southeast texas?
 

hello everyone, im jared thomas. i live in southeast texas and i think im the only person here that enjoys the art of film/video. Well it atleast seems that way. If anyone knows where beaumont is, im moving there in a few weeks...but its not a very big move, about 30 minutes from where i am now. I work as a p.a. for a local a.b.c station in beaumont, thats why im moving there. i also have a very small video production company that is just getting started called Rhythmic Productions. you can learn more about that at www.rhythmicproductions.com . like i said i dont know anyone around here into dv, so thats why im posting this...in hopes of possibly meeting some people and seeing what others around here are doing with dv. im not very advanced in the ways of dv so i was hoping of learning some tips and tricks of the trade and maybe collaberating on some projects or something. im only 18 so im still young and have alot of learning to do. i would like to work with video for a living somehow...possibly documentaries: music/special intrest kinda stuff. im not sure. i would love to work on a feature film one of these days. yeah thats sorda a quick rundown on me....anyone in the area that would like to meet up and exchange a conversation, holler at me via email or post on here.....thanks.

p.s. even if you live remotely close, im willing to travel for a decent conversation....i know what your thinking, and yes i am that lonley.

p.p.s. im not really that lonley, i have plenty of awsome friends...but none of them know anything about dv filmmaking....................so i dont even consider them friends.

p.p.p.s disregard previous p.p.s....that is all. thank you.

Welcome aboard Jared. There are all sorts of folk here from Texas! See the
following thread for example:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=39148

im in southeast texas, about 1 hours drive north east of houston....in beaumont to be exact. i would love to meet some of DVi people, holler back.

thanks rob.

Hello from West Texas
 

First off, I am throughly impressed by the wealth of knowledge that can be obtained from this site. It's great to see so many people so eager to share their knowledge and experience so quick and freely. Thanks to the gurus that help the greenhorns like myself break into the adventurous videography/film game. Through a series of conversations with a friend of mine we aired out our desire to immerse ourselves in the world of film. Both of us are writers and I am an artist of sorts. So, naturally we wanted to develop and hone a craft from our talents. Of course, with that was born big dreams of big cameras followed by big paychecks, but soon we realized the reality of it all and we came down from our initial high. I am a World Geography and World History teacher and John is a teacher as well, so we can gain some experience on the weekends and during the summer months. We would eventually like to break into filming documentaries and even write/ shoot independent films later, but we are at an impasse mainly because we do not know where to start and we do not have too many resources here in good ol' West Texas. If you any of you gurus out there have any advice for a lowly "grasshopper" like myself, your input would be greatly appreciated.

Howdy from Dallas!
 

I suggest either going to your local community cable television station, and working for free to learn how to shoot and edit. Or, getting some books.

websites work as well:
http://www.digitalvideoediting.com/a...e.jsp?id=32317

http://www.b-roll.net/ (click on the "tips" tab)

Also, watch films and pay attention to the lighting. TV commercials as well, you'll have no idea how many times i've copied other DP's when I shoot commercials.

Well, good luck!

Thanks Jacques,

I will be checking into that. Can you suggest any particular films?

Thanks for all of your helpful advice,

Keith

MSProductions
Matt Sawyers
Victoria, Texas Videography
www.mattsfilms.com

Hello Keith, welcome aboard (H)DVInfo.net! It's good to have you with us!

I taught video production for Victoria I.S.D. and Region 3 Education Service Center for 10 years before moving to Orlando 2 years ago. I also did videos for several school organizations including the cheerleaders, swimteam, and D.A.R.E. Possibly we have met.

Rockport Texas (near Corpus Christi)
 

Hey there, Matt! Glad to see there's someone in my area. I'm out of Rockport Texas (near Corpus Christi).

My name is Jeff Jassky. I would consider myself an advanced-novice to professional videography/film work. I currently own a canon XL1 and some equippment for that, as well as some digital SLR still camera equippment. I should soon be upgrading to a newer Panasonic HD 24P camera and a guerilla 35, or micro35 adaptor when I get the dough.

This fall/winter I'm looking to hook up with an experienced, or even not-so experienced film maker to possibly help out with a film and learn more about this profession/hobby. Are you by chance looking for any help with your movie this fall/winter? If so, let me know for sure. I would really enjoy helping out with a film project for the first time. Even doing coffee & McDonalds runs. I was hoping on possibly working on a short film with some other film enthusiast friends of mine around the same time in the texas area. We haven't done any work on it yet to speak of, so I don't know if that will solidify.

Anyway, once again good to see you on the boards man. I'm a newbie to the boards here. You guys wll probobly be seeing me on here more. I look forward to hearing from ya

-Jeff

Corpus Christi
 

Hello fellas,

I am out of Corpus Christi. I do part-time event videography...mostly weddings and school dance programs. I have a Sony VX 2000 with the Beachtek XLR adapter. I use a Sony tripod with a zoom controller built into the handle. It is very light but works well. Azden wireless lav microphone, Canon WD wide angle lens. I also have a Lowell stand light with various gels. I use a Sony Digital 8 as a backup for now. I am looking to buy a new camera, probably a Sony PD 170. I edit on a Sony Vaio Desktop with a 100 gig video partition and use three 120 gig external firewire hard drives. I use Pinnacle Studio 9 Plus and Sony Vegas 3.0 for editing. My computer came with Adobe Premier LE but I seldom use it.

