Howdy from Texas
 

Just giving a loud and rowdy howdy from D/FW. I live in Aubrey, work in Denton, and I've seen people on these boards from many surrounding cities (Carrollton, Lewisville, even Greenville (my birthplace!), etc...) I just bought a GL2 and am trying to get established in small audio/video production with my buddy, who also has a GL2. We have a few weddings under our belts and a few other A/V gigs. This site has been an invaluable resource for all of my learnings.

The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know!

Anywho, just saying hello. Thanks for this great community.

Welcome aboard Bobby and good luck with your "company"!

Hey Clay,

A belated welcome to the group. I got my degree at SWT back in 88 and loved San Marcos. I guess its got a new name now that sounds like a made-up school in a movie. DOA with Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan was filmed there my last summer.

Welcome aboard.

Tom

To Joe Carney...
 

Easy does it on ole' Abilene town. Some of us ex-San Marcosites now live out here in West Texas! Abilene might not be much to look at, but the people out here are awesome! Kind, good-hearted, honest... it's a slower pace out here and after parking lot traffic jams on the I-35 corridor, having a 10 minute maximum traffic stoppage is o.k. by me.

By the way, James, welcome. I'm brand new here myself. My wife and I moved up here to Abilene a couple of years ago from San Marcos where I had worked at SMBA. We sure do miss our friends and the scenery, but not the traffic! You've got some big shoes to fill, following in Chris Hurd's footsteps... but I'm sure you'll do great.

Thanks for letting me defend my dusty West Texas town a little bit.

Jeff

Howdy from Texas!
 

Hey all!

Just popped in here to check out the stuff and found tons of info! What a terrific place!

I'm in the McKinney area which is just north of Plano (made famous by Shane Carruth, maker of Primer

My current project is a short film/demo reel titled escape which I'll be shooting with a GL2.

If there are anyother Texans around be sure to post a note!

<<If there are anyother Texans around be sure to post a note!>>

This could be a long thread, Patrick. You'll be surprised how many Texans there are here... including transplanted ones like myself.

Anyway... let me be the first to say howdy and welcome aboard. I went to school in Commerce for a spell, so I'm familiar with your stomping grounds.

Good luck on your project.

P.S. Cool green screen sample on your site!

Did someone call out the Texans?

welcome aboard Patrick. I'm sure you'll like it here.

I'm also a fellow Texan, from El Paso and now I'm living 3 hours south(as the bullet train flys) from John.

Hi from Fort Worth! This is a great place, lots of info and some very talented people.

Greetings from a newbee in Texas
 

Howdy everyone,

I'm Jim Underwood, and I live/work in the Houston, TX Clear Lake area. I'm brand new to pro or semi-pro videography, and to this site/forum. My main interest now is wedding/event videography. I apologize if this is too long -- turned out longer than I intended.

Well, I'm probably an orange (or pear) among apples. :-)

I'm a systems engineer by genetics, education, and experience. The only "talent" that I have that comes close to artistic is photography/video.

--------------------------------------
THE COLLEGE YEARS - GETTING STARTED
--------------------------------------

When I was in college (a hundred years ago) working on a degree in Aerospace Engineering, for some reason I became interested in photography -- don't really know why. Saw an inexpensive 35mm camera kit at a local store for about $200. Didn't know the first thing about cameras -- it was just an impulse purchase that I got lucky on. My family banker gave me a "long term loan" (I was a poor college student) to buy the camera. This was back in the days when banks gave real service. I called up our banker (a senior VP), and he said just write the check and I'll cover it. :-)

So I started taking pictures of everything in sight. In particular portraits, landscapes, and existing light scenes. My best shot is of a winding mountain road with a split-rail fence, printed on real canvas. To most people it looks like a painting. It was taken on a hazy Thanksgiving day in the mountains of Tennessee.

I am completely self-taught. I bought every book and mag I could find on photography, and experimented with everything. That's the key -- trial and error. The single most important thing I ever learned about photography is that for every great shot you see in a book/magazine, the photographer took at least 10 other shots that were culled. I also discovered that I had an eye for composing/framing a shot. Paid attention to detail. Learned quickly the only way I could afford all this is to use slide film. Prints were way too expensive.

This continued throughout my college career and the first 10 years after graduation. I always had a camera with me -- in the car, on the plane, everywhere. A group of my friends started kidding me -- calling me "Cecil B". Of course I was no where near that - I was just an enthusiastic amateur who always had a camera on hand. :-)

---------------------
DISCOVERING VIDEO
---------------------

Then I discovered video. Like someone said, still photography is great, and can be beautiful and dramatic, but it doesn't capture the feeling and the personality of the people like video/film. So I saved my money till I could afford a two-piece VCR. Camcorders weren't available to consumers yet, and even a VCR was very expensive. The VCR I bought had two units: the recorder and the tuner. You hand to buy a video camera (very expensive) separately. Never could afford the camera -- always rented one when I needed it.

