mindbender

I actually have Syd Field's Screenplay as well as The Screenwriter's Bible by David Trottier and Crafty Screenwriting by Alex Epstein. So far The Screenwriter's Bible has been the biggest help to me. It's extremely well organized and no nonsense. My only criticism is that I personally have not gotten much use out of "Book II" (the workbook). I have found much more useful advice about the creative process from other sources. I am currently writing a screenplay, and when I am finished with it, I will look into proceeding further.

The Panasonic AG-DVX100B is actually one of the models I was considering, but it will likely be awhile before I can reasonably afford something in the vicinity of $4,000, which is why I was considering something cheaper. For now at least, I think I might have better luck trying to find someone with a camera since it appears that it would be a mistake to waste my money on something of lesser quality. Unfortunately, I do not live in or near a major city. The closest metropolitan area to me would be Harrisburg, PA or Baltimore, MD, then Philadelphia, PA, or Washington DC. As far as I know, none of them are exactly bustling havens for filmmakers, or even wannabes like me. However, I will post on craigslist to see if I can find anyone interested in working together or loaning me equipment. Other than that, I suppose I'll just to stick with the screenwriting and reading what I can. Thanks for the suggestions.

Brian, Thank you for your insightful suggestions. You do have a point in that I have more interest in writing/directing than I do in cinematography at this point in time; however, that could change. I am just as interested in learning how to produce the visual (and to a lesser extent, audio) output for my projects. I see filmmaking as a multi-tiered, multi-step process, and I feel that I should at least have a basic knowledge of each aspect of that process, even if I never attain a professional level at more than one or two - if any. For me, filmmaking is a hobby as well as a potential testing ground for a possible career change. Since I am a freelance web designer who spends most of her time making things look nice and flashy, I don't see why I can't translate that same mode of operation into movies. Although writing and directing may have a strong appeal, my innate curiosity about any media that will enable me to express my creative vision will not rest. Special effects and post-production DV editing, at least at a glance, appear to be right up my alley as an artist. And there is also something about being behind a camera that gives one a unique sense of empowerment. As a kid, I used to enjoy taking my parents' VHS camcorder and parading around with it, shooting this and that (mostly the family dog for lack of willing subjects). Even though the finished products were never anything special, I will never forget how proud I was to show them off and to demonstrate, at that young age, that I knew how to operate a camera just as well any adult. Times are different now though. VHS is a thing of the past and the camcorders of today are even more consumer-friendly, which has made learning how to use your basic retail product about as easy as learning how to turn on and off a light switch for anyone but the most extreme cases of the technological impairment (ie. 99 year old blind, death, and dumb Amish farm-wifes or infant children with Down's Syndrome), but when it comes to camera angles, moving between shots, lighting, etc. the average person like me is lost. That's why I am interested in learning anything I can. As far as buying a camera goes, I will eventually buy one whether I intend to study videography or not. It's just a matter of which one. If I intend to film my own movies for any kind of release, I'll save up for something a little pricier. Otherwise, I will be buying an economical MiniDV camcorder at my local Wal-Mart as soon as I have few hundred dollars to spare. It will surely come in handy for documenting family events, adding media to my websites, and video-blogging (I have a passionate disgust for the shoddy quality of webcams - but that's a different subject!). Anyway, I do thank you! For now, I am going to stick to screenwriting and see if I can get a small crew of fellow hobbyists together via various Internet classifieds. We might at least be able to learn something from each other, and it would allow me to finally get my feet wet. -Kristi

Is anyone here familiar with these DV books from O'Reilly? I am considering them. DV Filmmaking Digital Video Production Cookbook Digital Video Hacks Also, is a Panasonic PV-GS500 decent for an absolute beginner to work with? Obviously a professional HD camera like the Canon XLH1 would be ideal, but there is no way I can afford that. Maybe I can save up for a Panasonic AG-DVC7 though. Any thoughts? I am basically broke but eager to get started learning, hands on. A couple years ago, I purchased some books on screenwriting, and ever since I've been curious about filmmaking. I would like to produce my own movies with my own scripts.

Greetings all. I am an absolute novice, with a ridiculously low budget, who is anxious to get her feet wet in the grand art of filmmaking and digital cinematography. My main stumbling block is not knowing where to start when I know next to nothing about the subject. Are there any beginner or overview books or DVDs that you would recommend to someone like me? My immediate goal is to familiarize myself the basics and to produce a few of my own shorts. Another concern I have is buying the camera itself. Which one will give me the most bang (features and control) for my buck, while keeping in mind that my budget is virtually nonexistent? Obviously, the truly high-end products will not be within my price range, but any recommendations you may have for someone who is just starting out would be greatly appreciated. I have observed that the Canon XL2 and similar professional models have been getting rave reviews; however, I would need to save my money for a considerably long time to be able to afford one. On the other hand, if a reasonably priced consumer model mini-dv camcorder ($250-500) will do the job, I might be able to get one in a matter of a few months. Other important questions: Will I need any additional equipment other than a tripod? Should I invest in a dolly or crane? What recommendations do you have for lighting? Is there any specific hardware or software I should buy? (I already have a capture card + Adobe Premiere Pro 2). How do I go about the casting process and picking locations to film? Do I need to draw up contracts and obtain licenses to shoot? How can I market my projects to people who might be willing invest money in them? Are there any other major considerations I've missed that you would like to offer input on? Thanks in advance for all your help. Sincerely, Kristi

Err, my apologies! I meant to post this in 'First Time Filmmakers' forum. I am going to repost there. Mods, please delete this one. Thanks.

Greetings all. I am an absolute novice, with a ridiculously low budget, who is anxious to get her feet wet in the grand art of filmmaking and digital cinematography. My main stumbling block is not knowing where to start when I know next to nothing about the subject. Are there any beginner or overview books or DVDs that you would recommend to someone like me? My immediate goal is to familiarize myself the basics and to produce a few of my own shorts. Another concern I have is buying the camera itself. Which one will give me the most bang (features and control) for my buck, while keeping in mind that my budget is virtually nonexistent? Obviously, the truly high-end products will not be within my price range, but any recommendations you may have for someone who is just starting out would be greatly appreciated. I have observed that the Canon XL2 and similar professional models have been getting rave reviews; however, I would need to save my money for a considerably long time to be able to afford one. On the other hand, if a reasonably priced consumer model mini-dv camcorder ($250-500) will do the job, I might be able to get one in a matter of a couple months. Other important questions: Will I need any additional equipment other than a tripod? Should I invest in a dolly or crane? What recommendations do you have for lighting? Is there any specific hardware or software I should buy? (I already have a capture card + Adobe Premiere Pro 2). How do I go about the casting process and picking locations to film? Do I need to draw up contracts and obtain licenses to shoot? How can I market my projects to people who might be willing invest money in them? Are there any other major considerations I've missed that you would like to offer input on? Thanks in advance for all your help. Sincerely, Kristi