LFP Magazine

A few questions on how to get started with filmmaker Luciano Bellagamba…

Panasonic AG-HVX200A

The keeping up with the technological advancements as an independent filmmaker is a pricey endeavor. Is it safe to say one must update their equipment every 5 years in order to “keep up”?

I don’t think so. You could use the same professional equipment used 40 or more years ago and have a great looking film. Even better than most digital cameras today that are all trying to emulate the “film look”. Though the equipment would be used and significantly cheaper than it was then regardless of use, you would still have to pay for the film, development, and printing costs. Then you would have to add the costs of transferring the print to dvd or other digital forms of distribution such as the internet. Therefore, for an independent filmmaker I would suggest shooting with a digital camera. The most significant advancement in the film industry is the ability to shoot, edit, add special effects, and distribute digitally from the comfort of your own home. Though its still pricey. You need a camera, mics, lights, a computer, editing software, digital effects software if needed, etc. But once you own these things you can become a Woody Allen and keep making movies. You don’t need to keep buying film and all its costs. Not even tape with todays flash card technology. I think once you hit certain marks in achieving the film look you would be chasing your tail around upgrading your equipment if you are not getting paid. Its like Jurassic Park. Once the dinosaurs look real that’s it. The good news is that the technology keeps getting cheaper.

Below is a 10 minute rundown on how to make your first film with filmmaker Robert Rodriguez (The El Mariachi trilogy, From Dusk Till Dawn, Spy Kids). It is a bit outdated when it comes to technology, but useful all the same…

At the current state of availability, what would you recommend as the most cost effective system (camera and editing equipment), that will bring the filmmaker the most professional results, and why?

There are many options out there but for shooting I would have to say Panasonic and Sony make the best cameras today. They both have cameras in the 5-10 thousand dollar range that achieve incredible professional looking results. With SLR lens adapters and a little know how you can make a digital movie that will look like film. If you don’t have a lot of money I would recommend a camera under 5 pounds so you can use it with a Steadicam Merlin which costs 800usd. If you’ve seen Rocky and remember him running to and up the museum’s steps then you know the gift that Garrett Brown gave the film industry with this technology. And to have a steadicam for this price was only a dream for a long time. Now they have a variety of steadicams in different price ranges for different weight classes. So it all depends on your budget. But whatever camera you choose make sure it meets these requirements: 24fps, widescreen, HD, flash card technology (P2 is panasonic’s and XDCAM is Sony’s). As far as editing goes, if you have 2,300usd for the software I would recommend Avid Media composer 4. It works with Mac and PC and is the industry standard. Final Cut Studio 3 and Adobe Premiere Pro. Final Cut costs 900usd but only works with Mac and is not the industry standard. So if you ever break into the industry you will have to learn Avid. Adobe CS4 Production Premium which costs 1,700USD includes Premiere Pro which is like Avid and Final cut for editing as well as After Effects and Photoshop which are also industry standards and it works with Mac and PC.

How do you begin to research a camera or computer before you make a purchase? Is there a particular website that you visit for recommendations, or do you go straight to the manufacture’s sites?

If there is one site worth mentioning it’s dvxuser.com. It has been a tremendous tool for me in learning about the tools that are out there and the results they achieve. Also, I always check out the NAB Show every year to see what new toys the big boys are coming out with before the end of the year. NAB is the National Association of Broadcasters. Panasonic and Sony always have a booth. This year its April 10th-15th. Go to nab.org. It’s always in April. If you are about to buy equipment wait for the show if you can, it’s worth it. For the same price sometimes they release better equipment and/or upgrades to the make and model of the product you are about to purchase. The manufacturer’s site I always check out for the full specs.

Do you recommend a particular method of researching the best prices for equipment once you made a selection?

Google the make and model. And in most cases, if you buy online from out of state you will avoid paying state taxes.

What are your feelings about the Red Camera, which seems to be the “Holy Grail” of independent filmmakers?

It’s a great choice if you can afford it. I can’t.

Could a great movie still be made on an 8mm video camera or a Bolex? If you believe so, then what exactly would you say is the role of cinematic tools?

Sure it can. But most people want to see a movie with a higher quality image as they have become accustomed to. Trying to sell a movie shot in 8mm video would prove extremely difficult if not impossible because of this. Thanks to the internet and cult followings your film shot on 8mm video might get you a movie deal. But the studio would probably want you to reshoot the film in HD or film. The Bolex is a 16mm film camera which you could transfer to 35mm and would look great but I wouldn’t recommend it if you want to shoot a film with sound. But there always is a place for the images rendered by both in a film such as television images, home movies, etc.

In the increasing ease required to make a movie, I have created a terrible metaphor: A house can be build with a hammer or nail gun, the latter requiring less effort of course, and both achieving similar results. Though do you feel the concept of craftsmanship is at all affected by these two options?

Not the concept but the process and the appreciation of the individual thereof. If you could take a shortcut through the mountains when your intention is to get to the other side you would. But if your intention is to go mountain climbing the shortcut would defeat the purpose. When it comes to filmmaking what one is trying to achieve is to render a series of images and sounds. If there are modern tools to help you achieve those same images with less cost and difficulty why wouldn’t you use them? I have edited film on a Steenbeck for example. It has contributed to my understanding and appreciation that I have for editing today but I’m not going back to it. A digital editing system is like modern mountain climbing gear. The mountain you still have to climb.