Serge Teulon

Yes, actually, though not without being there. My thing is to use when you scout a place. You use the slide frame as a framing device and the tape measure is to measure how far it is from your eye. That distance in millimeters is the approximate focal length to get that frame from that spot. It works with any format as long as you make a 'slide' with a cutout the actual size of the film frame.

 

I'm not saying it doesn't have its uses. I just tend to be a little anti-gadget because so many people rely on them so much and expect a couple little gadgets to make them better.

I Know this is an old post but just came across it now and felt that I had to mention to Chris that your 'gadget' is great.

Nothing like homemade!!

Cheers

S

The term "DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY" is exactly what it says on the tin.

You are the expert on photography.

Yes, go and take photographs, explore, experience, read, watch as much as you can. Get tech references on films and then watch them. Pause it in a shot and really study what you are seeing.

Ask yourself, what was the DP trying to achieve?

In the meantime whilst you are 'studying', get on set and work the different roles in the camera dept, earn your stripes!! It will not only teach you about the timing and flow of a crew on set but it will also show you what you are naturally good at and need working on.

Hope this helps and good luck!

S

pressed 'post' before I completed my reply.......

That has also never happened to me. It could be that the camera needs some maintenance or the lens is buggered.

I've seen some shocking examples of mistreatment of equipment in some rental houses.

Good old digital...your RGB changes can be seen on vectorscope.

Sounds to me like the lip-camera strapped to the hare as the most probable on your budget.

I would add the advice of ramping up your FPS so that you can achieve a more 'gracious' look to the dogs' movements....elephants are normally shot at 60fps.

Good luck!

Cheers

Do you want a clear image or a would a silhouette suffice?

Hi Daniel,

My advice is buy some books such as "Cinematography" by Kris Malkiewicz...I believe it is co-written by our very own David Mullen. Also, Samuelson's "Manual for Cinematographers" is a good book for various cameras and technical info.

Whilst doing so try and get some trainee work on promos, comms etc....production (as you know through your digital work) love freebies! And also try the main camera rental houses....ask to go and spend a day with them to learn about cameras and loading. They should be more than up to help you out...unless they are very busy!! You could even be cheeky and say you have your first loading job coming up!

If the bug bites then it becomes all about how much you really want it mate.

good luck

Cheers