Finally the price of camcorders and my income met so I could afford one. Bought a Hitachi VM-500A high resolution camcorder. Still have it. The battery on it is larger than the entire camcorder used by a lot of consumers today. :-)

But I had great fun with it. Nothing pro -- just family and friends stuff like vacations, parties, Christmas, etc. Learned a lot. Always tried to tell a story. Wanted to get into video editing, but the editing equipment cost thousands of dollars then -- too much for my budget.

Ten years later I upgraded to a mini-DV camcorder -- Sony DCR-TRV9. A great consumer camcorder. Experimented a lot with it, but nothing special until I was asked to produce a video for the wedding of the son of a friend. I said OK not really knowing what I was getting into.

------------------------
MY FIRST WEDDING
-----------------------

This led to an intensive research phase on production and editing. Couldn't afford what I really wanted, and had to make do with what I had. Bought a couple of cheap wireless mics (intuitively knew audio would be important) and of course a tripod, etc. Put the mic on the groom and it worked great! It picked up him and others near him quite well, and he soon forgot he was on tape. :-) Captured some very cute and funny candid moments.

Worked my butt off at the rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception. Had plenty of tapes and batteries, and everything pre-labeled for quick access. Asked a groomsman and bridesmaid to be MCs, and that worked out extremely well. You couldn't have written a script for them any better than what they did naturally. Everyone responded well.

Finally it came time to edit. But what software? And did my computer have enough power? A little bit of research revealed that Pinnacle Studio 8 was a decent low-end non-linear editor that is relatively easy to use. Got lucky again. Bought Studio 8 at Fry's for free after rebate. Loaded it up, and fortunately my computer swallowed it without choking. :-) It actually worked quite well. The only slow part was rendering for the DVD -- took about 8 hours.

But I produced a DVD that the B&G were very happy with. No where near the quality of a pro, but much better than you usually get with "Uncle Bob". :-)

I loved it. Especially the NLE. I was amazed what you could do. I never did get into using the darkroom in still photography but everyone always said that's where the real power is. Of course the source has to be good. But it's amazing how editing can turn a so-so video into an interesting story.

--------------------
TURNING SEMI-PRO
--------------------

Now I want to do it for real. I'm turning semi-pro (keeping my day job till I see how things go). I taking two classes this fall at the local college:
1. TV Field Production (nicknamed "Movie Makers Academy")
2. Non-Linear Video Editing

If these work out well, I'll probably take some more. If I really get into it, I might even go for a degree. I'm a great believer in the combination of formal training and hands-on experience. While you can learn with just experience, good training can greatly accelerate the learning process.

I plan on buying a Canon GL2 as my first "pro" camcorder. Everything I have read about it sounds great. Would anyone suggest another camcorder for me to start with? Please let me know if you know where I can get a good deal on a GL2 (new or used). I'm aware of the site sponsors.

I think this site and forum are really great. I've already learned a lot just by lurking in the forums.

I look forward to getting to know you all.

Welcome aboard Jim and thank you for your introduction! It was
a great read and you seem to have had an interesting experience
in both photography and videography.

Both your statements regarding trial & error and theory & practice
are very true in my opinion. I live by them!

Regarding a camera it would be best browse the Open DV
Discussion forum since it has been asked a lot already. Or if
you want to know more about what people are using for
weddings and the GL2 check out their respective forums here.

As you know our sponsors have good service and fair prices.
Please do check them out.

Thanks Rob. It's a pleasure meeting you. :-)

This is a really great community here, and I look forward to participating with everyone.

Waco Texas, Shooting a Feature in March 2005
 

I'm located in Waco, Texas, dead in the center of the state. I've been working for the last 8 months on producing an independant horror movie called "Risen". We've got a unique script, some amazing locations secured, special assistance from the city and more. Overall preproduction is going quite well.

I'm here to learn and hopefully find someone skilled to DP "Risen".

Check out the site http://www.risenthemovie.com

You might want to contact Gary Watson at Roadster Productions in Houston. He just wrapped a feature Horror shoot this summer as DP.

www.roadsterproductions.com

He's my former boss, and a straight shooter.

Thanks for the tip
 

Thanks for the tip, I'll definately get into contact with him!

