Help with Music Video
I have just been contracted to do a rap music video for a well known, local artist. He liked the reel I sent him and is looking to push forward. We don't have a large budget and I'm probably going out of pocket for some of it, something I'm willing to do as this guy will be signed in December. Having a then famous artist to add to my resume is what I'm after.
His only concern was quality and that "grainy" look you see on many videos on MTV. I informed him that I couldn't guarantee that with the cameras I have, Sony VX2100 and Panasonic AG-DVC30. I know it can be done and am looking for some suggestions on how to achieve maximum potential. Here is the setup. Filmed mostly outdoors, mostly during the day. He wants to do a little something different, documentary style. So no girls, no cars, no bling, keeping it real. |
Advice, since at one time I was in your shoes many, many times:
1-Don't go out of pocket. Even if this guy gets signed, he is not your ticket to more work like this. It will help, but in the end it's not worth it, unless it's a real small amount of money (less than say, $200). Trust me, I was in exactly the same position for an artist on Grand Royal (Beastie Boys label back in 90's). 2-You need 24p. That means a DVX or XL2. If you're going to spend any money out of pocket at all, rent a DVX. 30p will work in a pinch. |
Yeah, don't count on him getting signed or hooking you up if he does. I wouldn't cash in your kid's college fund to make this video.
As Nate said, use 24p...it will dramatically raise your production value. Another piece of advice - use lighting, or at least some good reflectors, even if you are outside. Good lighting will improve the look of any production, even if the cameras aren't top notch. |
More Info.
Thanks for looking out and the words of advice. I just came from his house and feel a lot better. He is serious and speaks the truth, he is actually already signed for co-production for some pretty big names, Dr. Dre is one. He's no mega rich star yet, but I have in my hand his single that has been on the radio a lot out here -so that gives me more confidence. Also, I'm getting points on the back end written into the contract as well. THe out of pocket part would only be a couple hundred IF that.
Lighting - I have a 3 piece kit, 1500 watts, and a 60watt attached to the VX. It looks like by the time this is due to start production I'll have an HD camera, so the 24p is looking to be a reality. However, if I am not able to do 24p and don't have the resources to get it -that's where I'd like to do everything else to compensate for that. |
Access to an XL H1 is possible now. How is the 24F in that? Would it just be better to shoot in 60i with a good DOF and then just convert to 24p? Any help is greatly appreciated.
|
Quote:
Shooting 24p HDV might add a layer of complexity to your video that you just don't need right now, unless you're a wiz with making these things work first time, every time. Making low budget music videos is tough enough, trust me. Again, if in doubt about your HDV skillz, shoot 24p DV. It'll look great. In fact, shooting 24p HDV and downconverting to deliver will look worse unless you know exactly how to downconvert and sweeten it up. Quote:
|
Great! Thanks for the help. So if I shoot 24f HDV with the XL H1- should I start a 24p 16:9 Premiere Pro 2.0 project? Once I have these few things down, everything else should fall into place -I have plenty of time to prepare and get my sh%t together regarding cams/format/angles/scenes/yada yada. I am a former XL1s user so I am a little familiar with how that series handles as well.
Are you familiar with the XL H1 as far as if it will do 16:9 DV? (non HD) |
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:34 PM. |
DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network