Training DVD? Shooting a Feature with RED

[Chip G]

As many of you know a fellow member Stephen Pruitt will be shooting his feature film this summer on 2 (possibly 3) RED One camera's. Stephen and I have come to agreement that I'll be shooting the behind the scenes footage for his feature's DVD.

My question is this. Would anyone have any interest in a more in depth 2 to 4 hour doc / training DVD of behind the scenes / how to / shooting a feature with RED. It would have tips from the DP, lighting for RED, real world experiences and not a guy standing in a classroom telling you how to use it but actually showing you on a movie / production set. Real world experiences shooting with RED.

Stephen is a class act and a perfectionist and I'm honored to be a part of his latest venture. I'd only make this if there is demand for it.

Please let me know if there is any interest out there for something like this.

Thanks!
Chip

[Jim Hoffman]

If you build it...they will come.

I'm sure you would have an audience. People are always interested in "behind the scenes" - I would stick to the technical aspects of the feature and real world production point of view vs. interviews with actors just saying what a pleasure it is to work with so and so type of stuff.

And of course price point is always a factor.

[Bing Bailey]

there will be tons of demand if the price is right. fxphd offers a course on red and other software training for about $350 , but thats about 6 courses not just red. if it was about $100 or less I think a lot of redites would buy

[Chip G]

If you build it...they will come.

I'm sure you would have an audience. People are always interested in "behind the scenes" - I would stick to the technical aspects of the feature and real world production point of view vs. interviews with actors just saying what a pleasure it is to work with so and so type of stuff.

And of course price point is always a factor.


It would be a technical dvd about using RED to make a feature, dealing with workflow issues, lighting for RED, production hurdles with 2-3 RED ones, what if any issues the rolling shutter presented for us, editing RED footage, pre production, production, post production issues, hurdles, achievements with RED etc. Basically I'd be trying to answer all the real world production technical issues when making a feature film with RED from start to finish.

I wouldn't want to waste anyone's time or money by having interviews with the actors saying it was a pleasure to work with RED :)

What are some of the issues you'd like to see shown in the DVD?

[bradV]

I would love something like this.

It would be great to see some real-world advice, tips, etc.

Certain filming examples: what settings worked best best for low-light shots, high-speed action shots, slow-mo shots, hardware used, Post Production techniques, ... workflow especially, archiving used, etc.

[Chip G]

I would love something like this.

It would be great to see some real-world advice, tips, etc.

Certain filming examples: what settings worked best best for low-light shots, high-speed action shots, slow-mo shots, hardware used, Post Production techniques, ... workflow especially, archiving used, etc.

Thanks Brad!

If the demand is there i'll include everything you requested in my production. I want this to be the best hands down real world RED training DVD on the market.

Please keep the sugestions coming.

[sparkhope]

The caveat being how quick you can bring it to market. Red is continually updating the camera and if you could structure the dvd to have a longer shelf life, I think you would do well. An alternative might be to make a subscription based online vblog that can mature with the camera (kind of like Reduser without the fat)...just thinking out loud.

Cheers

[Josué Ignacio Saldaña]

Chip... please make this project happen, there are so many of us who are in need of these types of efforts from those who have a better understanding of the moviemaking world; and when I say moviemaking, I mean moviemaking and not listening to commentaries solely explaining facts such as how great the eggs for breakfast were for shooting day # 27! Or watching documentaries about the making of movies when in reality they are just a Marketing Spot! Respect is always so high in my book for those who produce and who take the appropriate time to educate the world in the craft they love. “Sparkhope” would have a point… if you were making a documentary about the menus of a certain Red release, but if you make a documentary about the moviemaking experience with the Red, the information can become timeless if it is well done. Who amongst us can't still be fascinated and learn foundational truths from the research writings of Hurter & Driffield on emulsion from the late 1800s? Hope all turns well with this project.

[Aiden Cornwell]

there will be tons of demand if the price is right. fxphd offers a course on red and other software training for about $350 , but thats about 6 courses not just red. if it was about $100 or less I think a lot of redites would buy

They will have 2 red courses this term between the 2 courses a total of 20 classes. On top of that one can choose 1 more course plus get the background fundamentals. It is fantastic training I took the first Red course last term and the 2nd course will be from budgeting all the way through. This is professional training and $330 is not expensive for the quality of training they offer.

