Adrian --- I see you worked Max Steel. Are you a Lightwave guy?

Thanks for reminding me... I gotta get that pulled off my credits... that show was just "max paycheck" as we all joked about.

I use lots of packages. These days Lightwave gets used less and less, however, I do have a significant knowledge of Lightwave, due to many years in the trenches with it.

Adrian

<<<-- Originally posted by Mark Argerake : Adrian --- I see you worked Max Steel. Are you a Lightwave guy? -->>>

Hi Everyone-
I am new to this whole experience---I just bought a GL2 and I'm going to start filming my first documentary this weekend. I know nothing about how to use the thing or what I will edit on or any of the important stuff like that, but I do know that I really love film and that i have it in me to become a filmaker (one day). I would love some advice or ideas about what I'm headed into. I'm also always looking for work in the film industry as a PA or intern or anything. So if anyone out there feels like helping me out with advice or even a job (!) that would be fantastic.

Hi,

I'm Heath; I started my film career (after years of school and using tiny video cameras when I was younger) four years ago when I bought an XL-1 and an Apple with Premiere (Final Cut Pro wasn't out for another month, but I bought it soon afterwards). I'd be happy to give you advice!

You've got the tools, but that's only just so much to make movies or documentaries. I, like many others, mix up equipment for my talent, and that's bad. Just find the best gear and go for it. There are tons of books out there, but I am feeling more and more that it's all pointless. Watch some docs and movies, read a couple of good books, then look inside yourself. That's why you won't find many website forums on "how REALLY to make a movie." It's all in your heart, mind and talents.

Email me any questions: heath@mpsdigital.com and visit my site (plug plug) www.mpsdigital.com.

Good luck and tell us more about your documentary!

Heath McKnight
www.mpsdigital.com


<<<-- Originally posted by Maggie Goldwasser : Hi Everyone-
I am new to this whole experience---I just bought a GL2 and I'm going to start filming my first documentary this weekend. I know nothing about how to use the thing or what I will edit on or any of the important stuff like that, but I do know that I really love film and that i have it in me to become a filmaker (one day). I would love some advice or ideas about what I'm headed into. I'm also always looking for work in the film industry as a PA or intern or anything. So if anyone out there feels like helping me out with advice or even a job (!) that would be fantastic. -->>>

Got tired working as a broker for over 20 years, I started managing money for private individuals. 6 years ago one of my clients offered me an opportunity to manage a company selling broadcast and professional equipment and accessories. This was like a dream come true for me. Now I enjoy going to the office everyday. In between customers and signing export documents and invoices etc. I do research on stocks. It's strange that both my loves start with the letter "M". Money & Movies! I couldn't ask for anything more.

Hi!

I work in special effects for film. Mostly doing "photoreal" things like fire, snow, cg backgrounds, etc etc.

I've been using video to do small things like shoot my own commercials, music videos for friends, that sort of thing.

Nice work Jeffrey. Which applications do you use mostly for this
kind of work? I knew a guy once that did some work for Star Trek
in LightWave.

Hi Rob!

It depends on what we're doing at the moment. For 3d, we use Maya and Houdini. Maya is best for building models, animation, lighting... Houdini is mainly for particle effects like making rain and such.

My specialty is actually in set reconstruction and camera moves in 3d. So, rebuilding in 3d "exactly"(haha... yeah right..) what the real camera on set did. That way, it's easier for the artists to get their effects in and looking right.

If you'd like to talk offline, email me. I don't want to bore everyone :)

Also, who did you know on Star Trek? I know a few of those guys also from my Digital Domain days.