Welcome aboard David and good luck with your feature!

Welcome aboard DVInfo.net Rod! Good to have you with us!

Thanks Rob!

Hey Rod and everyone in the DVi Community. I am a web and video guy living in Round Rock, TX. I graduated from UT with an RTF degree last year and have been doing freelance and contract video/web design work for the past year.

Just wanted to say hello and thank everyone for all the information I have found on this site as a lurker thus far!

Hi Brooks
 

Great to hear from you.

Would love to meet up some time.. You can send me email to topper@xemaps.com



Rod

Hey Brooks and Rod, just wanted to say hello from a fellow Austinite.
If either of you are ever up for a drink down at Dolce Vita (or wherever you like to go) let me know.

I just frequent that place because it's quiet enough to have a conversation.

Hey Luis:

Where is Dolce Vita? I would like to do that soon. Send me email and we can coordinate with Brooks.

Are either of you members of the Austin Film Society?

I am going to this next Thursday 5-12:

*AFS Presents Award-Winning PBS Filmmaker DANTE JAMES Workshop*
*
*
*WHEN: Thurs May 12, 7 PM*
*WHERE: Austin Studios Screening Room, 1901 E. 51st Street*
*COST: FREE, must RSVP to attend*
*INFO:* *http://register.austinfilm.org/ereg1...ventset_id=66*

*A*ward-winning PBS filmmaker Dante James, series producer of SLAVERY AND THE MAKING OF AMERICA/,/ is coming to Austin to honor the legacy of the late Civil Rights Movement giant James Farmer, a native Texan. He will speak at the* AFS* screening room about his documentary filmmaking work.

SLAVERY AND THE MAKING OF AMERICA/,/ a four-part series that first aired on PBS in February of this year, chronicles the institution of American slavery from its origins in 1619 - when English settlers in Virginia purchased 20 Africans from Dutch traders - through the arrival of the first 11 slaves in New Amsterdam, the American Revolution, the Civil War, the adoption of the 13th Amendment and Reconstruction. James, who serves as producer for the series, also wrote and directed the first segment, "The Downward Spiral."

Dante James is a protégé of Blackside, Inc. founder, the late Henry Hampton, creator of the acclaimed Civil Rights Movement series EYES ON THE PRIZE. Dante James' film credits include such works as THIS FAR BY FAITH: AFRICAN-AMERICAN SPIRITUAL JOURNEYS/,/ the six-part series that aired on PBS in 2003, THE GREAT DEPRESSION, AMERICA'S WAR ON POVERTY, and A. PHILIP RANDOLPH: FOR JOBS AND FREEDOM.
.................................................................................................... ...............................................

Hope you can make it!

Cheers,

Elisabeth

You have to be a member, but you could both do that between now and next week. It costs $40 to be a member in the "Filmmaker" category.

Also, I would be interested in knowing what you both use for an editor.

I just received a free upgrade to Sony Vegas 6 because I purchased Vegas 5 very recently and am starting a Vegas Editors group in the area. Perhaps you are using FC Pro or something, but let me know if you are interested.

ciao

Rod

I am using Final Cut Pro HD and am foaming at the mouth for all the new versions of the Pro Apps from Apple. I am a recent graduate, so I have had to put my video kit together piecemeal over the years.

SHOOTING: Sony VX2000, Beachtek XLR adaptor, Azden SGM-2x, Wideangle, Fisheye (shoot fair amount of skateboarding)

EDITING: Power Mac G5 (dual 2GHz, 2.5 GB RAM, 600GB total HD, 20" CD), FCP HD, Motion, DVDSP, Cleaner 6.

Dolce Vita is a little coffee place (they serve liquor/beer too) on Duval, just down from 45th street. It's right next to Hyde Park Grill (and across the street from Mother's restaurant).

I'll send you an email...just wanted to post that in case anyone else here was interested.
:)

Oh, and no, I'm not a member of the Film Society.
I generally try to keep an eye on what they're doing, and go to any screenings that catch my interest and just pay full ticket price.


EDITED TO ADD:

I generally shoot with the DVX100, though I rent whatever I need for the job.
Editing I use Avid Xpress DV or Premiere for my cutting, then usually go into After Effects for any post work.

I've got two systems here at home (one avid and one premiere), and for the life of me I haven't been able to bring myself to get rid of one yet...it's just been too convenient to have two. My premiere system has the old DVstorm card in it with the break out box, which still comes in pretty handy.

Looks like between the 3 of us we have all 4 major editing systems covered.

I think I'm about to make the switch over to mac/fcp though, by the end of the year. It just seems to make the most sense for me right now, and in the coming years.

