The Frugal Filmmaker

$1 Budget: Cases and a Headset, Oh My!

2012-02-09T12:38:00.000-08:00

This is the first installment in what I hope is a long-running and informative series. The idea is simple: what filmmaking tools can I get for a buck? Once a month I plan to share three of these ideas that can be had in any brick-and-mortar store. I will share online ideas if I find them, but the chances of finding stuff for one dollar online (with no shipping costs) are pretty slim.

In my first episode, I share how I used a cell phone case as a home for a Zoom H1 Handy Recorder, a point-and-shoot hard case for my lav mic, and a cheap non-working headset as a cool prop. I think the potential for these kinds of finds is huge, so I hope to share many more of these with everyone.

I'd buy that for a dollar!

Recap: Questions Anyone?

2012-02-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

RSS readers: Click on the title to see the hidden video.

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: http://www.twitter.com/frugalfilmmaker

Zoom H1 handy recorder
http://tinyurl.com/72sgqq3

Tascam DR-05 digital recorder
http://tinyurl.com/7od376g

Sony Movie Studio HD, $36
http://tinyurl.com/7otw529

Audio-Technica ATR-3350 lav mic
http://tinyurl.com/8x477wz

Sima Quickonnect - $8.03
http://tinyurl.com/7kryxps

NHL Hockey Tape
http://tinyurl.com/7dsq4yt

Mini ball head
http://tinyurl.com/8xgggjy

Sean Scarfo finds cheap counterwieghts
http://tinyurl.com/6pecwc7

Sheena Vaught's frugal dimmer
http://tinyurl.com/7xo58ww

Sean Scarfo's modified fig rig
http://tinyurl.com/77mhysq

Feeling nervous on day one? 5 Steps to curb your anxiety
http://tinyurl.com/7g3qt8j

Weathering props: fake moss
http://tinyurl.com/7djpsrl

$1 windscreen for Zoom H1
http://tinyurl.com/77mr2sf

Dave Albin finds 27 LED worklight - $5
http://tinyurl.com/7fu54zt

DIY steadicam Smoothee mod
http://tinyurl.com/7rcnyeo

Dave Albin finds 20 LED worklight with flexible tripod arms - $6
http://tinyurl.com/6vrul6j

Heikki O. Laukkaen's 3D-rig
http://tinyurl.com/8939av6

Sean Scarfo finds $5 eye loupe
http://tinyurl.com/6ny2rvz

Tip: remote screenwriting
http://tinyurl.com/7mrph55

Sean Scarfo attaches $3 LED light to camera rig
http://tinyurl.com/734yora

Sheena Vaught's frugal light stand
http://tinyurl.com/7p2l8ol

Sheena Vaught's frugal jib
http://tinyurl.com/7sadhfz

Sean Scarfo's shoulder rig w/lights
http://tinyurl.com/7ethu38

Tamara Stampone's PVC stabilizer rig
http://tinyurl.com/7qo2zxv

David Curtis' PVC stabilizer
http://tinyurl.com/87tc6vf

Aerial slider product shoot BTS
http://tinyurl.com/7woqb8x

Justin Leyba's DIY slider test
http://tinyurl.com/857nugj

Adam Davis' PVC stabilizer rig
http://tinyurl.com/7v5ofn3

Sean Scarfo's DIY LCD viewfinder
http://tinyurl.com/6s9tlye

$10 DIY camera slider
http://tinyurl.com/7d6w846

Sean Scarfo's DIY shoulder rig
http://tinyurl.com/7qbx8f9

Marcus Seelig's DIY shoulder rig
http://tinyurl.com/6tl76cr

Alan Collins' PVC stabilizer rig / shoulder mount
http://tinyurl.com/86fjgjp

Benjamin Duncan's shoulder rig plans
http://tinyurl.com/72ax2nw
3D render
http://tinyurl.com/86vzhk8

Alex Grooff's DIY shoulder rig
http://tinyurl.com/7yc7afo

Knoptop delves into DVD-Rs
http://tinyurl.com/76yvgey

Cam Pagan's Frugal Crane
http://tinyurl.com/7cu2quy

Wayne Poe's stabilizer upgrade plans
http://tinyurl.com/6mpjf9c

Scott Davis' DIY shoulder rig (and video)
http://tinyurl.com/89qgnj7
http://tinyurl.com/73kezxe