This thread's enthusiastic responses inspire me. When I was a wee lad growing up in Southern New Jersey, my dreams of being a filmmaker eclipsed everything else, including my schoolwork which was mediocre at best (academic underachiever here). My friends and I made silent, then sound, Super 8mm shorts. Silly stuff, you know, but hey, the family got a charge out of sitting around the projector in our dark den to watch my silly-assed films.
I don't know how I did it, but I graduated high school and actually got accepted to NYU! Of course, the film school would not allow me to take film courses until I proved myself in general courses. You guessed it, I flunked out my freshman year and never made it to the film school part. Needing a job to take care of the unimportant stuff like feeding, clothing and housing myself, I first joined the Marines then became a cop and have been one ever since.
My passion for the movies has not waned one iota.
In the mid-90s I wrote ten, full length motion picture screenplays that were, at one brief time, optioned by a wonderful producer in L.A. (don't be impressed by the "optioned" part; every person and his great granny have had "screenplays" optioned" at one time. Means nothing in the biz). I even had a few "agents" represent me (I won't go into that part now, my ears are becoming red hot. When I think of it, a few of them had taken me for a pretty good ride, one being the sister of a very famous male movie and TV star. Shame on me.)
Flash forward: When I noodled around and discovered the digital revolution, I had a cathartic experience. I realized that with a computer, software and a decent prosumer level digital video camera, I could bring about the same production results as the networks had in the mid 90s! Fabulous! With practice and drive I could be a one man studio! It's great to be alive and interested in independent filmmaking in 2003! Digital projection has made it possible for a shlub like me to show my movie at our local multiplex with stadium seating (a local guy did just that! Check out WWW.STEELSPIRIT.COM).
I now lock up the bad guys during the day and shoot wedding videos and independent short movies in my off time. Believe me, I have my share of cops and colleagues (with and without acting experience) volunteering their services. My home town even hosts it's own Summer film festival, the Atlantic City Film Festival.
Every once in awhile, however, I ask myself what in hell am I getting into? I'm in my early 40's and playing with movies like I did when I was a kid. Has any other middle aged person in my position felt this way at times?

Welcome Hugh

Yes, I feel the same way and I am 43. I retired from the Coast Guard 5 yeas ago. I am on VA disability for migraines. I am waiting for vocational rehab so I can go back to work.
I have allows wanted to make movies so one day I decide that is what I am going to do. I took out a Sallie Mae student loan, and attend The Los Angeles Film Schools 6-week digital film course. I purchased a XLIs from the school and now I am having a blast. I would like to make documentaries and movies. I am looking into funding at this time.
I bid you fair winds and following seas in your new adventure.

Dear Doug:

Thanks for the bravery. Attack it aggressively and well. Give us "old timers" something to shoot for. Since I am also using and XL1s, if you need East Coast footage for anything, drop me a line.

My Best to you
Hugh

Not too sure what to say here... would love to write a bit about myself (who wouldn't?) but it's doubtful that anyone will read - so I'll just say I'm new. I work in a video store. I'm a film student and a writer. I've had written work published, but nothing filmed as yet (don't actually own a camera; just rent one from time to time). I love to critique things though, so beware of posting work up! :)

Amelie, we read everything that gets posted here, so feel free to write your biography! Working in a video store is a great way to study films. Welcome aboard,

<<<-- Originally posted by Amelie Stein : Not too sure what to say here... would love to write a bit about myself (who wouldn't?) but it's doubtful that anyone will read - so I'll just say I'm new. I work in a video store. I'm a film student and a writer. I've had written work published, but nothing filmed as yet (don't actually own a camera; just rent one from time to time). I love to critique things though, so beware of posting work up! :) -->>>

Amelie,

When I started film school in the fall of 1995 (it was my sophmore year), I was making $5 an hour (and that's after a hefty 75 cent raise) as the head projectionist at a local United Artists movie theatre. It was a cool part-time job, but really paid nothing. After that, I worked at a couple of other movie theatres, then a Mail boxes, Etc.; then a grocery store (in seafood/meat!); then Barbizon Lighting and a movie theatre (I was burnt out doing two jobs and school) and finally a TV station as a news cutter. And I didn't own a camera either, didn't buy my XL-1 until March 1999 to shoot my first movie. And I wrote A LOT, especially when I was working for close to a year in seafood/meat in late 1996 to the fall of 1997. Weird times that produced some of the best material of my life! I've already made two movies from that period and still have another script to produce.

So I can definately relate!

heath
www.mpsdigital.com

Hello All,
I'm a Producer/Director at a government station. My job involves writing, shooting, editing and directing. I love doing it all. I just bought a DVX 100 and am looking forward to shooting shorts and documentaries.

