I am directing and producing my first short. We are focusing on festival-level quality without exploding our budget.
Opportunity of a Lifetime is a contained short (single office location, 2 actors). I would love to hear from you guys.
- What camera do you suggest renting?
- What minimum crew do you believe is effective?
My first thought is to rent a Blackmagic Ursa Mini 4K, 35mm & 50mm Zeiss Lenz, and attach an 8 people crew (Production Assistant, Director, A.D., D.P., 1st A.C., Gaffer, Grip, Sound Recordist).
Opportunity of a Lifetime - Short - 9 mins - Fantasy Thriller
https://www.stage32.com/profile/855756/Screenplay/Opportunity-of-a-Lifet...
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How big is the filming location - as in, can you really fit in all those people? How many of those people do you really need for a 9 minute film? Can it be shot on one camera? (some directors insist on only filming with one camera, others insist on two).
If you are directing and producing, somebody who can help you with either one of those things would be a bonus.
Will you be doing your own editing?
If you have a DP, your assistant could look after the clapperboard - and your DP could vocally record on film each scene title as you go along.
I was listening to a Clubhouse room on filmmaking the other day, (and it's something I've heard elsewhere) - one of the producers (who's been in the industry for 20 years) said 'don't focus on the camera, focus on the story'. I would tend to agree: there are films being made on iphones, which have their own categories at Film Festivals (just as an example). It's who is holding it that makes the difference.
Just as examples:
I have shot single location with two actors on phone, and edited it together. We still got into festivals, and even won awards.
I have also shot in an office type location with five actors, sound equipment was lent by one of the cast, which I had to monitor; this left more space for the DP (and the writer was also able to be present). Although I took a reflector, we preferred natural/found light and went with that.
Sound is key - almost more important than image (as in, you can get away with 'artistic' imagery, as long as people can hear what the actors are saying).
See who you really need in the room, then what you need for editing and for the festivals.
Hope this helps :)
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Congrats on your first gig. As far as a camera model I’m not an expert when it comes to that field. Even if you’re able to use a minimum budget. There are success stories from people who shot films using phones.
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Hi Claudio - Opportunity Of A Lifetime sounds like such a cool project. Excited to see how it turns out! Here is a link to a class that may be helpful to you as you prep your shoot - wishing you the best of everything with it! https://www.stage32.com/classes/Stage-32-Directing-Class-How-to-Plan-and...
Fp camera by sigma.
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Personally, I think you got too much crew. The dp should operate solo. Hire two ppl to gaffer/grip. Everyone needs to double up/do two or more jobs.
Spend on set design.
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Your cinematographer should decide what camera to use. In most cases, what they own. Crew size depends on experience and how many hats someone is comfortable wearing. When I do projects, I do the lights, camera and audio. Other projects, would have 4-8 people spread out for these duties. My advice, whatever money you set aside to rent / purchase gear, give to whomever is putting your idea on screen.
Whatever happens - wishing you all the best with your project!
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Claudio, I agree with Dan and Stephen comment, the dp should help you decide on the camera to be used. and crew wise, since it's just a 9mins short (maybe a weekend filming), you can easily have small crew that are experienced people and do a great job.