fuzzynormal

Just out of curiosity, because I never go there, what's the culture of that DVX forum like? Is it just really buttoned-up or something?

Not too hard: A character's POV as he/she is overwhelmed by sensation. I mean, I think I've already seen something similar on "Homeland" for instance, as the bipolar protagonist has a cope during an emotional breakdown. Sci-Fi: Some sort of temporal time travel. Thriller: interspatial montage as the hero travels to a new location... Whatever. The main thing is that creating dynamic edits that actually controls the viewer's eye movement in a deliberate way is a basic and effective technique. Even "slow" edits should do the same if the material demands it.

Editing is a "hidden" part of the filmmaking craft. When done right, it contains incredible power without being too noticed. The interesting thing about this sort of technique is how very very assertive it is while still keeping many things "hidden" --such as audio...and by visually connecting seemingly disparate elements. It's a sort of paradox. It's also visual candy. Its an impressionistic film, yes. And not one that is meant to be direct narrative. It's fun to watch, but as a viewer you're not allowed to have much emotional connection to anyone in it. Which is fine. It's more about letting that environments sounds and images wash over you. And, yeah, it will be a "dated" look a handful of years down the road, much like the twee "maker" movies will be/are. However, that's not to say that the craft used very aggressively in this sort of work couldn't be used judiciously as an effective narrative tool in other sorts of filmmaking.

Seems like Dziga Vertov style with modern production elements. The thing to consider about the fundamental element of the style --is to be aware of how the images and transitions lead the viewer's eye very assertively.

Forgive your lighting? Why? It looks like you know what you're doing. From what I've found, much like music, what you take away is as important as what you do. The space between the notes. Those that know what to "hear" are ahead of the game.

It's epic! Especially with all those areal shots. Is it almost too epic? It's very very pretty, but I almost feel it should be more grounded. Literally. But that's me, my opinion about aerials ain't what it used to be. Nevertheless, I am very impressed with the visuals regardless of how you've implemented them in your final cut. It is truly cool that a talented newbie can grab off the shelf consumer gear and create motion picture images that rival anything you'd see from a pro. If that doesn't put the fear of god (pardon the pun) into DP's, I don't know what would. I mean, I'm assuming you're newbies...but when a guy is named "Jimy J. Hollywood" who knows? Still, how did your story turn out, ultimately? Do you like the narrative you created?

Agreed, but when you know that your story is the type that demands that sort of treatment, then you make the decision to go that route. Thus, your main consideration begins with the story --and not the fact that you just bought a cool anamorphic lens and need to figure out something to make with it.

Start with your story. It flows out from there. That's the fountain. If you know you have a good story, then you do the things and make decisions to make sure it stays a good story. As a documentary guy, I've shot things more or less identically for a film with dry information vs. a film with emotionally resonating stuff. And a good compelling story always elevates the production. I don't think it works too well in the other direction. You can decide to begin with awesome gear and base a production around what the technology offers you, but I just don't see that being the smartest way to approach a creative endeavor.

I enjoy this website because I'm a gear oriented guy. Even better because I'm a CHEAP gear oriented guy. I like consumer stuff. But gear is only one aspect of making films. The slant of user conversations on this site might imply to a neophyte reader that camera gear is the primary consideration of the film making process. That's not right or wrong, it's just the way it is. I certainly think gear should only be a secondary consideration. I'd even argue that these days it could almost be an afterthought, depending on what one is trying to accomplish. As in, "Well, we have a t3i already, let's just use that." But, really, those creatives that are going to be successful at this motion picture stuff will be able to figure that out for themselves. Those that don't, well, there's a lot of us around to write words on the internet.

If one can tell a good story chances are one can be a good filmmaker. now with the barriers to good motion picture IQ falling away, those that are creative will be the ones valued...unlike the past, where if you had the gear you were automatically established. EOSHD's 2013 review of the GM1 and GX7 lead me to get my hands on cheap consumer cams with wonderful IQ. Making movies with that gear has been a ton of fun.

I hope the Panasonic CM1 evolves and offers a little more video-wise in the next generation. Even so, I've been tempted for awhile with the current version.

I agree, brilliant advice. I'll put it into motion and see if glazed donuts with sprinkles work.

Even though it was shot on consumer grade gear, it was exposed pretty decently. I'd like to do a color grade on Resolve --as that's the software I'd like to upgrade to next year, but I'm not particular. More interested in collaborating with people with talent than anything else. Thanks! Well, that would be perfectly wonderful for someone like me. Since it was shot with a camera that shares the same sensor as a GH4, I wonder if that would generate any interest? Any suggestions on a practical way to initiate a process like that?

