available classes in indianapolis or chicago?
 

i am very new to dv. well basically, i don't know anything about it but i am very interested in learning everything. i would like to know if there are any classes/workshops available in either indianapolis or chicago.

thanks!

Go to http://www.dvcreators.net/ and click on "DV workshops -- schedules & maps" on the left-hand side. There's one in Chicago this weekend. These guys are friends of mine; you can't go wrong. Hope this helps,

thanks chris! unfortunately i will by at indy during their chicago 3day workshop. i would love to attend that dv workshop. i hope they add one at indy. i travel a lot bec. of work. i am based in chicago, but i have a stint in indy till september. i want to make better use of my time after work at indy so i wanted to take dv classes and someday make my own indie video.

Hi Chris,

Been out of this loop for a while. When you've recovered from NAB, drop us a line. I don't know what happened about getting "Rebel", but I read it, so if someone else is wanting to read it, please pass it on.

I finally made the plunge and after trying Promax, B&H and some companies in South Africa, I ended up buying my gear from Chris at ZGC. She was fantastic in keeping me informed about options and prices. She organized to have the PAL XL1s brought in from the UK with an International warrantee, so when I go back to South Africa, it will still be covered. I DID mention you,... thanks.

It arrives Monday 8th, April, that's tomorrow! Gonna have to decide which monitor to use, for easy viewing, but I'm really excited.

Okay, Chris...
 

I'll jump in and properly introduce myself.

I'm a Texan...which isn't that original here at DVInfo.net it seems. I live in Korea where they say "You can't throw a rock off of Nam Mountain without hitting a Park, Kim, or Lee." That seems to be the case with Texans in this community...which is good since occasionally you need to chuck a rock at a Texan or two. ;)

I started out in photography in high school way back when John Travolta was "John who?" and 8-track was gasping its last breath. I photographed school events (in a small "Last Picture Show"-type town in the Texas Panhandle) and, looking back, apparently tried to set the world record for the most photos of sunsets and silhouetted windmills ever taken.

Luckily, I grew out of the "windmill stage" and kept at photography for the next 17 years or so doing primarily outdoor portraits and modeling portfolios. Also got to do some commercial, wedding, and extreme sports photography. The extreme sports photography was by far the funnest...just setting up shots was an adventure...but paying jobs like that were few and far between. Weddings were the most plentiful source of income, but...well...they were weddings. Those of you who've done weddings know what I'm talking about.

I consider Austin my home-base now, but I've traveled a lot over the past 15 years....43 countries in all with extended stays in England, Norway, France, Spain, and seven years in Korea where I'm living now. Photography has taken a back seat to my current job which is educational web course development.

That's what got me into DV...and I'm completely hooked. Up until recently, I'd only done very short, very dry skits designed for web viewing (to go along with course materials) but I just finished last week my first short featurette filmed in the Seoul subway. What a blast! I'm now planning a series of subway stories...I'll start the next one after I move to Tokyo in May.

I'm still very green in the biz, so I tend to contribute more questions than answers here...but I'm always ready to help out as much as I can. I'm a movie fanatic...so the motivation is there to keep at this stuff. I'm hoping to hook up with some small, struggling theater troops in Tokyo to see if we can crank out some short films. I'm planning on this year as being an intensive learning experience.

I'll finish up by saying that ya got a lotta nice folks here. Nice folks who know their stuff.

See ya'll in later threads.

John isn't kidding when he says he'll help out in any way he can.

I live about an hour on the train from Tokyo and was teaching English part time to pay the bills. The company sucked and when my contract finished I had no intention of renewing it. Being a foreigner in Japan is no easy thing, as some of you know, and finding a good job in the hard economic situation is just the same. I was looking at more of the same sh@$ty English conversation schools.

Enter John. He told me his company in Tokyo was hiring and gave me a number to ring. I rang up and got an interview. That alone is difficult. The interview went well but John still decided to put in a good word for me and recommend me for the job which I now have.

Now, I have never actually met John, we only know each other through these boards. He's put his credibility on the line for some guy from the internet, and I can't thank him enough.

John is typical of the calibre of the people on these boards. No crap, a spade is a spade, unless you like to call it a shovel. I\ve been here from pretty early in the piece and I'm pretty stoked to have some prety good DVvirtual friends.

Thanks all

This forum and introductions
 

If you are new to this board, let me welcome you here. This board is all about DV (Digital Video). It is a friendly meeting place for people all over the globe who share a common passion: DV! Some people also work in the business, others use it for fun or are trying to get into the business.

