DIY Filmmaker's Toolkit
INSIDE THE DIY FILMMAKER'S TOOLKIT For the cash-strapped filmmaker who has the ambitious vision but lacks a Hollywood budget, here's a handy guide to do-it-yourself production equipment and tools. HANDHELD CAMCORDER Modern handheld video cameras are a must for the indie filmmaker working with a skeleton crew because they boast an unparalleled maneuverabil- ity – all for less than $200. Plus, these devices lend a unique realism that is often not achieved with large-scale cameras. DSLR CAMERAS Digital SLR cameras are not just popular with photography buffs, there is a growing community of aspiring directors who are filming with these consumer cameras. Their biggest draws? Affordability, interchangeable lenses, and large "Black Swan" director Darren Aronofsky employed DSLR cameras Canon image sensors that can produce the look and feel 7D, 1D Mark IV and 5D Mark II on many key scenes in New York City. of professional-grade film cameras. WHEELCHAIR DOLLY For smooth motion shots, wheelchair dollies- - with their large diameter rear wheels-provide a good substitute for the traditional version. It's no surprise that the wheelchair has been used as a crude dolly since the '40s, and rumor has it director Robert Rodriguez even borrowed one from a local Mexican hospital to film scenes in his runaway hit El Mariachi. MAKESHIFT STEADICAM Filmmakers need steadicams to capture stable shots even when the camera operator is in motion. Unfortunately, professional versions can run up to $1,500. Using solid pipes or rods, a t-joint, and a counterbalancing weight, you can assemble your own poor-man's copy-which can vary from the gimbal arm-and-vest variety to the side-handle version. HOMEMADE GREEN SCREEN. Many special effects are possible through green screens. The subject stands in front of a solid- colored (usually green or blue) background and is later edited over another image. Whether you hang the wrinkle-free fabric against the wall or assemble a portable version framed by PVC pipes, it's important to keep enough distance between the subject and the lighting fixture so a shadow isn't cast. CHINESE PAPER LANTERN S Chinese paper lanterns are perfect for achieving soft lighting because they nicely diffuse the light and sprend the glow in all directions. BOOM MICROPHONES Boom microphones, used away from the screen tọ pick up audio, can run a pretty penny. Create your own rods with simple household items: telescoping mop handles, PVC pipes, or a broomstick. Afterward, simply attach the microphone holder and microphone. TRIPOD JIB Acting like a crane, the jib often starts the camera up high and swoops in below to the scene. The challenge to building one out of scratch is to find acceptable balance, reach, and strength. There are many versions out there, but a common one is fashioned out of a low-cost tripod, alumi- num poles, camera mount, and a counter weight. FAKE BLOOD Looking to make a bloody horror film? Fake blood can be concocted out of one part water, three parts corn syrup, and red food coloring. SOUND EFFECTS PRODUCED AT HOME When you can't actually punch someone in an action scene, why not whack a broomstick really hard on a couch to produce the sound of a body being'hit? Here are some other tried-and-true techniques real filmmakers use to create convincing film sounds: Shake a rain stick filled with dry rice or beans = Rain Slap a pair of leather gloves =-A bird's flapping wings Slide off the top off of a toilet tank = A stone coffin opening Press crisp potato chip packets very slowly = Crackling fire Record the spout of an old-coffee percolator = A bullet in slow-motion Make sounds in corn starch or flour = Walking in snow WISTIA Created By SOURCES: MICROFILMMAKER.COM, IMDB.COM, THENUMBERS.COM, CHEESYCAM.COM. CLOSETFILMS.COM, EPICSOUND.COM, NOFILMSCHOOL.COM, FILMANCHOR.COM COLUMN FIVE SHARE VIDEO LIKE A BOSS
DIY Filmmaker's Toolkit
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