Robert Gonzales
Digital Memories Video

Hi from Santa Fe, Texas
 

Just getting started and have learned quite a bit so far on this community forum. Thanks

John

Welcome aboard (H)DVInfo.net John. Glad we could help you out, good to have you with us!

Greetings from S. Texas
 

Howdy Y'all!

As this is my first post on this site, let me just say a hearty, "Hello!" to you folks. I'm down here in sunny and warm (for @#$% February!) South Texas and have enjoyed DV for the last ..... crap!...has it been that long??? Well, I've been editing video for over 20 years, but actual "DV" for the last few.

By day, I'm a multimedia/internet specialist with the Department of Defense. All other times, I own and operate El Pilon Productions from home. My wife does most of the still photography, while I do the video. We've done a couple of weddings (and, God help me, I want to do more!), couple of events, are working on a tourism video. Just finished production on a Wine Festival DVD! We're just having LOADS of fun.

I use a Sony HDR-FX1 and a DCR-TRV38. Running the full Adobe Video Collection (not the new one - dammit), although I'm still learning AE, on a Dell dual monitor, dual processor system. Love it, love it, LOVE it.

Looking forward to reading all the topics on here as well as finding others in the area who share the same passion. Give me a holler!

Ed.

Welcome to DVinfo Edward! Will look forward to reading more about your projects.

Texas born and raised
 

Hello everyone, my name is Shedrick Mask living in Waco, Texas working as a News Photographer for News Channel 25. I have been working here for over a year now and just started buying equipment for my own personal use. I recently brought a HVR-A1 to start practicing shooting in HD. If any of you are near my area let me know there is still a lot stuff I want to learn as far as shooting scenes and would like your expertise.


Thanks

Shedrick

Hello Shedrick, welcome aboard (H)DV Info Net, good to have you with us!

Texas born and raised!

Not even Chris will hold that against you here! :)

Welcome, we would like to hear about what you do. Check out our thread on the DV Challenge movie contests, and get prepared to try it out. No better way to learn.

Mike

For the DV challenge can I start with news stories that I've done and then short stuff later?

Oh no no no! There will be a theme posted at the start of the contest, and you will have to shoot new footage/new movie for the contest. It is cool and a great learning experiance. I hope that you join us.

Check out the DV Challange forum for more info and past entries. Have fun!

Mike

Oh ok I def. try to compete. I'll look it up once I I get a break from work.

I wasn't born in Texas, but I got here as soon as I could. Always nice to see yet another Texan on DV Info Net. Welcome aboard,

My family moved to Waco Tx right after the Civil war, I unfortunately, was born in Buffalo NY (thanks to the Fed govt), then moved back when very young. My brother was born in Chorpus Christi and I have relatives in Houston/Galveston areas. I've been in Europe, Turkey and all over the USA since.

Lived at Ft Hood 18months, hated Killeen and Copperas Cove, fell in love with Austin. Been hoping to move back for decades, but can't seem to find a job around there. Dallas maybe, but not Austin. Drat. Dallas too conservative for me, Houston to spread out and urbanized. Austin, and surrounding area perfect, at least 10 years ago. Prefer country if possible.

I'm also a dyed in the wool Cowboys fan, even when they suck, which is a lot lately.

Killeen has grown in the time since you've been here, it actually bigger IMO than Waco. Austin I've only been there once and that was back in High School. I so want to work while travling the world I just haven't found that job yet. So until then I'm here, honing my shooting skills in the boonies of Central Texas.

Texas
 

So I was checking out info on DIY stuff and I found this forum.

It is amazing. Thank you Chris and anyone else affiliated with the site.

Ok well, I live in Houston as of now, but later this year I'll live in Arlington. I'll be there for college at UT Arlington and may transfer to UT Austin. I have been interested in movies since I was very young and have used super8, Hi-8, and DV cameras. I have yet to check out the HDV cameras, but hope to get one for school with the money from work and graduation.

As of now, the FX1 is the only feasible HD option for me. I really want to try out the M2 micro35 adapter; if James could maybe hook me up with a student discount or maybe an in-state discount.

Check out some videos at http://rockbottomproductions.googlepages.com/

Thanks,
Tyler

Hi Tyler, welcome aboard (H)DV Info Net, good to have you with us!

Houston (Bay Area/Clear Lake) down here! I know that there are a bunch of cowboys (ha ha...pixel wrangler?) round' these parts.

Ya, there seem to be quite a few Texans on the forum.

After saying all that about the FX1, I think Im going to go with standard def. I just won't have the money for everything needed. Im looking into DVX's as of now.

Thank you all for the replies,
Tyler

Texas born
 

I live about 300 miles south of Waco. I am trying to do some Weddings I use a Cannon GL2 with a FS-4 recorder.

