up to date on their progress. Daily videos can be found at www.fixingamericamovie.com, and help showcase the true vision behind this documentary. After making their way across the United States, the crew will return back to Rhode Island where post production will commence at The 989 Project's studio with the editor Fred Tindall.
|
| Camera man needed-Save the Bay
Save the Bay needs a person to help shoot their Bay Partners Graduation on Monday May 9 from 9am - 1 pm. There will be a large group of Providence students who are completing a multi-year set of programs. There will be lots of activities and some speeches that will need to be documented. No editing needed. This is not a paid gig.
For more information contact: Rebekah at |
| Rhode Island Film Collaborative 401.484.RIFC 172 Exchange St. Pawtucket, RI |
| | Warm up guy at the Comedy Connection "Ever wonder what it would be like to be part of a live Hollywood studio audience?" At 8pm on Thursday, May 5th at the Comedy Connection in East Providence (39 Warren Ave www.ricomedyconnection.com 401-438-8383), I will be directing the debut of a one man, audio-visual show starring Bob Perlow, We willl have another performance on May 12 as well. For the past 15 years, Bob was the opening warm-up comic on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno. Previous to that, Bob wrote, and/or warmed up on such hits as "Friends", "Two and A Half Men", "Laverne and Shirley", "Mork and Mindy", "Coach", "Will and Grace" and many more shows. I hope you will join us for a fun night of laughter and unpredictability! |
| Documentary Group The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 5 th at 7:00 p.m. at the RIFC headquarters in the Pawtucket Armory, 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket |
| | Networking Meeting Tuesday, May 10, 2011 7:00 pm At the Wild Colonial 250 South Water Street, Providence
Come meet other members of the RI Film Collaborative and share ideas, find out about upcoming productions, events and what is going on with your fellow independent filmmakers. We look forward to seeing you there!
There is no charge for this event. |
|
| Acting/Auditioning Classes Tuesdays, May 24 - June 14, 2011
5:00 -7:30
RIFC, 172 Exchange St. Pawtucket
Instructor Carolyn Pickman
Guest Instructor TBD
Price: $189 until May 17th $209 after that
Description This course addresses the question, "How do I give an exceptional audition?" Get the call back, book the job - or just learn to work the camera like a pro. Practice and insightful coaching are the keys to improving your ability to work with the camera, and your comfort with it. Carolyn Pickman brings actual audition material from television commercials, corporate videos, and film scripts. Participants will be videotaped in a mock audition setting at each class. Students will review the videos and learn to prepare, and adjust their performances for the camera, take direction, and learn tricks of the trade - both in auditioning successfully, and in effectively conveying character and presence through the lens of the camera. Carolyn walks you through auditioning step-by-step, pointing out the pitfalls to avoid and giving an insider's view on what industry pros look for. Students are welcome to repeat this course - different material is always added. To sign up go to: www.rifcfilms.com |
| | | | | | | Rhode Island Film Collaborative | 951 North Main St. | Providence | RI | 02904 | 
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