Resources For the Indie Film-maker
Archive for November, 2008
First rule of film club
Nov 6th
To avoid copping a bullet from a young trigger happy rookie on the police force, always get a permit when you are planning on shooting a public scene which involves firearms. Ooh theres a pun.
Gun-toting film-makers ‘indifferent’ when arrested in Carlton
Seriously, wouldn’t the police have seen a camera man? Or the person that called the cops realise it wasn’t a hostage situation when the director yells action on the third take?
Still Alive
Nov 4th
Even though I’m sure nobody reads this, here’s a reminder that I haven’t forgotton about this site yet. I’ve been busy over the last few months which is a good thing. It means I’ve been working and more importantly, earning cash so I can buy some goodies. What have I bought over the past few months? Here’s a list that I will hopefully find time to review.
2 x Sennheiser g2 ew100 wireless mic systems (awesome quality for the price)
sennheiser mkh-415 shotgun mic (same specs as the legendary mkh-416 but less than half the price)
sennheiser skp500 (phantom power plugin adapter so I can use any kind of xlr mic wirelessly with my g2!)
sennheiser knockoff indian shotgun mic blimp. (sure the quality isn’t up to scratch but it does the job)
2 x sennheiser MKE-2 lavs for the g2. (the standard mic does a decent job but I wanted top end results at bargain basement prices)
a micover wind protection sock for my mkh-415 (does the same job as a rycote softie cover – only cheaper)
rode pg2 pistol grip (does the same job as a rycote softie shock mount – cheaper!)
a “bardl” PZM boundary mic (ultra cheap chinese mic that does a surprisingly good job)
sennheiser mkh-104 (Haven’t been able to use it as it needs a weird 8v power adapter, stupid purchase)
Canon xh-a1 (finally my very own HD cam:) just bought it and waiting on it to arrive next week, can’t wait!)
pentax k100d digital slr (its got enough megapixels for me -6, and I’ve got a bunch of cheap m42 lenses for it that I hope to be using on a 35mm adapter on the xha1 soon)
Notice I’m not rolling in it, I do classify myself as an Indie and us indies like doing things cheap. Doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice quality though. Also, yes there is alot of audio gear there but I felt the one thing that screams unprofessional is bad audio. I think I’m pretty set now in that department. I’m more than happy with the results.
Things I plan on buying later on when our dollar gets better, if ever:
35mm adapter (I’m leaning towards the cinevate brevis, or the cinemek G35. Also the sgblade looks promising)
lights – any type of lights will do, the cheaper the better, as long as i can get a pretty picture is all that matters. I’ll let the post color grading do the magic.
tripod – I really want a miller!
I buy pretty much everything 2nd hand which helps bring down costs. I also do a lot of research in finding out how to get the best bang for your buck. So much so I can claim to be an expert at it. Things have slowed down work wise in this economic environment so I think I’ll put that free time to use and start doing more around here!