Rhome Texas here (just North of Fort Worth)
 

Hi all,

Just got my XL2 in day before yesterday. It's gonna take a lot of learning to master this baby.

I work in IT and have a public access tv show that ran in Fort Worth but runs online for the most part now a days. www.accordingtowhim.com

I am hoping to put this camera to good use!

Hi Nathan, welcome aboard DV Info Net, good to have you with us!

Congratulations on the purchase!

Howdy from Texas!
 

Hey, my name is C.K. Thurber and I have been a filmmaker for over 10 years now. My specialty is in videography, but I have played with every role on a film set. I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in Radio-TV-Film.

I found I had skills in producing, the business side, so I am now getting my MBA in digital media management at St. Edward's in Austin. Now with the new tax incentives in Texas, I hoping to be working a lot more.

Currently, though, I am working at b-side entertainment, an online niche indie film distributor that catches those festival gems that are not lucky enough to receive studio distribution.

Anyways, it is great to be here. Nice to meet you all!

Welcome aboard, C. K. Please be sure to review our posting policy. This board runs a lot differently than what you'll find elsewhere on the internet. We keep it clean and neutral, with lots of info, and little or no garbage. I'm just north of Dallas.

regards,

Greg Boston
Moderator (Wrangler in Texas talk)

It's always nice to see the state-standard "Howdy from Texas!" greeting. It was my regular salutation when I posted online elsewhere on the web, and I used it for the very first public post here at DV Info Net: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=7

Great to see a fellow Longhorn too. I graduated from the U.T. Austin film school back in 1990. Spent many a long hour in the OLE bays up in the Box Car. Burgers and Shiner Bock across the street on the Drag at Hole In The Wall... sometimes I really miss those days! Dang, I just made myself hungry...

Welcome aboard,

University of Texas RTF
 

I'm about to go into my senior year of high school and I need to narrow down my choices for college. I live in Pittsburgh, PA but Texas is one of the top schools on my list right now. How was your experience at UT? Do you recommend it? ...just trying to narrow down my choices and any comments would help..thanks

First of all: any film school is only as good as you make it. If you don't volunteer for projects or try on every role on the set, you will not get the best education.

With that said, I think UT has a great film and video program. They are one of the few state schools (i.e. cheap) that actually focuses more on film production than television (and since television is becoming more like film, it's highly important to know one camera shooting versus three style).

They are a little loosy goosy on allowing you to take nearly any class you want. This is great because you can take cinematography and sound classes one semester and editing and production design classes another. It's can be bad, though, as many students do not take requirement courses in the mean time or take too many RTF courses and end up there 8 years (so if you are sensible about planning courses, you'll be fine).

If you are looking for producing, John Pierson (Clerks, Reel Paradise) teaches. If you are looking for screenwriting, Bob Foshko and Richard Lewis teach. If you want to get your shorts festival ready, Scott Rice is your guy. While not all the faculty is great, the majority are working filmmakers who know their craft.

Austin is a great town, and there is a new studio being built here (and tax incentives just got passed), so there should be a lot of work here. However, UT is just a training facility. They will not do anything to help you get a job. It's not like USC and UCLA that has apprenticeships in place. There is a film "studio" attached to UT, burnt orange productions, but most of the key spots go to grad students or who the outside directors hire.

UT will give you a lot of the great experience and resume builders you need, but you will have to learn to shop yourself around afterwards... there's no free meal here. A lot of my peers are working, but many are also not. It is, however, the best bang for your buck and when you get done with the program, you will have a bachelor's degree so you can at least get A job when you get out (as opposed to the film intensives).

I'm sure you already know the site, but it's http://rtf.utexas.edu . Be sure you do your research and visit the school (you may not be able to stand the August heat here!). IMDB has a fairly extensive list of film school sites (http://www.imdb.com/filmschools).

If you have any other questions about UT, do not hesitate to contact me ckthurber@bside.com .

Welcome C.K., and a big howdy to y'all from The Pass (although I think I'm the only El Pasoan using that term).

This site is a wonderful font of knowledge, effervescing with helpful, critical, honest, and oft times humorous people. Chris certainly runs a nice show!

Trey--

I went to a "small" film school in Southern Calif. (Chapman Univ) for three years and found it a very great experience. Like C.K. said utilize your time well, get on a set as soon as possible and learn every position as much as possible, help out your fellow classmates (but be humble and nice about it :), establish friendships and connections for now and in the future, and last but not least, have fun! (Cause you'll be paying those school loans soon enough!)

Best,

--JA

thanks a lot
 

Thanks a lot for the responses CK and Jeff...I have already visited UT but we did a general UT tour, not the RTF tour so we really didnt get any questions answered pertaining to the film school, just the overall stuff. Thanks again!

Hey C.K. welcome to the boards. You are gonna like it here, lots of info and some of the best people around.

Jeff, glad to see another El Pasoan on here, I'm also from there, what I wouldn't give for some Chico's Tacos. First time I have heard someone refer to ELP as The Pass.

With so many Texans on this forum the little icon next to the website address at the top of the browser ought to be a Texas flag:-)