<<<-- Originally posted by Carolyn Burgess : Hello All,
I'm a Producer/Director at a government station. My job involves writing, shooting, editing and directing. I love doing it all. I just bought a DVX 100 and am looking forward to shooting shorts and documentaries. -->>>

At channel 20? I work at Channel 5 in promotions! That's cool! Glad to know someone's on the board in WPB (I live down in old folksville, Boynton Beach, near glorius "Leisureville").

Sounds like you do some cool stuff there.

heath
www.mpsdigital.com

Yes, Channel 20. I worked at Channel 5 when I first moved to West Palm Beach in 1983.

We do a lot of local production at Channel 20, some interesting, some boring (government meetings), but it pays the bills.

<<<-- Originally posted by Carolyn Burgess : Yes, Channel 20. I worked at Channel 5 when I first moved to West Palm Beach in 1983.

We do a lot of local production at Channel 20, some interesting, some boring (government meetings), but it pays the bills. -->>>

I started at 5 in 1997, left in 1999, and came back in late 2000 (long story). It's cool, the new building rocks (that old one sucked).

You may have worked with Todd Kolich who now heads Ko-Mar Productions, located in Channel 5. Nice people, Ko-Mar.

heath

I remember Todd, didn't really know him.

The old building is just a figment of everyone's imagination now. I toured the new building with Bernadette. Nice! They had been planning to build a new building even before I worked there.

I also edit on FCP 1.2 on a laptop. Never upgraded, basically for the same reason that you have. I'm planning to buy FCP 4 in the next 2 months, along with a dual processor Mac. I edit on Avid at work, but I'm drawn to the fact that FCP is upgradable. Is 5 actually thinking of editing on FCP?

I upgrade too much, but haven't gotten 4 yet.

Bernadette is my boss; they finally finished that condo where our crummy building used to be. Nice.

We've been on FCP since March of last year. As soon as I heard we were dumping our old NLE for FCP, I emailed Apple. We now have a great relationship with Apple and their peeps from FCP. We started out with two (now three) systems in creative services and one for news. Graphics has four machines. Last Dec. we bought 10-12 FCP systems along with Omneon throughputs (we'll be the first in the world to use that set up, if we can install everything), but nothing is in yet, just in boxes. That's because of our $7 million HD tower, now up and running (located off 441 and Lantana--it's a real eyesore...You'll see channel 12's, then ours--biggest one, and finally 29 in the back; 25's is up north).

We better take this conversation to email, so we don't waste space for others! :-) I'll be back in town tomorrow (2 week non-stop editing stint in L.A.--now I wanna move out here! Though I'm dead tired), so send along any emails! heath@mpsdigital.com

heath
www.mpsdigital.com

<<<-- Originally posted by Carolyn Burgess : I remember Todd, didn't really know him.

The old building is just a figment of everyone's imagination now. I toured the new building with Bernadette. Nice! They had been planning to build a new building even before I worked there.

I also edit on FCP 1.2 on a laptop. Never upgraded, basically for the same reason that you have. I'm planning to buy FCP 4 in the next 2 months, along with a dual processor Mac. I edit on Avid at work, but I'm drawn to the fact that FCP is upgradable. Is 5 actually thinking of editing on FCP? -->>>

nothing...

or, films.

Hi everyone, first post.

I've been working with video since 1999, which I made my first student feature film in college, and have since done a few shorts and another feature. Last summer, I decided to wander into videography as a trade part time, doing three or four weddings. At the end of the year, I even tried putting together a tv show with a friend, some general interest news magazine but that got dropped because the local station here would not sponsor us and we had to get our own money from our own advertising.

Anyway, I was surprised this year because I got a lot more weddings, and I still haven't really advertised. I simply registered at WEDJ.com, which is a really good site to spend money only, and I had about 6 weddings this year.

This is my dilemna. I've having my first baby boy this September, and I'm thinking of doing the videography thing full time, but I don't know if I'll be able to support a family with it. It'll be a second income, but I'm simply not certain if I should quit my full time job to do that. The benefits would be that I'm doing something related to my B.A. (Independent Moviemaking) and I could spend more time with my wife and son, downside is the money thing. Anyone here does it for a living full time? I would appreciate some advice. Thanks.

