Jamie Lewis

Yeah, it's a seven page script but from past projects I know my writing usually runs long so I guestimated 10 minutes actual screen time. And like you suggested, there will be rehearsals which I've never done more than the night before a shoot.

There isn't much dialogue that isn't a voice over, but some. There is one long take that I want to do but it can actually be done in two takes that will lessen the burden on the female lead.

So for a 10 minute script I should be looking for round 100 minutes/4000'ish of film? :blink:

It's an adaption of a Poe short, so hopefully my actors and actress don't require 200:1!?!!! :blink: Also, the camera won't be moving at all. All shots will be on a tripod. Inspired by Ozu's films. Since the camera wont be moving that will cut down a bit on the ratio a bit I think. BTW: Chance, I ordered the DVD used of Ebay. Should be her soon! P.S. Your mailbox is full so I couldn't PM that to you!

What is the typical ratios when using film. I've seen some threads in the past but can't seem to locate any. I'm doing a short this summer and am entertaining doing in on 16mm or Super8. The short will be about 10 minutes. I did come calculations using a 5:1 ration and my costs to get it on the computer (develop, telecine, stock, etc) will be around $1200 for 2000' of B&W negative. That of course doesn't include the cost of getting or renting a camera. Is 5:1 too much, too little or just right?

There's no chance of the Panasonic HVX200 being on Ebay for $800 and being legit. Jessica, don't buy a video camera off Ebay. Many scammers on there. You can get the HV20 for under $800 right now and there are specials going on all the time for less than that. Keep checking B&H's website for their specials. Or you can do as Nate suggested and get an 8mm for dirt cheap and shoot film!

Thanks for all of the suggestions guys. As far as commentaries go, it's a major selling point of DVDs for me. I always listen to them a few times.

Chris, good reel! I just watched it and I have to agree with Greg. Since it's intentional it doesn't come across like that in the reel. It comes out just as Greg explained, like he hits the camera. I'd ditch it or use a different clip of it.

Nice footage. Hopefully it all came together as you envisioned.

Aren't the stills from his DSLR?

And that's why I'm not building my dimmer, Walt!

The shots look beautifully composed. You should post this in another forum to get more exposure since this isn't really an "in-production" thread.

What's wrong with white walls in a horror movie? If done well they could add to the movie rather than detract from it.

Marcus, Woot.com has the HV20 for $549.99 for one day only. So if you want that camera jump on it now. It's also close to being sold out. http://www.woot.com/

I'd scrap the Breavis and get a lighting kit and a couple of mics.

Got ya. The one you linked on Ebay is the rout I would need to go if I wanted them all on one box. I just realized that Walter's have one dial and thus cannot have more than one light controlled independently.

Walter, since my total watts equal 1450, I'm assuming I need the 1500w one you sell? Price?

I just called them and they're sending me the Vision 2 and 3 dvd's. Thanks again, Ronney!

I'm looking to get a dimmer for my 2 600w Smith-Victor's and 1 250w Lowel Pro. I don't want to spend a lot of money (under $200) and building one is out of the question because of my fear of burning down the house or killing someone.

As usual, great thread, shots and diary. Thanks, David!

Thanks, Ronney!

Thanks for the replies guys. I was thinking of shooting a short on 16mm and maybe renting the A-Minima but since the insurance is pretty substantial for a short no-budget short by a broke college student, I'll have to re-think it. Does anybody know of any houses that don't require insurance? I'm on the east coast. Or should I just pony up the money I would spend on on insurance and the rental and purchase a 16mm? The short I'm gonna do will probably run about 12 minutes. So not terribly long. It's the fact that I've been getting annoyed with the limitations of video and want to give 16mm a try. 8mm is also an option but the look of it is not what I'm envisioning the short to be.

I searched but found no figures. Has anybody gotten insurance when they're renting a 16mm camera (for a short project)? All of the houses linked here require it. If so, what was the price (ballpark)? Was it for the camera only or for the typical whole short production? Where did you purchase it? How long was the policy for? Thanks in advance!

Is there a site that has 16mm film samples to compare? I know there's Kodak's site but that's just a still image, a small one also.

For those of you that have used Spectra, do you feel comfortable sending in your film from afar (NYC) and letting them handle everything i.e. unsupervised?