Feature Filmmaking: Camera Choice (rent)

Andrew Khalil · January 30th, 2006, 11:08 PM

In terms of cameras, F900 is a Sony Camera and the format it records in is CineAlta. The Varicam is from Panasonic and uses DVCProHD as its format.

Don Donatello · January 31st, 2006, 12:17 AM

"from what I've read is that most distributors want to hear that an indie movie was shot on 35mm,"

most distributors don't know a hit movie from a looser . they tend to follow with what was a hit in the past.. very few distributors are leaders. remember when they rattle off 35mm , known actors etc that is the top of their WISH list ... bottom line for distribuotr is can they make $$$ off a project. if they think they can make $$$ it doesn't matter what it was shot on .. if they don't think they can make $$$ then 70mm/35mm isn't going to make any difference = they ain't buying it ...
in the film business you've got to walk your own walk and talk your own talk = make YOUR film !!! get it out there with the means you have ...

Charles Papert · January 31st, 2006, 12:26 PM

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Originally Posted by Robert Andren

Thank you one and all for the education on HD vs. HDV.

Charles: Session 9 was shot on a F900? Is this the camera also known as the Varicam? I read that the movie was shot on a CineAlta. Or is that and the F900 the same thing?

Looks like Andrew has taken care of this one nicely.

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What has your DP friend done since then?

Uta Briesewitz--check her out on IMDB.

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When you say "film out technology" is that the same as transferring tape to film for theatrical release?

Yes. This process continues to evolve; I did a filmout about 5 years ago that was primitive by today's standards, visually speaking.

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Finally, when shooting a feature like this with an HD camera, what does the camera crew consist of? DP, operator, focus puller, and who else? Was a video tech/engineer on site to assist?

There wasn't a tech on "Session 9" that I can remember, and every shoot has it's own staffing. To the list you describe I'd generally add a 2nd assistant. Unfortunately a lot of non-union shows eliminate the operator position which is more important than ever with HD; I had to work this way last year on an HD feature and I really missed having an operator.

Robert Andren · February 3rd, 2006, 10:52 PM

Thanks Andrew for clarifying cameras, and thanks Charles for answering my questions. Thanks Don for your observations about distribution, which I agree with, and for your inspiring last line.

February 3rd, 2006, 10:52 PM	#34
Robert Andren New Boot Join Date: May 2005 Location: new rochelle, ny Posts: 11	Thanks again guys Thanks Andrew for clarifying cameras, and thanks Charles for answering my questions. Thanks Don for your observations about distribution, which I agree with, and for your inspiring last line.

January 30th, 2006, 11:08 PM	#31
Andrew Khalil Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 424	In terms of cameras, F900 is a Sony Camera and the format it records in is CineAlta. The Varicam is from Panasonic and uses DVCProHD as its format.

January 31st, 2006, 12:17 AM	#32
Don Donatello Hawaiian Shirt Mogul Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: northern cailfornia Posts: 1,261	"from what I've read is that most distributors want to hear that an indie movie was shot on 35mm," most distributors don't know a hit movie from a looser . they tend to follow with what was a hit in the past.. very few distributors are leaders. remember when they rattle off 35mm , known actors etc that is the top of their WISH list ... bottom line for distribuotr is can they make $$$ off a project. if they think they can make $$$ it doesn't matter what it was shot on .. if they don't think they can make $$$ then 70mm/35mm isn't going to make any difference = they ain't buying it ... in the film business you've got to walk your own walk and talk your own talk = make YOUR film !!! get it out there with the means you have ...