Chris Butterfield finds pulleys for Frugal Crane
http://tinyurl.com/7tstav6

David Curtis' test of ring camp light
http://tinyurl.com/7n9jq8g

Benjamin Duncan's FigRig design
http://tinyurl.com/7axjlns

Knoptop Delves into DVD-Rs

2012-02-03T11:23:00.000-08:00

Dave is back with another installment of Things You Didn't Know You Didn't Know, this time covering some cool facts about recordable DVDs. Despite the fact that we are moving into a VOD world and DVDs are becoming obsolete, this is good stuff. I still enjoy authoring a disk, as you can get pretty creative with the right program. Dave uses Adobe Encore, I like the lesser-known (and now no longer supported) DVDlab.

Tip: Remote Screenwriting

2012-02-01T11:26:00.000-08:00

Modern technology can sure make life easier. With computers, smartphones and the internet your world is wide open to possibilities. Take screenwriting. In this tip episode, I share an easy way to work on your script whether you are at home, on the road, or even at work. And while you may need specialized software to finish, you only need the simplest kind to get started.

Celtx screenwriting software
http://celtx.com/index.html

Fade In screenwriting software
http://www.fadeinpro.com/

Dropbox online storage
https://www.dropbox.com/

Prolost: Screenplay Markdown Lives!
http://prolost.com/spmdlives

DV Rebel's Guide
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0321413644/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=t...

Screenplain
http://screenplain.appspot.com/

Test Script:

INT. SMALLISH APARTMENT - DAY

A tall and lanky SCOTT EGGLESTON (40s), sits at a cluttered countertop feverishly pecking away at his laptop. A small cell phone with a cracked screen sits next to the computer.

The phone vibrates and begins a slow creep toward the edge of the countertop. It falls and is caught in mid-air by a bony hand.

SCOTT
(into phone)
Yello! No, I'm not here. Call me back and leave a voicemail, k? I'm right in the middle of something.

The phone hits the counter with a crack. The typing resumes.

Recap: New Stuff on Wednesday or Thursday?

2012-01-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

The Making of "Temp Insanity"

2012-01-26T10:03:00.000-08:00

By popular demand, here is a "Making of" show covering my last short film, "Temp Insanity". I always learn a ton of stuff on every movie I make and I hope there is something here that could be useful to others. The smartest thing I did on this shoot was secure a real office (one that had been denied to other students previously) for a location. The dumbest? I wasn't aware the sun coming in a prominent window wouldn't be down at the start of shooting, which caused a one hour delay.

I've also included the screenplay in a normal .pdf and Celtx version (which also includes my sitck-man storyboards). If you don't know what Celtx is, it's free screenwriting and pre-production software that runs on any platform.

If you like the title font, here's where I found it.

Recap: Best Entry-Level Camera?

2012-01-23T10:22:00.000-08:00

RSS readers: click on the title above to watch the hidden video.

Spring Double Eagle M41A G36 Rifle Airsoft Gun
http://www.hobbytron.com/SpringDoubleEagleM41AG36RifleAirsoftGun.html

Best entry-level filmmaker camera for $80 (Sanyo XACTI VPC-CG20)
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2012/01/best-entry-level-filmmaker-camera-for.html

800 watt portable generator
http://www.harborfreight.com/800-rated-watts-900-max-watts-portable-generator...

Noob shockmount adapter
http://www.dslrfilmnoob.com/noob-store/

Cowboy Studio professional tripod dolly
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UA2H9A/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=t...

Getting better as a director: The power of collaboration
http://nofilmschool.com/2012/01/director-power-collaboration/

Rode introduces two microphones with built-in recorders
http://cheesycam.com/rode-introduces-two-new-microphones-built-in-digital-rec...

Camera Flo Pod
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G7_18Eiu2M&feature=g-u&context=G27555...

PVC to camera shoe adapter
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2012/01/pvc-to-camera-shoe-adapter.html?spref=fb

Justin Loga's PVC stabilizer "battering ram-cam"
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1774908108150&set=o.334368756043&a...

Halogen work light for under $10
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bayco-500-Watt-Halogen-Project-Work-Light/14003469

Sima Quickonnect for $8.57
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006JQ6C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=t...

Vivitar Steady Pod (mini-tripod/hand grip) for $5.40
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0046SKZ1G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=t...