[Jeremiah McLamb]

count me in for sure

[Chip G]

They will have 2 red courses this term between the 2 courses a total of 20 classes. On top of that one can choose 1 more course plus get the background fundamentals. It is fantastic training I took the first Red course last term and the 2nd course will be from budgeting all the way through. This is professional training and $330 is not expensive for the quality of training they offer.

Is it classroom training, real world on a movie set training (like I'm talking about) or both? The last thing I want to do is work my you know what off for 4-6 months to create something that is already available and has little or no demand.

Are there topics that you would like to know more about that they did not cover?

[Aiden Cornwell]

Is it classroom training, real world on a movie set training (like I'm talking about) or both? The last thing I want to do is work my you know what off for 4-6 months to create something that is already available and has little or no demand.

Are there topics that you would like to know more about that they did not cover?

The red 202 course new this term is taking a production from preproduction through post production this is a real production. This is from the website regarding the course. I am only a student there so I can not say exactly what will be covered.

"
This course takes a practical look at using the RED camera, from filming a piece, to editing that piece and doing some effects for it. The aim is to simply do a job and along the way discuss the latest approaches to using RED. We will do it completely for real as if it was a real job, but also highlight any tips and tricks -- and bugs -- we have found with the RED camera.

The classes will be more operational than the introductory course, with special attention given to Scratch. This course will be less theory and more practical tips and post production with Scratch, REDCine and REDAlert, combined with FCP and AVID. This course builds on the RED201 course and assumes some level of knowledge about the RED workflow."

http://www.fxphd.com/article33.html#red202

[BASSAM MSSALATIE]

i think Lynda trianing DVD'S are one step ahead befor you ..:bleh: joking

[Jim Hoffman]

Sounds like you're on the right track - I am positive you would have a large demand - not only from interested RED users but folks that are thinking about RED for themselves. Everything you describe people would love to see. I am very interested in lighting setups with this beast myself - its always great to see what others are doing no matter how much or little experience one has...

good luck!!!

[Chip G]

Geez, any more intrest?

This isn't lookin' good...

Chip

[ChrisLyon]

Price is certainly an issue. But I'm interested for sure.

[mdo]

I'd be interested. This may not be a meaningful survey, though, since much of the response you can expect to get will depend on the quality of the product. It's hard for someone to comment up front. If the DVD becomes a must-have -- then your marketing will drive itself. With enough data-gathering and hard work, I think you can definitely produce a must-have training product in this area.

[Nick Wolf]

Chip.

I know a couple of people including myself who would buy it from you. How many units would you need to sell for it to be worth your time and effort? A site with updates that correspond to the developements, and an online presence that conveys genuine authority and commitment to quality in your respective field will certainly attract a following.

Its also alot about loyalty. These are shark infested waters.

Why should we buy from you and not the guy across the street? Answer that question for yourself and the rest will follow.

Dogday.

[Phil D]

I'd buy it, if its a true warts and all behind the scene docs, can't stand the EPK stuff though.

A documentary focused on a camera and its work flow on a real production would would be unique, if a little geeky. I don't think you could do a definitive how to video, as the camera and the tools will change quickly, but if you are informative and enlightening, and capture the moment

This type of thing is for a niche market, (refuser.net) but 3500+ cameras on order, even if you only sold 1000 at $50 that's a decent amount of money. There are plenty of internet companys that can manufacturer dvds and distribute your orders.

A market is a market, no matter how small it is.

[Chip G]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. I'd probably price it at $99.00 or lower, somewhere in the $59-$99 price range, I guess it depends on if I put 100 hours in it or 1,000 hours in it.

[Andrew Hewlett]

Yes, yes and yes.

Thanks.

[Erik Bien]

As said before, so much depends on, well, not sucking. But if it doesn't I could well see needing a personal copy, a 'loaner' copy for nervous clients or crew and one or more to give as gifts ...