35 mm adapter or not

[Dylan Pank]

Originally Posted by Andy Wong

Lots of movies and TV shows use DOF techniques subtley for this very reason (just watch an episode of ER).

Subtle being the operative word here.

[Charles Papert]

FYI, All of the interiors on ER are shot at a T4. Years ago there was an "experiment" where they knocked down every light on stage and shot at a T2.8 to make the look shallower, but just that one stop of difference meant a lot more focus issues so they went back to a T4 and that's where it stays.

Regarding Chris' notes about using adaptors for 48hr films, I used to do these with my old company Instant Films (similar competition to the 48 Hr project). I used the Mini35 adaptor a couple of times and was happy with the results but it was indeed a struggle in terms of working speed and amount of light needed. I shot a lot with the Mini35 for a few years there but very rarely "forced" the depth of field by making it noticeable, I just liked being able to subtly throw out the background.

One such film can be seen here. The first few shots were specifically shallow to make the credits pop but after that I think you will agree that it is pretty subtle. All the scenes at the blonde girl's apartment were shot at night with a pretty minimal light kit to make it day--much harder to pull off than without the adaptor.

[Mike Gunter]

Hi Charles,

And you play a mean sax...

My best,

Mike

[Pietro Impagliazzo]

Originally Posted by Charles Papert

FYI, All of the interiors on ER are shot at a T4. Years ago there was an "experiment" where they knocked down every light on stage and shot at a T2.8 to make the look shallower, but just that one stop of difference meant a lot more focus issues so they went back to a T4 and that's where it stays.

How does F4 on 35mm compares to 1/3", 1/2" and even 2/3" wide open?

Edit: Answered my own questions, using the Panasonic Lumix FX35 as an example of 1/2" camera... Online Depth of Field Calculator

[Charles Papert]

Originally Posted by Mike Gunter

Hi Charles,

And you play a mean sax...

My best,

Mike

Okay, that one threw me--I haven't watched the film all the way through in a few years.

Of all the weird ideas I've had making films in 48 hours, thinking it would be "fun" to lay down a sax solo while we were in the final hours of editing was probably not one of the best. Talk about a left brain/right brain switcheroo. I had the composer set up a makeshift recording studio in the bathroom adjacent to my office where we were feverishly cutting/color correcting etc. and I could not have been less in the mood to make music with that time pressure, lack of sleep etc.

anyway, thanks...!

[Mike Gunter]

Originally Posted by Charles Papert

Okay, that one threw me--I haven't watched the film all the way through in a few years.
...
anyway, thanks...!

Ah, the burden of an attentive audience...

You're most welcome, and please pass to everyone a job well done. Especially Greg Malins - "leg cancer" - was really clever - it was a nice script, and it was nicely done by all.

My best for all and have a great weekend.

Mike