$25 DIY double shoulder mount
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOVswSEXsYk&list=UU6P24bhhCmMPOcujA9PKPTA

David Stembridge's DIY shoulder mount
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2894456794890&set=oa.1015048516848...

7 tips for HD and DSLR color correction
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HurlbutVisuals/~3/Cj20Qf_PADw/

Cowboy Studio shoulder mount for $16.44
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036NMQ7S/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=t...

DIY ring light - $20 filmmaker
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIeLyeWplJU

Humphrey Bande's PVC track dolly
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150492981493364&set=oa.101504862...

Really cheap microphone bracket
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF8bG5xn_fQ&feature=share

Andres Alonso Larrea Burneo's DIY crutch cam!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150543971058917&set=oa.101504870...

YouTube's "Your Film Festival"
http://nofilmschool.com/2012/01/enter-short-youtubes-your-film-festival/

Chris Butterfield's Pocket Cam Crane
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=351216361556190&set=o.334368756043...

Collin Baker's Cowboy Studio shoulder mount
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150717438404554&set=oa.101504855...

Andrew Seitz' PVC stabilizer rig light
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=256131591127202&set=o.334368756043...

PVC to Camera Shoe Adapter

2012-01-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

One thing I've always wanted to make was some way of connecting my DIY mic shockmount directly to the top of my camera. Sometimes you need a full rig of stuff to complement your camera and sometimes you just need one thing. This is a case of a simple adapter to hold a mic (or any PVC project) to the top of a camera. It can get more complex, of course, but that is up to you.

PARTS LIST

Opteka Canon Mini "Advanced" Shoe to Universal Shoe Mount
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047V5NM8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=t...

1/4"-20 Tripod Mount Screw to Flash Hot Shoe Adapter
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pro-1-4-20-Tripod-Mount-Screw-Flash-Hot-Shoe-Adapter-...

1/2" PVC plug
http://www.lowes.com/pd_22679-1815-449005RMC_0__?productId=3371454&Ntt=1%...

1/4" hex nut
1/4" lock washer

Weekly Recap: What should I do with Twitter?

2012-01-16T14:21:00.000-08:00

RSS readers: click on the title above to watch the hidden video.

Sanyo XACTI VPC-CG20 AC adapter
http://www.ebay.com/itm/AC-Adapter-4-Sanyo-Xacti-VPC-CG100PX-VPC-HD2000GX-VPC...

"Temper" Kickstarter page
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1277013484/temper-0

Armalite Rifle font
http://www.1001freefonts.com/afonts7.php

Shotgun microphone shootout
http://www.dvcreators.net/shotgun-shootout/

Sima Quickonnect back in stock!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006JQ6C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=t...

DIY lav mic - iPhone earbuds
http://cheesycam.com/diy-lav-mic-iphone-earbuds/

All about lightstands
http://frugalphotog.blogspot.com/2012/01/all-about-lightstands.html

Jeffrey Collins PVC stabilizer / shoulder rig
http://duochromefilms.blogspot.com/

DIY QuickTip - cheap greenscreen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw7Ej4zNyWY

DIY QuickTip - composing for 2:35:1 widescreen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95A_m5Ug0rU

Humphrey Bande's PVC stabilizer rig
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95A_m5Ug0rU
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150471980778364&set=oa.101504660...

Camera flash bracket from the $100 filmmaking kit
http://youtu.be/57lXbSajZGw

DIY cell phone stabilizer rig
http://youtu.be/B_HCRvRvLsA

Kris Kuhn's PVC stabilizer rig
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151157719535515&set=o.3343687560...

Jared Novakovich's PVC stabilizer rig
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2165972728134&set=o.334368756043&a...

$1 camera slider?
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2862358192073&set=o.334368756043&a...

5 simple ways to make your own light leaks
http://www.freshdv.com/2012/01/diy-light-leaks.html

Best entry-level filmmaker camera for $80
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2012/01/best-entry-level-filmmaker-camera-for.ht...

DIY shoulder rig
http://youtu.be/RNCwPDXODMs

Jared Novakovich's DIY shoulder rig
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2174422579375&set=o.334368756043&a...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ELaJx176hQ&feature=channel_video_title

Bob Dorn's frugal reflector
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2567807646884&set=o.334368756043&a...

Nicholas Thor Martin's PVC trigger grip
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2749013037545&set=o.334368756043&a...

