the mailbag.
December 10, 2007
ok so the time has come again to address a few questions sent to me over the last few weeks. Take ‘em or leave ‘em… here are my thoughts on a few….
Nick, thanks for the site! Quick question, what is the top thing I should focus on to really start improving? - Jason
This is kind of a toss up for me honestly… I think it depends on the kind of video work you are doing. The easy answer is lighting. EVERYONE could use some improvement on lighting. When I look at a reel this is usually what I look for first. Work at getting nice even light in your shots. Stay away from the crappy fresh out of college lighting with a huge harsh key light and gigantic shadows.
If you could suggest one book on filmmaking, what would it be? - Mike
Without a doubt it is The DV Rebel’s Guide by Stu Maschwitz. This is an incredible read by a guy that truly knows what he’s talking about. Stu is a major name in filmmaking. He works at The Orphanage which is responsible for the success of some of the most popular films and commercials out there. This book goes through the entire process of shooting, editing, color grading, post, and a million other cool things, but does it with a zero budget filmmaker in mind. Buy this book today.
What kind of enviroment do you edit in? - killerbee
My editing situation varies from project to project. Sometimes it’s a hotel room on my macbook pro, sometimes it’s here at home on my nice new imac… Here are the necessities as I see it.
1. Coffee - I don’t even think about cutting without a nice cup.
2. Music - Led Zeppelin is a favorite of mine for long edit sessions.
3. Low Lights - Just one or two lamps is all you need. Keeps your color truer on the monitor.
4. Clothing - If I’m not comfortable I can’t even think about starting an edit. I like a baseball hat and a sweatshirt.
Nick, I love your stuff. My art school prof won’t let me shoot handheld. I’ve noticed you do this a lot. I want to try, but he makes me use a tripod on everything. What should I do? - John M.
Alright, it’s time for me to pass down the best knowledge I got when learning all this. You have to learn the rules before you can break them. I actually shoot on sticks a lot more than you might realize. Shooting handheld can be really dangerous. It has the tendency to pull the viewer out of the shot. Until you really understand the right situation to go handheld, you’re better off shooting locked down anyway.
Thanks for the questions! Keep sending them and I’ll keep answering.
This was really helpful Nick. Thanks for taking the time
BrianThis was really helpful Nick. Thanks for taking the time out to help others.
Good to hear you like to get the led out
killerbeeGood to hear you like to get the led out during an edit too. thanks for the tips.
Another book that I would recommend to anyone looking to
kevAnother book that I would recommend to anyone looking to ty filmmaking is “On Directing” by David Mamet. It provides absolutely no technical advice, but is the most essential book I’ve ever read on shot composition and sequencing. It’s almost pocket sized; you can read it in just an hour or so, but it will change the way you think about shooting.
I highly endorse Kevin's suggestion. I read "Three Uses of
NickI highly endorse Kevin’s suggestion. I read “Three Uses of the Knife” by Mamet and that it was pretty brilliant. Plus Kevin knows what he’s talking about… I might actually buy that one before my own suggestion…
Nick: How do I turn on my video camera?
el clintoNick: How do I turn on my video camera?
"Alright, it’s time for me to pass down the best
Kyle“Alright, it’s time for me to pass down the best knowledge I got when learning all this. You have to learn the rules before you can break them.”
Thanks Dr. Byland
Well said, Kyle. I'd also stress the importance of a
ClixtaWell said, Kyle.
I’d also stress the importance of a “Hmm!” as you set up each shot.
can an "eye for a shot" be taught?
aaroncan an “eye for a shot” be taught?
I agree with all of this except the part about
BCI agree with all of this except the part about comfort. I often find that my best work comes out when I’m wearing high heels and a cumberbund.