Nicky
http://shootingstarsstudios.tripod.com

do it;)

Well being a high school student I get a lot of opportunities to learn the art of video and everything connected to video. Now I work on the technical staff at our school dealing with sound mostly and every once-in-a-while something new and different. Its a great feeling when a school trusts you not only with thousands of dollars worth of equipment, but to also trusts us in putting on professional productions for those that rent us out. Although I cant see myself working in a theater all my life (I find I like video more), working in the auditorium allows me to continually learn in a stressful environment. And it’s also nice that my boss came from working at a local TV station so he can be a vital asset when I need some assistance. Oh and some may wonder why I put "job" in quotation marks. It is because I have never considered this a job because I have way too much fun to me working....I consider it playing on some really cool stuff.

Brian

Nicky,

You ARE working in your field. You're shooting wedding video, telling the story of a couple's special day and editing that video. You must be doing a good job because you are constantly getting more customers. Enjoy what you're doing. I'm willing to bet that many of the folks that were in your class can not say that they're working in their field.

You are about to be presented with the most important job of you life, being a father. You must think about the well being of that precious baby. Keep your full time job. Keep the medical benefits that come with that job. Contrary to what you stated about spending more time with your wife and child, starting a new business will keep you away from them more. Think about it, you'll have to hit the streets to find more and more business to sustain your family. And when you're not out looking for more work, you're doing the shooting and editing.

Take time to build your customer base, maybe do some other kinds of videos (special interest, event, etc.). Maybe even think about doing that tv show and think about what sponsors would be interested in putting their name on your show.

Just DON'T give up your full time job just yet.

Hey Carolyn,

Thanks for your input, my wife was reading over my shoulder and it almost made her cry reading about it. After reading on the forums about how much time, equipment, effort, money, advertising and will one has to put in to sustain a videography business, I decided to hang on to my full time job and likely give up on videography for a while. Weddings simply take too long to edit, and you're right about still having to take the time to go out there to network and shoot. It's going to be my first and probably last child, so it's a time that I will have to treasure. Thanks for the advice.

Hi Nicky,

Please don't give up on videography. You obviously like the art. You've gone to school to learn about it and you run a video business. Of course the full time job pays the bills so your must do that. But if you're like me and others on this board, video feeds your soul. So you must not give up on it.

So how do you continue with video while you work full time? Shoot footage of your wife, your baby, your dog, shoot a movie for the baby about how you prepared for him. Another way to keep your hands in the business, shoot family albums. Folks will pay to have their photos transferred to video along with music. Shoot inventories, its always nice to have a video tape with all of your possessions on it. I'm sure you can come up with other ways to keep your hands in video.

You'll soon find out that video gets into your blood and you can not walk away from it.

Take care,
Carolyn

Hi Carolyn,

Don't worry, you won't be the person responsible for talking me out of videography. Before I did it for business, I did a lot of it for pure pleasure. Tried to do a lot of film festivals as well, been moderately successful with it. Besides, once I get the backlog of weddings done, I still have my friend's wedding to finish, followed by a lot of abandoned video footage I've got. And then my baby boy will probably be well documented on video. I fear it may make him narcissitic!

But here's a link to one of my short films.

http://hamsterwheel1.tripod.com

Click on the "Duel" icon, sorry, but direct links don't work in Tripod. But thanks for your concern and advice. I do appreciate it very much!