Digital Concepts wide and tele converter kit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PokTjyh8d1E&feature=share

Chris Butterfield using the $5 PVC light stands
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=346867461991080&set=o.334368756043...

John Shappy's Frugal Floater
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3079612713084&set=o.334368756043&a...

Best Entry-Level Filmmaker Camera for $80

2012-01-12T06:18:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't been following the Weekly Recap shows, I wanted to give one last alert about the best kept secret on the internet (too dramatic?). The "secret" is that you can get the now-discontinued Sanyo XACTI VPC-CG20 HD camcorder for $79.97 at Radio Shack. They are only available in stores (which are everywhere) and you can easily detect stock through The Shack's handy CG20 product locator, which is hidden on their website. Enter your zip code and cross your fingers.

Why do I like this camera? Let me give you a few reasons. All manual features (focus, shutter, exposure). Focus and exposure lock. 5x optical zoom lens. 1080p/720p HD video. Records to YouTube-friendly MP4 codec. In-camera video trimming. Macro mode. Web cam mode. Flip out, rotatable monitor. Tripod mount. External battery charger. Records video to an SD card (not included). $80 price tag. Check the online manual for full disclosure.

It does have some cons. There is no mic input or headphone jack. The onboard mics are on the opposite side of the monitor (which is only a problem if you want to see yourself and record sound at the same time). Pick up a Zoom H1 Handy Recorder and snyc in post.

There is no AC adapter. You can only power the camera by battery, which probably last just over an hour. Cheap clones can be found on eBay, however, and you could be shooting while charging another on the external charger (get two for $8.85).

It's small. While the pistol-grip shape does help the small form-factor, it's still a tiny camera that may disappear in large mitts such as my own. Build and use the PVC stabilizer rig or the mini-camera stabilizer which is perfect for the CG10 & CG20 + the Zoom.

This is really a fantastic deal. I hope that any budding film jockeys will be able to nab one of these before they disappear forever. They have so many features and can also come in very handy as a portable "fast cam". I carry one in my backpack all the time now. Oh, and in case you are wondering about video quality, check my last Tip episode or a recent Weekly Recap episode. They were all shot on the CG20's little brother (which tops out at 720p), the XACTI VPC-CG10.

Weekly Recap: Help me spread the word?

2012-01-09T10:51:00.001-08:00

Tip: In Camera Editing

2012-01-04T13:32:00.000-08:00

In this tip episode, I cover what will probably interest video bloggers more than filmmakers. I discuss how I came up with a very fast production schedule for my Weekly Recap show, which needs to get out the door every Monday. I details all the ins and outs and how using a cheap $80 camera was the answer over my more expensive Canon.

Sanyo XACTI VPC-CG10 finder at Radio Shack's website
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3558934

Sanyo XACTI VPC-CG20 finder at Radio Shack
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4094472#stuff-you-want

$5 mini ball head
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-ball-head-camera-tripod-ballhead-Tripod-Head-/23...

Get your own pickle jar!

Knoptop Upgrades the Zoom H1

2012-01-03T23:27:00.000-08:00

Recently Zoom released a new firmware upgrade for its popular digital audio recorder, the H1. Knoptop takes us through the basic steps to get the job done. I have the H1 and haven't done the upgrade yet, but darn it if Dave doesn't make it look like fun!

Weekly Recap: Is this show too long?

2012-01-02T12:44:00.000-08:00

RSS readers: click on the title to watch the video above.

Sunny Sharif's DIY camera slider & tutorial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGp7VPI0Xbc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOPdN-xvrQE

Cheap tripod ($10)
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2765184762798&set=o.334368756043&type=1&theater

How to build a $25 boom pole
http://youtu.be/2hTZj5FDnvM

The best video cameras of 2011
http://webvideouniversity.com/podcast/video/2011/12/27/the-best-video-cameras-of-2011/

2 Easy to use camera report templates
http://www.theblackandblue.com/2011/12/27/camera-reports/

Filmmaking tools you can buy - $20 Filmmaker
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhK4yuJK9tM

Joshua Welker's chromakey paint formula
b-4
114-5y32
113-1y
103-4y

$100 filmmaking kit
http://youtu.be/Tj8ExAYownI

Edward Burns and the socialization of indie cinema
http://mashable.com/2011/12/27/edward-burns-newlyweds-indie/

Travis Scalan's slider dolly
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150494138947384&set=o.334368756043&type=1&theater

