James Silver

Thanks for the advice. I'll have to do some comparable speed tests, i've read that the awkward look of early silent films partially comes from projecting 16fps at 24fps, but that may be nonsense.

Network while in college, make movies in college with other eager kids. I remember going to college and most kids COMPLAINED about being assigned a movie project. Also try to get into any gigs you can on set to see how a professional set operates, it shouldn't be too difficult to get a PA gig on set. They pay bad and the work sucks, but you can see how a real movie operates. Even if it is a low budget production, especially if it is a low budget production you can learn how to cut corners.

My next project will be a short b&w movie (~15min) edited down. For cost reasons and because of the wide availability and aesthetic beauty of 8mm film / cameras, I'm taking this route. I'm not sure finding the best camera is best for this old look, perhaps there are a few 8mm cameras that would lend themselves to the gritty nasty look of the old 1920's silents, including Nosferatu and Haxan. Also, i'm looking to shoot at 18fps, to speed up to 24 in post to gain the awkward look associated with the old silents. Any recommendations on cameras, film stock, film degradation or telecine processes to help add to the old, gritty aesthetic would be greatly appreciated.