Sincerely, Nicky

Hello everyone.
My name is Nicholi, i'm from Oklahoma City, and I love my imagination.
That's basically how I became involved with video. I started playing with my grandfather's video camera in 7th or 8th grade. At that point, making people disappear from the screen was about as complicated as it got. Years later, during my third year of college, I dropped my engineering major and headed straight to the broadcasting department. Here, I was introduced to the linear editor, which led to numerous skits and goofy short films. For the next 3 1/2 years (I had to play catch up from non-transferred credits), I practically lived in the edit bays at school, and recently earned my bachelor's in broadcast production, which isn't film but has similar applications. After a couple years of working and saving every penny (almost literally), I gathered enough funds to buy my own camcorder and editor. The camcorder (GL2) and accessories have drifted into the mailbox over the past few weeks. The computer (Apple G4, FCP) will be shipped soon.
During school I worked at the university television station, a job that paid very little money but provided much needed experience. The station basically revolves around its newscast (live every evening at 5:00), where I began running camera, then worked my way up to director and technical director. That went on for about two years until I attended an internship at a production company. There was a lot to learn there as well.
I finally graduated about 6 months ago and have been working a job installing security cameras (its about time I answered the original posted question), but that is almost done. I turned in my notice last week, and after next thursday I will be spending all day with my new camcorder. Needless to say, I have some serious catching up to do.
I honestly have no idea what I'm doing. My plan is to absorb anything and everything related to dv. I doubt I'll be making any descent amount of money, so I'm considering this as an excellent opportunity to build a resume/portfolio.
I'll be the first to admit - I am a tech-junkie. I'm very intrigued by the internet and its possibilities, which means dv is right up my alley. I love the MPEG-4 format. The idea of instant worldwide exposure is so appealing to me. I will be part of it.
So that's me in a nutshell. This is my first ever post (on any forum) and I'm still trying to figure out exactly how all of this works. I just hope this reply was written correctly.
After reading only a few posts, I've already learned how valuable this resource is. I really respect the term "community" and hope to eventually return the favor by providing some information that may be useful to others. But, for now, I've got some reading to do.
Thanks in advance to everyone,
Nicholi

Welcome aboard, Nicholi! Its good to meet you. Have fun with your new camera and edit system.

Once a farmer's daughter, now a farmer's wife, I live in what used to be a rural area. My job is to keep the books in order and the government satisfied. (I like the IRS form, short version: 1. How much did you earn this year? 2. Send it in.)

We grow onions, alfalfa seed, wheat, corn seed--stuff like that. The only "livestock" are three border collies, four cats, and two day-care dogs.

I co-founded an animal welfare group several years ago--hence the houseful of furry friends--but it got too sad and my husband got tired of me spending so much time and money on homeless pets. I retired, promising to do something that made money instead of just shelling it out. So, I got into DV in 2001. My hubby is still waiting...

When I was still researching, I stumbled across the XL1s Watchdog site. That's what convinced me to get my first camera, and what keeps me hanging around this forum bugging the daylights out of people. Thanks for the patience.

BTW, my only child is *sniff* heading off to a school called Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA next month. I'm driving with him, and staying nearby for ten days as a safety net (yeah, he's a mama's boy, but not for long, I'm thinkin'). If any shoots are going on in that area between Aug. 20-26, I'd love to watch, or even lend a hand.

My name is Adarsh Dattani and I work in the Information Technology / Internet sector as a Systems Lead. Though not a beginner, I am an amateur in this field. My affair with Video Editing started three years back when I purchased a Sony Digital8 camcorder and started editing short 15 minute movies using Ulead Video Studio on Windows 98 [This I call the Elementary School of Video Editing].

I then graduated by purchasing the new Apple iMac and started doing 1 hour home videos with iMovie and iDVD [Let's say this is Junior school]. I recently got into High School after purchasing Final Cut Pro 4.0 and the Pana PVDV953. I now play a lot with the manual controls in the CAM and use FCP with some degree of comfort. Although, those who work on FCP probably know that the software offers much much more than what meets the eye.

I plan on spending the next year or so mastering Non-Linear Editing using Final Cut Pro and then step into the real "PRO" league where you use a gambit of software tools like Photoshop, FCP, After Effects etc. to make quality footage for broadcasts, films and documentaries.

I only recently stumbled upon this site and have been excited ever since. I visit some of the forums here atleast 5 times a day to get valuable tips. I don't plan on just taking from this site, I hope to contribute too pretty soon ! Thanks for putting together such an invaluable repository of DV information !!

Hello my name is Rick and I live in Fort Lauderale.

I've been learking here for a while and I'm a television director and technical director working mostly in sports television throughout the country and overseas at times.

I have just purchased a PDX-10 which if they ship it soon will be my first DV camera. I have wanted a camera for years, but I knew I would be too demanding on cameras and their video output because of how I look at video in general. In otherwords I wanted something, small and compact (so I could through it in a bag, something the produced good quaility video (so I could use it on shows that I work on) and something that would not break the bank so to speak. A tall order for the cameras of yesterday.