Hollywood-style tricks on the cheap
http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/29/hollywood-style-tricks-on-the-cheap/

Zoom H1 firmware update
http://cheesycam.com/zoom-h1-firmware-update/

Using a seat belt pad as a wind-blocking deadcat
http://www.diyphotography.net/using-a-seat-belt-pad-as-a-wind-blocking-deadcat

Making a scar with glue and tissue paper
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P54kY77vj9E&feature=channel_video_title

Happy New Year!
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2011/12/happy-new-year.html?spref=fb

Public Domain Pictures - free stock photos
http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/

Paco Warabi's Treepod/Multipod
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijLM7ZaLZFs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yineIrXyDjs

1/2" PVC plug at Home Depot
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100175956/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Knoptop's DIY deadcat for on-camera mics
http://www.youtube.com/user/Knoptop#p/u/64/zAZSckWorA0

Scott's older short films/'Midnyte' web series
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2007/01/my-short-films_12.html
http://www.midnyte.tv/

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T05:57:00.001-08:00

In case you missed them (or just recently discovered this blog) here are some posts from the past year (one from each month) that you may find useful. If not, stay tuned, there is a lot of great stuff coming in 2012! Thanks for all your support!

Should we self-distribute?

Worklight hacking, Worklight screen

The power of the insert shot

Using ankle weights as sandbags

Budget light kit

The web series-to-feature writing model

Making a shooting schedule

Trolley Dolly

What does a feature film for the web look like?

DIY gearlust is still gearlust

The Frugal Floater

What does an internet film look like? (Part 2)

Weekly Recap: What Kind of Movie?

2011-12-26T02:30:00.000-08:00

RSS readers: click here to watch the above video!

Shaun Senn's PVC Stabilizer
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150446301102968&set=o.334368756043&type=1&theater

DIY shoulder rig - $20 filmmaker
http://youtu.be/ogBCKMjm8y4

Rom Factorlerin's improvised DSLR glider
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150452228589753&set=a.10150452227674753.363121.583809752&type=1&theater

Magic Lantern announces free HDR video firmware for Canon DSLRs
http://www.gizmag.com/magic-lantern-hdr-video-canon-550d-600d-60d/20909/

Eve Hazelton: Using lights around the house to add that extra sparkle
http://philipbloom.net/2011/12/21/eve2/

Alex Forey's Frugal Rig (FigRig clone)
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=314131885283928&set=oa.10150432058901044&type=1&theater

Knoptop finds a cool location
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2011/12/knoptop-finds-cool-location.html?spref=fb

Suction cup camera mount
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2011/12/suction-cup-camera-mount.html?spref=fb

Knoptop Finds a Cool Location

2011-12-23T02:53:00.000-08:00

Quick FX returns! Yay! This time Knoptop reports on some BTS (Behind the Scenes) footage of a local movie shoot. They shot in an abandoned factory, and it is one awesome location. Following the movie stuff, Dave walks around and gives us some pretty good footage. I could see doing any number of scenes in some of those spots. Very cinematic.

Suction Cup Camera Mount

2011-12-21T16:32:00.000-08:00

If you've ever needed a shot of your actors actually driving a car, you'll need a special rig to do it. These tend to be very expensive, but here is a DIY method that works pretty well. It involves a dual suction cup lifter (the kind they use to move large panes of glass) being attached to your car and then attaching something to it that can hold your camera. While this has been done before, I employed a former piece of FF gear in a way you may not of thought of.

One interesting thing I learned from making this video was not so much how to mount the rig, but where to mount it. I had a challenging problem to overcome, but as you'll see, the solution was right in front of me.

Dual Suction Cup Lifter

Frugal Clamp (C-Clamp Mount)

Sima Quickonnect

1" x 15' Ratchet Strap tie-down (I found a single version for $5, but this is the basic idea)

58mm Circular Polarizing Lens

Weekly Recap: Car Studio

2011-12-18T21:12:00.000-08:00

What does an internet film look like? (Part 2)
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2011/12/what-does-internet-film-look-like-part.html?spref=fb

DSLR Lighting techniques from Eve Hazelton
http://philipbloom.net/2011/12/14/dslrlighting/

Jay Indy Kingston's slider dolly
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=199650076789938

Lighting with Home Depot lights, part 2
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/HurlbutVisuals/~3/FWqMHSd-R1A/

Sign Video XLR-PRO audio adapter
http://signvideo.com/xlr-pro_xlr_adapter-audio-mixer.htm

Hosa XLR to 3.5" adapter - 1' cable
http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-XVS101F-Right-Angle-3-5mm/dp/B000 068NZG/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1324303884&sr=8-9

What Does an Internet Film Look Like? (Part 2)

2011-12-14T02:26:00.000-08:00

Since the last time I posted about this topic, I’ve been having some thoughts about altering some basic rules of filmmaking based on how our content is consumed. No longer do we simply need to consider television as delivery medium (whether it be broadcast or DVD), or if we are extremely lucky, a theater screen.

