With all the great cameras and computers out there, it seems that people can more easily make a movie. However, is making a feature on a 720p camera going to actually get distribution and be seen by audiences, or is it better to find the money for bigger/better technology—varicam, 35mm, RED, etc?
Even if you have the greatest story in the world, will it get picked up if you are using affordable equipment?

pixelslinger - 07 November 2007 01:49 AM

With all the great cameras and computers out there, it seems that people can more easily make a movie. However, is making a feature on a 720p camera going to actually get distribution and be seen by audiences, or is it better to find the money for bigger/better technology—varicam, 35mm, RED, etc?
Even if you have the greatest story in the world, will it get picked up if you are using affordable equipment?

Story is king (or queen).  To get picked up, you’ll have to show that you have something to offer a distribution company in the way of profitability.  If the story is good enough (and your sales shrewd enough), you could even use a cheap DV film to shop around for a budget to shoot on 16mm or 35mm with a real budget.

Or go the 28 days later or open water way and plan to use DV as an effect in your Movie.

It’s story first, then make it as best as you can.

You also have to realize when some stories require a larger canvas than you can provide on the cheap.  That’s when you may look for major funding or at least get help from those with more resources.

I do think though that you can do a lot of things with affordable hardware/software. What used to costs in the 100K+ range has gone down to the consumer level eventually especially when there is a realization that more $$$ can be made by the developers.

I agree, story comes first. That’s what people come to see.
Most viewers can’t tell excellent quality from good or average, when it’s very bad, they’ll say “something looked wrong”. But the image has to complement the story, so whatever equipment you have available, use it so that the story is depicted as clearly and interestingly as possible.

Story, story, story.  No question about it.

Story, Story story…
Above all… I´ve always thought that the most important thing in film is story… the images the sound, the camera moves all have to tell A STORY…
Using the medium wisely and making the most of what you have… I think is more important than getting the latest technology to do so…

Take a look at this film… shot with a domestic 3ccd sony camera, and three dinkies…

http://www.youtube.com/jlatussek

click on Nach der Dunkelheit