Another great episode. It would be great if actors held their DPs with the same regard...Mr. Bale...

Really great stuff! Can't wait for the cast two...

BTW Boogie Nights is definitely one of the greatest movies i've seen. ;-)

thanks for sending the recommend, I wouldn't have known when this was out otherwise, keep em coming!

-zack

Absolutely terrific discussion!

I don't agree that there has to be any heated arguing on a set before a good film is made. That being said, my favorite director is Terry Gilliam and every film he's ever done is a battle, tooth and nail, with his producers. His DP though, usually never has to even have dialog with Terry. They have an almost telepathic relationship. The Director's DP has to be (the way I see it) pretty much of the same mind as the director, but for checks and balance, or crossing T's and dotting I's.
I have a different take on creating your own style too. The way I see it, it is impossible not to have your own style, even if you were to blatantly try and be like somebody. Every director is ultimately TRAPPED in his own creativity. The best thing to do as a director is to do what inspires you, and not be afraid to be influenced by other great directors. Like I said, you'll end up with your own look no matter what anyhow.

You guys are letting your food get cold.....

Man, I was watchin this with my kids around and Steve drops an F Bomb! Jens must bring out the best in ya..

haha

another great entry into this. and whenever people say 'develop your own style' i always think of Wes Anderson. he totally makes his own movies and that's what will make or break the audience about to watch the film.

also, PTA and Boogie Nights are the shit.

Steve, Phil and all,

some very interesting points are raised here in this discussion. Steve is right to say that you must have you own style and to be type casted this is born out of your approach to framing, camera angles, building and telling the story. Irrespective of influences and styles from your favourite Directors or DP’s you will always film it your way. My homage to Philip, Richmond Lock vimeo.com/871713 was inspired by the location and his choice of framing in his original concept of the same name. Yet despite this my style comes through in my short.

Philip is also right it doesn’t always have to be dialogue to be classed as a film, many examples exists who can forget Sergio Leone ‘Once Upon Time in the West’ the opening scenes! The themes and motifs created visually yet so descriptive and speaking volumes.

Working as I do currently, I approach this in two ways directing, a very collaborative approach all cross board taking ideas and creative input from actors and crew. Second when communicating isn’t enough and those around you don’t understand the vision means a very driven approach keeping integrity to the concept.

Today we as Directors also need be aware of the entire process, editing, filming, directing, sound and lighting. Only then can we truly achieve our visions in the best possible way. Knowing your limitations of what is, and is not possible, makes for a more realistic project with higher production values. Why? Because you have approached this being aware of what will be required to make something good, ultimately translating and transcending your message on screen and to the audience.

A great series Steve, one I think you should be proud of.

Best wishes
Mark
londonmarkfilms.com

I agree with the idea of least amount of dialogue as possible for short and some feature films.

When a film of any type can symbolize and tell a story with the shots used rather than the words, i think is film telling way that can be really cool.

What camera was used for this?

Wow! You can do in with 3 cameras but a lot of editing.

My favourite episode. Just worried that the director i talked about will see this! whoops! Never yack on camera after a few glasses of wine!

I can't wait to see what the next cast has to bring to the table (no pun intended).

i love this webisode, you guys are genius

I enjoyed this series very much! I can relate a lot to Philips upbringing in the business.. I started in TV news as an editor.. then sound tech.. and worked my way up into shooting (as they called it back then) in TV news. I can also relate to Philips comments about not being able to afford personal gear back in the day.. My avatar is a picture of me back in 86/87 with an Ikegami 79D.. there was no way I could think to afford this camera in it's day. I remember the ike 79E was known as the $100K camera! and it had to be connected to a seperate 3/4" tape deck.. that was state of the art back then!
I still shoot today (at that same network I started at in 1983)..
using either BetaSX or XDCAM.. both gorgeous cameras in their own rights..
I am purchasing a little Canon HV30 to play around with on my own after looking at the videos that little $500. camera produces! it's amazing!
It's easy to imagine the possiblities..

People like Mr. Blooms make videography look easy. But study the texture of his shots.. the color.. the composition.. the seamless flow and pace of the editing..
did you notice he uses hard cuts rather than dissolves or transition effects? this is the sign of an experienced shooter/editor (sorry if the term 'shooter' offends)

I really liked the point made about a 16 year old kid wants to spend 10,000L on gear and thinks that makes him a DP..
My suggestion would be to use that money to learn the craft hands-on.. get a job in a small shop and make the 'rookie mistakes'.. become consistant.. learn how to operate their camera.. then learn to become a photographer.. then put the two together..
Then.. learn about audio..
then learn about lighting..
then learn about background..
foreground..
lighting background/foreground..
how to use your lens..
etc...
this is a constant learning process...
Here I am after 25 years in the biz.. and still loving it!

Thanks Steve! I look forward to see some of those relics from the past! How fun was it back then! The rules were different shooting with a tube camera! :)
I also look forward to the new series!

I can't stop watching these. Will you be selling a DVD of these and your new series (Zacuto Indie Basic Training) Steve?

I would definitely pay to watch this stuff as there is probably thousands of dollars worth of info just in this one vid for us newbies.

I like these, you hit a lot of stuff on the dot. I do wish you would have some hardcore DP's that shoot only on film for their imput as well. My teacher Clark Harris knows DP Stephen Campbell real well and he is an amazingly nice guy. Maybe you could try to pull him for your next one. He talked to our class and he was just so interesting to listen about all the big projects he has worked on and things he has learned through out the years.

Oh and I am happy to tell you that I will be shooting on your american rig with a magic arm with a sony ex3 or hvx and letus ultimate for my first independent film for miami film festival. Looking forward to trying your set up out.

Thanks,
J

This is the only show worth watching online.

out Of Curiosity Who's idea was it to pitch the idea for these Webisode's ?

Im thinking there should be a Legit button that we can all click.

Steve, stop with the self loathing on your age. You're a young guy. But you're making me feel old. It's just a number. Love your work here.

These shows are fantastic. I keep feeling like jumping into the conversation.