I had been looking at the GS100 from Japan but decided against it. I love the size of the camera and the quaility of video it put out. Plus it delivers 3 megapixel stills which not many dv cameras do today at a very affordable price. The reason why I decided against it was it only had Japanese menus and I felt (while the video was great, even in low light) it would be frustrating when error messages came up and you needed to set something quickly especially in a low light situation.

This lead me to the next best choice ... the PDX-10. While reports of low light are also not the best.... I felt it was the next best choice especially the way it was contsructed and it's size. I also felt when a low light scene was posted that I could correct any lighting issues with the help of Final Cut Pro.

This leads me to the Mac.... I am a avid Mac user.... I believe the Mac is the best computer out there and while they are a little more expensive than the mainsteam PC's, Apple is leading the technology in every sense of the word. It is Apple that invented firewire, it was Apple that did away with floppy drives looking into the future of CD and DVD-R technology. The funny thing is, most every PC manufactuer followed in Apple's footsteps. Apple is a innovative company and Apple's software is so easy to use and it intergrates with each other. They have made it so easy not to mention the beautiful OSX platform and how stable it is. If you haven't seen what Apple is doing lately go to an Apple store and see... see how easy it. Once you see what you can do on a Mac .... you'll never go back.

So that is a little about me.... hope to share information with you here on these forums soon.

Best.... Rick.

Hi Rick,

Good to meet you. I also am a director. I've directed interview shows, performances, news, commercials, etc. I think "sports" is the most demanding genre to direct. What kind of sports do you direct?

Who makes the GS100 and is there a NTSC counterpart?

I also love the Mac. I'm currently editing in FCP on a G3 laptop. I'm planning to get the G5 with FCP 4. I'm now wavering between Avid w/Mojo and FCP 4. I shoot with the DVX 100.

Welcome aboard!

Carolyn

Hi Carolyn:

Nice to meet you too. Looks like your just up to road a little bit from me.

Let's see you said govn't channel from a previous post ... you must be at Ch 20 in WPB. I did a demonstration there a while ago for ACCOM and their DVEous.
Small world!!!!

I did commercials years ago and worked for local TV station directing all types of shows which involved, interviews, music and I came from news even directing that more recently in Los Angeles. I've been working in sports television for the past 15 years. It's interesting and it can be very demanding because things move so fast and you have to be there in an instant or miss the shot. All things (camera assignments) have to click and people have to be on their mark (so to speak) for all of it to jive. I direct everything from Major League Baseball to College Football and more. I also directed for Major League Soccer and I'm mostly known as a Technical Director doing all pro sports as well. I try to balance the both, but it's not really easy sometimes.

The GS100 is made by Panasonic and it is NTSC. Not that it matters in today's digital world. The only problem with it is it only comes with Japanese menus and no firmware to change the language to English. It is the best thing I've seen for about 1000 dollars.

Your DVX 100 is a beautiful camera and I have seen some outstanding video from it. In fact I saw some today at Channel 4 - you can watch it yourself on Friday if you like - WFOR Dolphins game Friday night. All the interviews were shot on the DVX100. It is a very very nice camera from what I have seen. In fact WFOR is totally Mac based - they edit all their news stories on FCP and G4's .... pretty nice set up as it was my first time there.

As for mac.... I'm awaiting the new powerbooks and I can't actually wait.... Apple makes the best stuff and my current Powerbook G3 / OS9 / 400mgz is beginning to get old.

Anyway ... I've been learking here for a while so please say hello anytime and share some stories.

Cheers,

Rick.