Our venue is the web. Most likely we are releasing content on a video sharing service such as YouTube, Blip or Vimeo. This means that the majority of our audience is probably viewing our stuff on 1) a computer screen, 2) a smartphone/iPod, 3) a tablet, 4) a “smart” TV (or a “regular” one connected to a streaming device), or combinations of all of the above.

I find it interesting that as we progress into the future, the size of the most common viewing surface is decreasing, not increasing. The “average” laptop sized screen seems to float between 13-17”, with the average probably coming in at 15” (or 15.6”).

All this leads me to the well-known formula that answers the age-old question, “What size TV should I buy?” If you don’t know it already, you simply cut the viewing distance in half, subtract a few inches, and you have the diagonal measurement of television you should own. Sitting 8’ away from your TV wall? Buy a 46” set. Ten feet? Get a 56” one.

This also works for smaller screens. Currently I’m typing this post out on my laptop. My face is approximately two feet from the screen. My computer has a 15.6” screen, but according to the formula, it could be 12” or the size of a netbook. And that distance is only when typing. If watching something, I’m pretty sure that distance increases, especially when then video stays in a playback window and isn’t expanded to fill the screen.

Smartphone screens are even smaller at 3-5” across, which means you’d need to be 6-10” from the screen to absorb all the detail properly. What about the iPod Nano? How big is that tiny screen? My son and daughter regularly watch movies on that postage stamp-sized gizmo. Maybe a cyberpunk-style headband mount would be in order.

All this thought about the constantly shrinking viewing surface has made me wonder if we should alter some basic filmmaking techniques to compensate for the fact that the viewer is farther away and could potentially miss something we are trying to get across. What can we possibly do to better “reach” the viewer?

Shoot tighter. If the viewer isn’t as close and the imagery (shot traditionally) is smaller, why not make it bigger? Take all of your shots in one notch. Instead of that full shot, shoot medium shots. Instead of that medium shot, shoot a close up. Instead of that close up, shoot an extreme close up, and so on. When the viewer doesn’t want to get within normal range, get closer to them—close the gap. Imagine the difference this would make on videos watched on a smartphone or the above-mentioned Nano. It could be huge.

Be louder. In audio land, the common train of thought is that, in the digital world, you mix to –12db. That gives you some basic overhead so you don’t accidentally pass digital zero and clip, or distort, your audio. I propose we try mixing to -6db or exactly digital zero. Normalize your sound and use a limiter (it’s called Wave Hammer in Sony Vegas Pro) set to zero and your audio will never distort and at the same time reach maximum level.

Why do this? Most laptop speakers are quiet and tinny sounding and a smart phone speaker is even worse. I don’t like using headphones if I don’t have to, and boosting your sound would make the best of an already poor scenario. Those who do have decent speakers or headphones can easily turn the sound down. Those without might now be able to hear all that carefully written dialogue.

Wben I worked in TV news, I noticed a small, cheap speaker sitting on top of the massive mixing board in the audio booth. When I asked the operator what it was for, he informed me it was to check the output on something similar to the crummiest mono TV speaker out there (as well as to check for phasing problems). This was to make sure that even a poor schlub with a crappy TV could still hear the broadcast properly.

I believe we should keep the same thing in mind with internet video. We want everyone watching our product to enjoy and benefit from it. A little extra effort such as these methods could really make the difference.

You might argue that these techniques are fine for the web, but what about when we want to release that DVD version? I retort that we need to think of the web as the final delivery, not a first step to something else. If we really are “internet filmmakers”, then we need to think of the internet as our movie theater.

