I'm going to shoot my first horror film?
 

Hi all, am a newbi to DVI. I'am Writing/Directing my first feature film this summer in CT, the entire film will be shot with the canon xh-a1. i was wondering what presets or lens should i use to get a really nice 80s -90s look to the film. the film is called "THE LAST CAMPFIRE"

www.myspace.com/thelastcampfire

using a 35mm adapter? you will likely need several lenses. Presets can be very subjective. if its a dark movie it will be different then a brighter movie, so its hard to give a stock answer. will you be doing most of the work, colors and mood, in lighting or trying to shoot safe and edit later? I prefer to shoot it lit right and almost what I want, so I have a different set up for that then if I want the most latitude and range to deal with after in post.

We used the Redrock M2 last year on my horror film "Geohunt" with Tony Todd AKA Candyman, and Adam Bush from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" - and I rented a set of Nikon lenses. a 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 135mm for that project.

I would say that if I had to choose just one lens to own it would be the 85mm at f1.8 or faster. Tried a cheap Vivitar lens but we (literally) tossed it out, when the Nikons/ Nikkors stepped up to the plate.

We got amazing footage with the M2, but now have the Letus35 and I am amazed - it is even better - less set up time, much easier to use!

As for the effect that these had on my film... the premise of the story was good - but I think in the beginning that it was the low budget production costs and quality sample footage was what won over the executive producers, and then ultimately the final cut footage in post production was what made it good enough to find distribution.

Point of all of this is I think it was money is well spent and I highly recommend the DOF adapters in general, and the Nikon lens system in your efforts to make a good horror film.

Good luck on your film!

Will be shooting mostly in the day and only aboute 20% night.
iguess shooting safe would be my best bet for this project. but thanks for the heads up on the 35mm thats what i think i wanted anyways.

Thanks,

Walter

once again thanks you guys for the help.

Walter