My name is Rob Lohman and I am the moderator (or as Chris, the owner of the site and the forum, calls it, wrangler) for this forum. The general "rules" of the forum can be found at http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/misc.php?action=faq, please take a bit of time to read these. Thanks. This forum is all about introducing and getting to know the people who frequent this great board. It will be greatly appreciated if you introduce yourself, tell us a bit about yourself and how you got tangled up with DV. Questions about cameras, NLE, techniques etc. can best be posted in their relative other forums. Thanks in advance for your posts and welcome aboard!

Lastly I will introduce myself a bit. I live in The Netherlands (Europe) and own a XL1S PAL camera. I am currently using it for fun and learning the art of movie making. I hope one day to make my own movie (only shorts thus far). I do editing on a PC system and have a day job as a computer programmer. If you want to know more you contact me through this board.

Thank you for taking the time to read this notice and I'll see you around!

For more information on who runs this board: http://www.dvinfo.net/network/wranglers.php


Kind regards,

Rob Lohman
Wrangler "These Are the People in Your Neighborhood"

I'm going to follow Rob's lead and do the same.

My name is Adrian Douglas and my 15 minutes is co-wrangling the General DV Discussion forum with John Locke. It's a pretty big forum covering so many different things which is why there are two of us. Both of us came to video through photography, work in multimedia design and production and have experience with a wide range of software/hardware. Any questions you have we will do our best to answer them, or if we can't we will point you in the right direction.

I've been involved with DV since 1999 when I bought my XL1. I shot mainly snowboarding and surfing for other people and now I'm having a go at doing it for myself. At the moment I edit on a PC system using a Pinnacle DV500 and Adobe Premiere. I'm moving to a Mac and Final Cut Pro soon as well as adding an XM1(PAL version or GL1) to my backpack.

I'm Australian, from Queensland's Gold Coast, but am currently living in Japan. I'm slowly putting togeather an action sports video featuring Japanese surfers and skateboarders and snowboarders as well as writing a script for a feature length snowboard movie. I look forward to meeting you on the boards and hopefully being able to help in some way.

Gee whiz... that's just golden. Behold the power of message boards! I'll have to print this out and frame it.

If you boys ever find yourselves in Texas (for John, that would be "again" of course), then I'll buy ya both a round of Shiner Bock.

Hi from Auckland, New Zealand
 

Hi all. I'm new to the world of anything film related. Done a small course in 16mm film making last year and am now looking to get into DV a bit more seriously when I decide if I'm getting a PD150 or XL1s ;)

I have an idea for a fun movie project I want to do in order to learn how to shoot and all that guff. I also have a couple of ideas for short films, as well as a currently brewing idea for an "intro to animal rights" in New Zealand video.

Maybe once I get some experience I might look into actually making some money by doing functions and things like skate videos.

I'm keen to learn so if anyone is shooting any films and needs a hand with anything I'd be keen on helping out.

Cheers

Hi Aaron!

Welcome aboard first of all! It is a very good idea to try and
learn the craft with small manageable projects. That went very
well for myself (if you want to know more you can find my two
articles about all of this on the site). I wish you the best of
luck with everything! Happy dv-ing.

Cheers!

Hiya ya Krazy Kiwi!

Howzit Aaron, as a 215 pound ex-rugby player, ex-special forces, ex-stuntman and now an XL1S shooting, vegan, bunny/tree hugger, always keen to hear others on this board showing an interest in animals and such. Good luck with it!

From The Heart of the Rockies
 

Greetings, All:

I just discovered this site and from what I've seen so far I believe it will be helpful in many ways.

I live in a very small town in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado... Salida (pop. 4,000, elevation 8.500'). It's a wonderful place to live, but a pain in the fanny to get to the airport (Denver or Colorado Springs) during snowstorms.

I was a film snob until I needed some pick-up shots for my last feature about an elderly Native American and a Canada goose... the goose was terrified of the camera and boom mike. So along came the XL1 in the Frame Movie Mode, and BINGO, the shots worked. So long, Foto-Kem... nice knowing you.

Charles Newcomb

Welcome aboard Charles! Animals can indeed be difficult to work
with. My cats thing my XL1S is a toy... unless it makes noise and
that it is a scarry monster. Hehe. Nice to have you around!

I've been at this Too Long.......NOT !
 

Hi All.

I guess with 50 some posts I'm overdue for introducing myself. Born and raised in the Cleveland area, moved to Cincinnati in '79 and got started in my photography/video career. I'm 45 years old, so I'll save you the math. I've been doing this for more than half my life. I've loved every minute of it... well almost. I started my production company in Cincinnati in 1985. When I left in '96 I had 17 employees and two AVIDS and two on-line suites that you could do everything from 1 inch on down and two off-line suites. My clients were P & G , Kroger, Federated Department Stores, Ford Motor Co and the like. Sounds impressive, but any good production company in Cincinnati did work for those guys. What I really enjoyed doing were the free productions we did for The Nature Conservency, New Jersey Audubon and other conservation organizations. I feel it's very important to give something back. We have control over a very powerfull tool. If used properly we can inform and change public opinon and in doing so change our community and our world.

