Need general A/V thoughts on a SUPER guerilla doc / music shoot.... at DVinfo.net

John Yingling · September 20th, 2012, 10:30 AM

Hi folks,

I'd like some general thoughts on a super low-budget, super-guerilla documentary and music shoot.

I plan to be travelling to a few different locations. Travel will be covered. A fixer will be covered. Editing will be covered.

My gear list :

Canon 60D w/ kit lens + nifty 50.
Canon Vixia HFS21
Rode Videomic

My budget for added gear is around $1,000-$1,500.

If I were to be doing guerilla interviews, as well as filming musical performances, what would be the KEY things you would add to this setup for that tiny budget? I am deathly unfamiliar with audio, sadly, and have just been shooting music on my Vixia's internal (i know, but it does the trick) or the 60D with the Videomic. (love it)

Digging around the audio forums a bit, I believe small changes could yield good results.

Since I'm doing interviews, a lav setup seems crucial.

Should I go Beachtek and get a mic + lav's? Grab an H4N? Both?

Also, any lighting guru's...talk to me. I realize this is throwing a lot out there.... heh. Will probably be in dark situations. Excuse my lack of knowledge, but if I split this "budget" in half, could a few hundred bucks get me a lighting setup that would work in a pinch?

This series will be web-only, likely uploaded on Vimeo.

Just curious to know your thoughts.

Steve House · September 21st, 2012, 09:49 AM

Why not using the Videomic on the Vixia as well?

September 20th, 2012, 10:30 AM	#1
John Yingling Regular Crew Join Date: May 2011 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 42	Need general A/V thoughts on a SUPER guerilla doc / music shoot.... Hi folks, I'd like some general thoughts on a super low-budget, super-guerilla documentary and music shoot. I plan to be travelling to a few different locations. Travel will be covered. A fixer will be covered. Editing will be covered. My gear list : Canon 60D w/ kit lens + nifty 50. Canon Vixia HFS21 Rode Videomic My budget for added gear is around $1,000-$1,500. If I were to be doing guerilla interviews, as well as filming musical performances, what would be the KEY things you would add to this setup for that tiny budget? I am deathly unfamiliar with audio, sadly, and have just been shooting music on my Vixia's internal (i know, but it does the trick) or the 60D with the Videomic. (love it) Digging around the audio forums a bit, I believe small changes could yield good results. Since I'm doing interviews, a lav setup seems crucial. Should I go Beachtek and get a mic + lav's? Grab an H4N? Both? Also, any lighting guru's...talk to me. I realize this is throwing a lot out there.... heh. Will probably be in dark situations. Excuse my lack of knowledge, but if I split this "budget" in half, could a few hundred bucks get me a lighting setup that would work in a pinch? This series will be web-only, likely uploaded on Vimeo. Just curious to know your thoughts.

September 21st, 2012, 09:49 AM	#2
Steve House Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 5,742	Re: Need general A/V thoughts on a SUPER guerilla doc / music shoot.... Why not using the Videomic on the Vixia as well? __________________ Good news, Cousins! This week's chocolate ration is 15 grams!