Weekly Recap Link List 12-12-11

2011-12-12T06:35:00.000-08:00

Wayne Poe's PVC backdrop stand
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=321976761147174&set=o.334368756043&type=1&theater

Arnold Sibug's PVC "Avatar" stabilizer
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150440128008649&set=o.334368756043&type=1&theater

DIY Kino-Flo style CFL light bank
http://cheesycam.com/diy-kino-flo-style-cfl-light-bank/

9 basic tips for a smoother indie film production
http://nofilmschool.com/2011/12/9-basic-tips-smoother-indie-film-production

Tip: Airsoft gun props
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2011/12/tip-airsoft-gun-propshttpwwwbloggercomi.html

How to set the back focus on a video camera
http://nofilmschool.com/2011/12/set-backfocus-video-camera/

Five reasons why I love film noir
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2011/12/five-reasons-why-i-love-film-noir.html

Croquet back for PVC project transport
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150441042598624&set=o.334368756043&type=1&theater

Arnold Sibug's DIY jib
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150448023988649&set=o.334368756043&type=1&theater

Alan Lach's "sTable Dolly-izer"
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=285197278184927&set=o.334368756043&type=1&theater

Five Reasons Why I Love Film Noir

2011-12-09T06:45:00.001-08:00

Tip: Airsoft Gun Props

2011-12-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

In this episode of The Frugal Filmmaker Tip of the Month I take a brief look at Airsoft props and some ways to add firearm authenticity to your movie. I've used them on a few projects (you may recognize the rifle from Temp Insanity) and just having them makes me want to use them more and more! The beauty of props like these are how real they can look and how cheap they are to obtain. Just make sure everyone around your location knows your guns are fake. Nothing ruins a movie shoot faster than a SWAT team.

Middle of Nowhere

G36 (M41GL) Replica Magazines for $1

Weekly Recap Link List 12-5-11

2011-12-05T02:40:00.000-08:00

Alan Lach's DIY FrugalPod
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2011/11/alan-lachs-diy-frugalpod.html

A short film ("Temp Insanity") and a new schedule
http://filmflap.blogspot.com/2011/11/short-film-and-new-schedule.html

DIY conduit micro crane
http://cheesycam.com/diy-conduit-micro-crane-jib/

Olive: first feature intentionally shot on a smartphone
http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/olive-the-first-feature-film-intentionally-shot-on-a-smartpho/

$.45 1/2" PVC plugs at Lowe's
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150499568980850&set=o.334368756043&type=1&theater

Steve Taylor's DIY camera slider
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150436535792612&set=o.334368756043&type=1&theater

Single stereo / dual mono mic combiner
http://blog.sundayschildsnapshots.com/wp/2011/12/austin-specialty-photographer/and-moving-right-along-into-video/

Battling brutal filmmaking fatigue and getting better sleep
http://www.theblackandblue.com/2011/12/01/sleep-better/

How to lose $2400 (in camera equipment) in 24 seconds
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yTw67HdTv4

A Short Film and a New Schedule

2011-11-30T02:18:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel more like a reporter than a filmmaker. I really enjoy everything involved with The Frugal Filmmaker, but I miss making movies. Going back to grad school was a forceful move to remedy this, to not only get a MFA degree, but to force myself back into the trenches to learn the things I thought I already knew. This short is the first real product from my first semester.

It also marks the end of the first month of a new release schedule that I am attempting. The first Wednesday of the month will be an episode of The Frugal Filmmaker that everyone is used to. These are the more involved episodes that involved DIY builds and technique overviews. They will now only hit once a month (unlike my previous sometimes-reached goal of every three weeks), but that break should prevent the two-month gap that plagued me with The Frugal Floater and other episodes.

The third Wednesday will see a Frugal Filmmaker Tip of the Month. These episodes are more rapidly produced, take less editing and will cover a smaller topic. They should still have lots of good info, but won't be the production behemoth of the regular show.

Finally, if there is a fifth Wednesday (which seems to hit every other month), you'll get a new short film. This is the most exciting addition for me, as a filmmaker should always be making films (not just instructional videos). These will include films made at school, as well as others that I make independently. The above video is the first in what I hope is a long line.

If that isn't enough content for everyone, next year I'll be starting a new show that will be a weekly companion video to the Weekly Recap Link List. I get so many good comments and emails on top of the links featured on the Facebook Group, that there needs to be a place to feature them all. A weekly "quick & dirty" highlight and mailbag show should fit the bill and also include the YouTube audience which has been left out thus far.

With all that blah, blah, blah out of the way--enjoy the movie!