Well, by '95 I was shooting less and less and spending more and more time picking out health care plans, writing employee handbooks etc. I left the company in '96 with one of the AVID Media Compossers an started work on an independent production. We took a year to do it and off lined it on my AVID. When we finished I sold the AVID and went to work for a local TV Station. Left the station in '98 and started doing work on my own again. In January 2001 I bought a Mac G4 Dual Processor and taught my self Final Cut Pro. Being a certified AVID editor it wasn't too hard. Almost instantly i could see the power of what Apple is doing. The power of FCP is changing the way
small and large productions houses are editing. For the small, independant guy it gives you the same tools as the big guys. Pretty neat.

So, in twenty some years I've pretty much seen it all and done it all. I've been dealing with alot of the digital issues for nearly ten years now. The switch from Betcam SP to mini DV took a little adjustment, but i love the power it puts in the palm of your hand. So, while it's great fun to talk about all this cool DV stuff let's go out and shoot something and change our world just a little bit.

Jeff

hello from atlanta
 

posting my hello to the board and more of a thanks, I have been checking in on the watchdog and this forum for a while now but just recently finally took the plunge and registered. the information I have been getting here has been a big help long before joining.

i work at a cable network here in atlanta (gee guess which one) and after returning from the election 2000 fiasco in Florida chose to spend part of my o/t on a camera for myself. I bought my XL1 in Jan 2001 thanks to the Palm Beach County Election office....I now have a PD100A also(bcam), lecrtrosonics, lowel lights etc, ibook with fc. I do some side work for friends at work, events etc, as well as some spot ENG work and some stories for work. Its interesting because Ive primarrily shot DV prior to buying, using DSR300's and pd150s,100s. There is a plethora of them at my net and in the field they come in quite handy for the non regular crews.

Im hoping to take a leave of abscence later this summer to do some of my own stories...mtn biking in moab, clarksdale ms home of the blues, beat bands in big sur that type of thing. Again thanks to the board for helping me become better and get the right items....

Michel

btw you may have seen my camera on HeadlineNews a few weeks ago, a friend was being questioned as a guest on a segment about Indie filmaking so I lent him my camera as a prop, it had my new 16x manual lens on it. Right after it ended had a bunch of coworkers I didnt know had also purchased xl1's showed up to see the new lens :).

Thanks for checking in Michel, every once in awhile you will see me take a dig at that network, I have my own pet name for it, but my issues are related to the way it presents its programming and not with the shooters. It is an honor to have you here. Much respect,

Wow, that's quite a pedigree you have there Jeff, it's a pleasure to have you aboard and I certainly appreciate all your fine input. Much respect,

Greetings
 

Hello
My name is Mike and after years of television/print I have taken up making documentaries. My partner and I have started production with the XL1s and I could use all the help I can get.
Thanks,
Mike

Very impressive website, Mike... if you choose to attend DV Expo East at the end of June somewhere in the city, be sure to look me up and say hi... I'll be in the Canon booth. Welcome aboard!

going to Florida---
 

Hello all,

some of you might remember me and my Redtail hawk project. I am heading to Florida (Newport Richie) on the 10th til the 20th and am bring the XL1S along for some wildlife filming- anyone know any good spots around the Newport Richie area?

...totally lost in FL.

Steve

You're definitely going to be lost, because the place you are going is New Port Richey. ;^) Just kidding. About an hour north of there is where you will find manatees in the crystal clear springs and rivers.

Thanks
 

I'll do that Chris. Let me know when your in town.
Mike
raindog01@hotmail.com

Introductions
 

Thought it was about time I introduced myself, after having spent time surfing your threads. My name is Peter Summers, from the UK. I am a theatre director who has moved into DV making. I currently run a DV Production Co making Charity fundraising videos and am in pre-production on a documentary I will shoot at the end of 2002. I use an XL-1 and edit on a MacG4 in F.C.P.2

I am slowly getting into DV Production and want to shoot a feature soon.

Would love to hear from anyone in the UK esp.

Peter, many thanks for stepping forward, and I do believe we have a number of folks over there on your side of the pond in the UK. Welcome aboard!

What's up from BK!!!
 

Hope everyone is having a great day and shooting well! I am new to this site and new to filmaking, at least the technical side. I am very interested in getting with anyone who wants to shoot, talk shop or create something, especially if you are NY based. so hit me soon and hit me often!!! Later EPatric

Bryan from barrie
 

I'm a refugee from DVcom like many others here. I'm older than dirt and an amateur. A serious amateur though. I've had a TRV20 for a year now and plan to step up to either a VX2000 or a PD150 this coming week. I'm still trying to justify the price difference. oh well it's only money.

