John_Burton

Does anybody know where I can find a list of micro-budget (under $100K US) feature films that are streaming somewhere online? Preferably recent films--last five years, if I can find them.

I'm producing and directing a film along those lines and want to research the competition, but can't figure out how to find these movies. Everything I've tried Googling just yields a list of breakout indies or classic zero-budget indies I've already seen. Where are the sorta-good, sorta-shitty movies that don't suck but didn't necessarily break out? Thanks!!

I finally own a decent follow focus. It's a used Zacuto Z-focus. Works great, smooth turn, zero play.

I'm using it together with a Sigma 18-35 f1.8, with a this ultra cheap focus ring: https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Adjustable-Follow-Lenses-diameter/dp/B008PP3LY4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1486941772&sr=8-2&keywords=neewer+focus+ring

The Sigma lens itself has a buttery smooth focus turn, and like I said, the Z-focus is basically silk when it's just spinning by itself.

But the moment the Z-focus is actually put to use turning the Sigma lens, it takes a little more effort to turn than I feel it should, and there are some subtle vibrations in the movement. Adds up to a less-than-stellar focusing experience.

I had a similar problem when I first got the Sigma and the Z-focus. I'd bought a gear ring that was specially fitted to the Sigma, and it proved totally unusable--vibrations galore.

Is this a normal problem with cheap, crappy focus rings? I can't find anyone else who describes experiencing this issue quite like I have. Help!

I'm shooting a fairly low-budget short film in February and trying to decide what camera system to go for. I won't need slow-motion, low-light wizardry, or a VFX-capable post workflow. I'll be shooting in one location, in controlled lighting.

All I really care about is image quality, especially skin tones and highlight rolloff.

Has anyone used--or better, compared--these two cameras, and could give a preference? Any help would be hugely appreciated! Thanks.

Your test footage actually looks encouraging. Very accurate skin tones; pretty good highlights, etc.

You seem to have solved a problem so many other Ursa operators suffer from--i.e., that weird orange-y, magenta-y mushy look in the skin tones, which is even present in BlackMagic's own promo video.

Using a LUT or plugin to grade? Or manually with Resolve?

I would also rent the camera. and it's actually, I think, much easier to even drive the 15 hours to pick it up from the rental house than to try to buy a good kit for cheap which is both good quality AND quiet AND reliable. and the lenses cost quite much in all cases.

something like rented Arri SR (1, 2, 3) and set of Optars or mk1 zeiss lenses would work I think.

 

if you want to try the eBay cameras you need to either hire a camera tech or try to fix it by yourself. There's always something wrong with them, usually by improper (seller made) service or missing parts. I myself like to fix and tune and modify old cine cameras, especially Soviet ones, so it is not a problem for me but if you just want to shoot a short film it is not practical, not at all...

It's like wanting to just drive a good car but having only little cash, then purchasing a heavily used one from a stranger without knowing its history and what kind of service it has had.... then spending most of the time fixing it (instead of actually driving it...)

Ok, sounds like my mistake is overeagerness. I think I'm gonna pursue the rental option. If I don't take this advice, I know I'll regret it when my camera craps out mid-shoot. Thanks to all!!

Thanks so much everybody! Hugely helpful.

 

 

If it's a single project with a short shooting schedule your best bet is to contact rental houses and see what deals you can get for your budget. The gear will work, you'll get the best quality that 16mm can provide, and you can concentrate on filmmaking rather than wasting your energy cobbling together equipment and dealing with the potential headaches that might follow.

Unfortunately, I don't have any film rental houses within a fifteen-hour drive. Flyover state blues. Are there any online houses that do 16mm? I haven't been able to find anything, but I'm not totally sure where to look beyond a Google search.

I've got a budget of around $1,000 to get a 16mm camera that will allow me to shoot sync for a ten-minute, dialogue-heavy, all-indoors short film.

I've looked into dozens of brands, models, and soundproofing methods, and I'm afraid i've begun to go in circles.

Am I expecting too much at this budget level? Or is there a camera out there to suit my needs? Thanks!!