Hi,

I'm an audio DSP programmer at nVidia, the 3D graphics chip company. My two main hobbies are martial arts, foremost, and
videography. I entered videography a couple of years ago when I assumed the burden of videotaping the fights and distributing movies. Now, my 2nd job is creating a DVD of the fights every two weeks. I use a Sony vx-2000 with basic accessories, and
an Athlon WindowsXP machine that runs Pinnacle Studio 8.
I do some audio and video cleanup in Vegas/SoundForge.
My goal is to create footage that is of broadcast quality with
the possiblity of some artistic elements.

oh just a poor college student
trying to scrape together as professional a setup as i can

so far i got the powerbook g4 and the gl2 all within 4 months so im not doing too bad

<<<-- Originally posted by Alan Tran : oh just a poor college student
trying to scrape together as professional a setup as i can

so far i got the powerbook g4 and the gl2 all within 4 months so im not doing too bad -->>>

Hi Alan - welcome to the boards. It's nice to see another SoCal person.

where murrieta in respect to san diego

North. Up the 15 just above Temecula.

ah ok
what kind of camera do you use?
im just starting out so im trying to learn as much as i can
my email is bkatran@cox.net

I do video, shoot stills and provide other audiovisual services. My work is mostly corporate, some sports/action and the occasional broadcast shoot.

I have been freelancing since 1987, that means I am one of the lucky ones that is able to earn a living doing what many of you here would like to do. It also means that shooting is a business for me, I must work or I do not have an income. My work has been exciting, fulfilling and downright exciting at times. It has also been incredibly difficult at times. I am not one of the lucky ones that paid his dues once and never had to look back. For me, freelancing has been as much of an education in business as it has been in creating images. The freedom, the travel, all of benefits of my own company are things I will never give up. To not give them up I have to fight to keep things rolling when things are not right ie: 911, slow economy, the loss of a major client ect. The rewards are great, but I would never sugar coat it here with so many of you wanting to take the leap. I have had many successes and some painful learning experiences. After reading this thread I had the thought that I could possibly be more beneficial in this community by discussing business instead of the technical stuff. It IS a great way to earn a living.

I too, come here for inspiration, the enthusiasm here is infectious.

A few days ago I posted a more detailed explanation of what my company does in this forum. The thread is here in introduce yourself – “Phoenix, Steve & The Corporate Show”.

Steve

<<<-- Originally posted by Alan Tran : ah ok
what kind of camera do you use?
im just starting out so im trying to learn as much as i can
my email is bkatran@cox.net -->>>

Alan I'm using a Canon XL1s

In short, I'm Jeff and I'm a full time child and family therapist in private practice. Decided to start shooting wedding, really just shooting as a way to be creative rather than be, at times, assailed by the great tragedies of modern families. So far, it's been a god send. Did my first wedding (free) and it turned out pretty darn good.

Have 4 more scheduled in the next 12 months. Am currently working on a 30 min. special for distribution to schools. It's a musical for TV on childhood Anger, Depression and Anxiety. Kind of like the "Wiggles" meet the "Power Rangers". Lots of fun.

I'm a Senior Project Manager in the Interactive Voice Response industry. Manage projects througout Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Sorry it's not exciting.

and freelance gun-for-hire.

when I am not redesigning blighted cutural trends or disposing of outmoded cliches...

anorexia has made being a filmmaker much easier. Bulemia's not the same; you still have to buy food.

Kat,

I hope to see some of your work soon. I'm on a 56k dial-up at the moment so watching some of your shorts is out for the moment.

Add me to your email list and keep me informed of your endeavors.

I am very interested in the silent genere. As I considering going MOS with a project I have on simmer. Probably, 16mm.

Cheers!

Derrick
dpb@dpbegin.com

Derrick,

Thanks for your comments. I actually don't have a mailing list because I have a hard enough time with a phonebook...

- you are "thinking of shooting MOS" I'm not certain what you mean...Shooting MOS to punch in ADR in POST?

Or are you shooting a non-speaking film? If so, please remember that Silent films are not really silent. They are accompanied by music. Sound is as much a consideration....and takes more planning if you are going to shoot MOS, if you plan to then layer a soundtrack that sounds "Natural"..

Actually, I have seen a truly silent film...but technically, it was Avant-garde; and I started humming nervously...

and one of these days I'll get off my ass and stream the shorts. I'll post a notice here when I do...

Did you think I was asking a question?

I was responding to the post before mine regarding.. well you can read.

A tongue in cheek thang.

Actually, it would have sound (added in post - - foley effects, music, if needed.) It would be a minimalistic experiment to tell a story without spoken dialogue.

Never silent... Though it could be quite S. Beckett like. Existential.

Cheers!

Derrick