I take my video (and most other things) seriusly. I have invested a fair bit into some decent lighting gear(lowell, photoflex and Arri fresnels) and a decent NLE system

Hi Bryan, welcome aboard.

From what I've seen of the two cameras, unless you are shooting for broadcast, I'd save the cash and go with the VX. With the money you save you can add a Beechtech or the like and a better mic.

For the extra cash I really don't think the PD is worth it for anything less than pro work when someone else is footing the bill.

Welcome aboard E! Hope you enjoy your stay, there are much
more minds like yours here.

Thanks Rob. I hope to be able to pick those minds and hopefully add to the conversation.

Hi Beaser!! (No eesleazy here, I'm sure you know what I mean.) I'd take Adrian's suggestion. Go with a VX2000, and eventually add a Studio1 or BeachTec, along with perhaps a Sennheiser ME66/K6 mic/battery unit.

Don't forget a Tiffen Black Pro mist 3, that is if you can get one in Canada (back-ordered like 10 months up here).

Frank Granovski
Vancouver 4th Avenue DV Freak
(The Poco non-female female getter--EEK!)

Hello from the new guy
 

Hey everyone. I've been a frequent visitor to the board for about a year, and a twice-daily visitor for about the last two weeks. I thought it was about time to register.

I'm a DV filmmaker (feature-length, mainly) in Sarasota, FL.
I'm using an NTSC XL1 and will be building an Avid XPress DV system soon (currently using Premiere 6).

I don't have any DV features finished yet, but I'm currently in production on a feature-length mock-umentary called "Adventures in Pimpin'" (I'm producing & will be editing) and in Preproduction on an untitled dramatic feature that starts filming 1 November '03 (saving $$ in the meantime for more equipment).

Erm....I'm 23 and, because this suddenly sounds like an AA meeting....I'm not at alcoholic!

And that's all I can think to say right now.

-Shawn

Hi Shawn! Welcome aboard. Your story sounds a bit like my own
(only difference is that I've also posted in that time). I've been
going to this board at least twice a day a while back too, just
to many post otherwise. Especially since I'm also wrangling
this particular forum! Thanks for your introduction and glad to
have you with us after your long reading period.

I'm in the same age category as you are (24) and am also working
on some shorts and a feature to produce.

Welcome Shawn!
 

Glad you decided to come in from the wings. It sounds like you have a very positive, decisive outlook. That's half the battle. Keep us posted on your work when you get a chance. We love "war" stories here. And, of course, don't hesitate to call upon your fellow members when you need info or opinions.

Best Regards,

I guess I should have replied early, but any way, nice to see more English people on this board and I hope you find it a useful resource, just like I have.

Hope everything is well,

Ed Smith

helpful tips would be nice!
 

My name is Jasen and I've just started a company that mainly does Graphic Design: Print and Intactive. Some projects just came up and I have to shoot a couple 3:00m videos. I have a XL1 but for the past year and a half I've mainly used it for personal use. The video I have shot looks pretty good but it's nothing special. Well, I want to push my Canon and make these videos look great. For starters, I'm renting an old western dolly and jib arm but I still need a lot of help. I see tons of XL1's with filters, different lenses, microphones, etc., and that's the kind of info I need!

I'll be shooting mainly outside and interviewing about 10 people. Any helpful tips would be nice!

thanks

Hello and welcome
 

I, too, have anXL-1. the most impotant filter you can get is a UV or skylight 72mm, They are mainly to protect your lens from dirt and being scatched. For a mic set up I use a Lectrosonic UHF from Location sound. It's range is phonominal.
With it I have a lav, a hand mic, and a shotgun. They all transmit through the UNF transmitter. I'm not saying their inexpensive, but I've had fantastic results.

If you have any Questions e-mail me

Bruce

Baltimore Post!
 

Hi everyone,
I do post production and primary photography in the Baltimore Maryland area. I have a FCP station, access to Avid Xpress, XL1S, AJ-D250L Cam. Work primarily with DVCpro, but also experience with MiniDV, Beta SP, Beta SX and those other Analog formats.

See ya round!
OJ

Hi from stafford (north) VA.
 

Hi everyone my name is jim and among the many hats i wear at work is the one that now says I will be doing our in house training videos.

I use a Mac system at home, and in fact we have 7 Mac's and 1 window system at work in the Richmond VA. area.

Tnx for this board Chris, I have been reading for some time now.

Welcome aboard! Citizen of the of the hometown of the KING OF PUKE!!

Oops, no offense here, I guess you know who I mean.. ;-)))

Cheers, Peter