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Marc Shepherd

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Everything posted by Marc Shepherd

  1. Hi Jim, Yes, it does sound anal...and probably is. And while I like to time some edits, I really don't try for the millisecond. My only goal is to get a sense of timing. I've noticed that some shots may be a second or even less than a second. However, I've learned that the very short shots have something that really "pops" or catches my eye. So, it's taught me that my short short really need to stand out, perhaps even more than the long one. I recently looked at a Singapore Airlines commercial which taught me some really valuable lessons in timing, etc. It doesn't take a stopwatch to figure all this out. However, it has at least helped me wrap my brain around some of this. (Yes, I'm rambling about things that all of you already know. However, it has been a learning experience for me.) Again, thanks for the reply, Commander Data.
  2. Thanks to all of you for your advice and resources. I'll definitely check them out. Not sure if I'm breaking any rules by posting my YouTube Resource page: http://www.youtube.com/user/TxDOTBeaumont If I am then pardon to presumptiousness on my part. They contain just a few small things I've shot and edited. Mostly a "news" format. However, it will give you an idea as to what my editing "technique" (whether good or bad) is like. I understand I should probably post in the critique section. But am posting it here for continuity's sake. Regards, Marc S.
  3. Hello all, A question about editing.... I realize that each production, whether a movie, documentary, music video, etc., is edited in different ways depending on what the director, editor, etc., is trying to convey to the viewer. However, I notice that most amateur productions (mine included) look that way primarily (i think) because of poor editing techniques. I've seen scores of really cool composed shots with all the nice post-production techniques applied simply lose all of their impact simply because the production is poorly edited. So, I'd like to get some of your opinions as to what you think is important in editing a production. Again, I realize each one is different based on what the director and DP is trying to convey. However, I believe there has to be some "secret" that separates the pro from the novice. Pacing and timing seem to be the key ingredients. But I just can't seem to put the puzzle together. I often spend hours running through docs and movies with a stopwatch counting the edits and how long shots last. I notice that music videos don't always follow the beat of the song. And those that do tend to get boring very fast. Yet, there does seem to be some type of pace to them. The same with movies. Slow scenes seem to hold shots a bit longer while fast scenes tend to have extremely fast edits (Wow! isn't that a revelation! :) ) Any advice and/or resources would greatly be appreciated. Thanks and happy editing! Marc S.
  4. Thanks for the advice. I plan to just order the body and stick with the 16x lens and my 3x lens.
  5. I guess I ought to save $700
  6. I'm looking for some comparison between the XL2 20x lens and XL1 16x lens. I can save about $700 if I purchase just the XL2 body and use my XL1 16x and 3x lenses. Is the new 20x lens worth it? Thanks
  7. I too would stick to the SP mode. I've heard of other XL1 users who shot in the the LP mode and experienced severe pixelization and dropouts. I recently shot a sunrise and sped it up in post. You might be surprised just at how much sunrise you can capture in the SP mode.
  8. Thanks to all for the information. Some real meat in those statements for me to mull over. Lots to learn....I have lots to learn. Marc S
  9. I figure if you shoot video on on overcast day and light your subject correctly, throw on some filters (boy is that vague!) then I'd think you could still get some decent images. thanks
  10. Question: I've been told that if you want your video to have more of a (man-oh-man I hate this phrase!!!) "film-look" then you need to light your outdoor scene to give a more flat appearance. I've also been told that you should shoot on cloudy days. While most of my experience is shooting for TV news and doc's, and therefore have no experience in film, I'm finding that advice hard to believe! What do you all think..... Regards
  11. Thanks for the info Jeremy. I'll think I will wind-up renting the underwater housing. As for the 1st one, I guess I'm concerned with framing relative to the distance of the suject to the camera. Practice shots on on my XL1 with a 1/60 shutter, wide open aperature, and in frame mode don't give me the depth of field I'd like. While I love working with the XL1, perhaps I'm asking too much from the camera. (Then again, it's more than likely operator ignorance.) I figure perhaps a gradual grey filter and a zoom lens might give me more of what I'm looking for. We'll see.......
  12. Great forum! (though a little intimidating for us new guys) After searching countless of other boards, I think I found one of the best here. That's why I need your help. I'm shooting a series of commericals concerning water pollution and am having a bit of trouble trying to figure out how to frame my shots. (I have it in my head but not in the lens). Shooting is scheduled for the spring. Commercial 1)...Is a montage of a different child saying a sentence which, when edited will make up a :20 story. I am planning on placing each kid in a different location including a river bank, in a stream, or in a ditch, etc. I'm looking for a wide-angled, out-of-focus background, overall "dreamy" look for some of these shots with a kid on the left in one shot, another on the right, another in the center, another looking directly up at the camera....I think you get my drift. What advice can you give me about framing this correctly? Commerical 2) I need to get a shot of a little girl swimming in the water with her snorkel and mask to the tune of "Joy to the fishies in the deep blue sea..." I'd like to frame it possibly fisheyed with water coming up halfway up the lense and her looking directly into it. Needless to say, I can't dunk the camera into the water. Would shooting through an aquarium work? What about other ideas? Now the gear I'll be using... I'm aware a good 35 mm film camera is probably the best way to go. However I'm shooting with an XL1 with a 3X lense, probably in the frame mode. (I may have the option of acquiring an anamorphic lens). I also have the option of using a matte box and filtering system. I might even have the option of renting a higher end camera if need be. I hope I put in enough info. Any help would be appreciated. Marc Shepherd TxDOT PIO/BMT-20
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