Thanks for the feedback. We made a sweet very straightforward little film where the theme is the importance of friendship against a society's measures of success. So, in my mind, I believe it deserves a sentimental color palette in warmer hues. Here's the blurb: "An aspiring housewife living in the heart of Japan creates an international English language publication. After three decades struggling against cultural, creative, and family challenges, her and the staff must then reckon with what it means to be successful." If you or your colleague would like to see a draft and get an idea how the footage looks, I can send along a link. Let me know if you're intrigued and I will definitely follow-up. We shot the film on Panasonic Lumix cams, the GM1 and Gx7, for whatever that's worth. And if anyone else is interested, regardless if you're "pro" or not, I'd love to hear from you. Indeed. Some people can paint even though they've never had formal training. Since that's not me, I do need some 'learn-by-example' sessions (in a bedroom or studio, I don't care) And anyone's that's good at it, that's fine by me. Thanks all!

So, I need a hand in grading my 30-minute doc. I'd really like to hire someone with serious skills in coloring, but outside of the "biz," because I can't afford those types of rates...although I CAN afford to compensate reasonably. Very indy, you know? I've dabbled, but I tend to end up making stuff look somewhat ridiculous rather than polished, so I really need to rectify this issue. Also, I'd love to watch the process and ask dumb-ass questions along the way so I can glean some knowledge. I'm not sure if this sort of thing is an appropriate request, but it doesn't hurt to ask, so I'm asking. And if this should be posted elsewhere, let me know. Are you self-taught and really good at coloring your own stuff, but would like to make some U.S. dolores showing an idiot how it's done on his short film? Or, do you have a friend that's talented and is looking for a gig? If so, I'd love to hear from you. Or...heck, even some advice would be appreciated...

I hope it's innovative and shakes things up. However, my DJI Phantom had an impressive spec sheet when it was released a few years back, but the IQ was horrible, so I'll believe it when I see it. No doubt that the tech is evolving for it to be a nice product though...

Anything that represents your skill set and the level you can do things will probably be beneficial. This works well enough. I like it. You have an eye for light. That's one of the things that folks will be attracted to, consciously or not. That visual informs folks that, "yeah, they probably know what they're doing." I do need to learn how you color grade because the way you pull your color together is a good look, I think, for corporate. The only thing is that there's not a lot of different clients in the reel, but you'll build that over time.

I'm with you. I've been shooting gigs for a few years now where I certainly don't look "pro" on location, and quite honestly I don't want to; there's more things to worry about for the jobs I do. I've played the game where I "dress up" for a client and bring along more stuff. While I can do it, it's typically so unwieldy I really find it kind of annoying. Your ability to plan out and then find the shots you're getting while things unfold (more or less) in real time is impressive. I don't think too many people understand what a real challenge and accomplishment that is. Limiting yourself to minimal glass is brilliant. I do that as well, and it was a major decision that finally allowed me to actually get more considerate as a shooter. I'd recommend that to anyone/everyone. Is it all just weddings with you or are you into making documentary films as well? You've obviously got the aesthetic visual ability.

Talent trumps gear. If you're under the delusion that it doesn't, consider this yet another exhibit that should dissuade you from that notion.

what's the most difficult aspect of directing a film for you?

Well, looks like I'll be completely re-grading my documentary then.

You think it's getting bad in the motion picture "industry" as things get more democratic? You should see what happened to the indy music scene over the past few decades. I've been a clown in that rodeo for awhile. And endless amount of young new people are dabbling in the profession without a clue and they grasp at everything and anything for a foothold --which makes them ripe for exploitation. Back in the day a tradecraft was protected simply because it was a somewhat exclusive club to get into. Forget about that with movie making, for better and worse. I just assume I'm a mark for that sort of legalized grifting and carry on with as much skepticism I can muster.

Yes, this is true, but one is still poking at the body of the camera rather than turning one of the knobs after activating a function key. For me, using the knobs and have them dedicated would be preferred during actual shooting. A little more customization options with a firmware upgrade would be nice.

I'd like to see more frequent firmware offerings to make the em5ii more ergo friendly for video shooting. Those kinds of software updates are easy to create. The fact that I can't simultaneously program control of ISO or shutter speed or frame rate to the two rotating dials on top the camera bugs me. Right now, from what I've been able to figure out, it's only ISO and white balance together...not ideal for exposing video IMHO. I'd like to have those two things side by side. Just more freedom to program anything to function buttons would be appreciated. Also, you can't control exposure with knobs when shooting, which is unfortunate. I don't run into the need to change during a shot much, but when I want to and can't it's annoying. You actually can change ISO values when shooting, but only through the touchscreen menu. Meh. Worthless for trying to keep a shot going while you're poking the camera body with your finger But again, all things that firmware could easily tackle. Hope Oly is more assertive than other companies in this regard.

I do have a lot of fun shooting with my em5ii, but I'd like it even more with 4k. Its always something. One day soon though we'll have great 5-axis with 15 stops of DR and great low-light capabilities. Not this year, but not far off either.