Brooks and Luis:

I know exactly where Dolce Vita is now, so let's do it. This week is out, as we have seminars on both Tuesday and Thursday nights and are getting ready to leave for Port Aransas on Friday morning. We have a meeting on Wednesday.

I am shooting a Wedding near Kerrville on Saturday May 21. After that, things are a little more sane.

It looks like we are covering the gamut in both editing platforms and cameras, except for the new Canon XL2. I have heard really good reviews of the DVX100 and almost any Sony professional camera.

Let me know what works for each of you and we will get together.

Rod

I made the switch about 2 years ago from using a PC, After Effects, and Premiere and have been extremely happy. The stability of the Mac platform is strong and FCP keeps getting better.

I am not a member of the AFS either, but I did attend a lot of the "Master Classes" at UT and they were usually pretty slick.

Hey guys. I'm in Austin as well and have been hooked on editing since I decided to have a videographer just shoot my wedding and edited it myself with Premiere. I'm right on the cusp of upgrading to an FX1, but still haven't committed yet. I've had a lot of fun doing this as a hobby and would like to meet some people in town interested in the same thing. This week doesn't work, but I would be up for either coffee or fine beverage at any quality establishment downtown.

-Dan

Maybe we need to have an DV Info Net Austin Chapter hoot night, but my venue recommendation would be Matt's El Rancho down on South Lamar.

DVD Info Hoot Night
 

Chris:

That sounds good to me. Let's go for it! I also like the Mexican restaurant in Manchaca (can't remember the name right now, but they just opened one up by Lakeline mall.

Looks to me that you may also be a Linux geek?? Am I correct?

Rod

I have only tried to eat at Matt's once and the wait was too long. I would be interested in a local chapter eating, err meeting... Haha. I got some buddies that would most likely be interested too.

Wait's too long at Matt's? How about Guero's Taco Bar on South Congress.

(Rod -- read my code!)

No, the wait was just too long that one time, and I still want to try it. We all know trying a new restaurant with new people will be cool or a disaster, and either way it will be a cool memory.

Chris, shouldn't you be W+++$?

Chris:

OK, I found the translator.

I have seen folks using geek code for awhile but never had the time or interest in figuring out how to translate it.

You have set me straight now! ;-}}

Rod

New to the forum ... been in the biz for a while.

Started on a cuts only system, Sony 2860s and a 1610 camera ... does that date me?

Gone through the natural procession of equipment ...

DXC 325s
VO 58xx
BVU 9xx
UVW100
UVW 1800

Amiga 2000s/Toaster (actually met Kiki at NAB/Dallas)
Media 100 (multiple revs)

Lightwave 3D

Now using GL2 and Matrox Extreme

I am SW of the DFW area ...

Welcome aboard, Mitch! Always nice to see another fellow Texan, as it helps to offset the surprising number of Canajians and Aussies we have running around here.

For Brooks:

You'd think so, and I'd sure like to be W+++$, but the fact of the matter is that I'm just barely W++$ as it is, if even that much.

I'm in for Guero's
 

Hey! Add me to the list of gathering DVINFO Austinites... It'd be great to meet y'all. Let me know when and where this shindig ends up...

I'm in Houston

Hello from Victoria, Texas
 

Hello,

Victoria is about 2 hours south of Austin, Texas (between Austin & Corpus Christi) I started my own videography business at 17 and have been running with it ever since. Started with football games for local high schools and my recent addition is weddings (whew!). I am beginning an Independent feature in Victoria in the fall of this year to raise money for local charities.

Equip.
I use a GL2, Davis & Sanford Steady Stick, Davis & Sanford F-12 tripod. Impact lighting kit, a few pars & gels, Canon wide-angle lens, VS 100W on camera light w/ 1hr battery pack. 9hr GL2 battery. A couple of 5-in-1 reflectors, green screen, about 100 DVD tapes (most are archival, better than storing on Hard drive)

Editing
Sony Vaio Desktop-2GB Ram, 2-250GB Hard drives, 3.2GHz Processor.
OLD Sonic Foundry Vegas 3.0 :p
Ulead DVD workshop 2

About to get.
BeachTek DXA-8
2 countryman B3 mikes
Mac G5 w/20" display
1 to 5 DVD duplicator
More Sony DV tapes

Anyone else in Victoria, Texas?

Another Austinite
 

I'm in Austin / Pflugerville actually. No real camera yet, working up to that one. Currently using my DV Sony w/ FCP HD Suite.

Hello Matt, thanks for your introduction and welcome aboard!