Shoot RED? Feb tech test for October shoot

[Justin Anderson]

I'm producing a short film to shoot in October and at this point we're debating shooting formats. We're choosing between;
-REDone
-Sony EX1

We want to use this 1-day February tech test (it's actually a teaser trailer) to convince us whether we can fit RED into our budget.

The budget for the production is $13,000.
We currently have $3,200.

I've worked with RED several times so I absolutely want to shot on it, I just want to make sure that it's the best camera for THIS PRODUCTION'S NEEDS.

I need to make sure we can take advantage of the linear RAW format. I want to experiment and run tests with the DP and crew to assure they are knowledgeable about what distinguishes RED from all prosumer cameras.

If budget were no consideration, we'd shoot RED hands down, with Cooke S4's, but there's a stunt, locations costs, and light+grip equipment that take priority over camera.
Obviously, the knowledge and experience the camera owner can offer would be VERY valuable.


Also, shooting this teaser on RED would help us get more money from specific financiers for the actual project AND it would answer questions for me about post workflow.

PM me if you'd like to talk more because I REALLY want to shoot this test with RED.
I really appreciate it.

Cheers,
-J

[Michael Thornton]

Did you also consider the Arri D20, VYPER, Genesis, and Dalsa too?

What about lens, do you want super speed or Master Primes?

:-)

For your total budget of $13,000.

http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/m...ct_Code=HVRZ7U

Much better than the EX1 for low budgets.

Tek

FYI, some more toys for 1/3 inch cameras.

PL MOUNT FILM LENS ADAPTER HZ-CA13U

[Justin Anderson]

I think I smell sarcasm but I can't interpret it.... ;)


ps, it's a student film. When you employ slave labor for class credit, your $13,000 travels a lot further. :whistling:

A few key people will be paid...like the RED owner...and the DP and boom op.

[Kip Kubin]

My other suggestion is to find a rental house that will cut you a deal for the sake of helping you out now for future rentals? If you have the insurance I don't see why that couldn't be worked out if the rental companies RED wasn't booked that or those days of shooting.

Lenses, filters, FF, matte box, operator and 1st AC are another matter.


If the RED doesn't make sense rent "ONCE" watch it, and know that a good story is a good story, no matter what format it was shot on.

[Michael Thornton]

I think I smell sarcasm but I can't interpret it.... ;)


ps, it's a student film. When you employ slave labor for class credit, your $13,000 travels a lot further.

A few key people will be paid...like the RED owner...and the DP and boom op.

Yup, You smell it right.

I do a lot of low budgets and some free student films shoot too.

Also, I am just right down the street from you.

When you compare RED to EX1, I am insulted.

I do have a RED package for those who can appreciate the power of this camera.

Just a reminder, this is a RED forum.

Tek

[Justin Anderson]

I do a lot of low budgets and some free student films shoot too.

Also, I am just right down the street from you.

When you compare RED to EX1, I am insulted.

I do have a RED package for those who can appreciate the power of this camera.
Tek

I'm not comparing the cameras in terms of their ability. If budget were no consideration, we'd shoot RED hands down, with Cooke S4's.
We can get the EX1 for free and there's a stunt, locations costs, and light+grip equipment that take priority over camera.

Trust me, I love working with the camera but I need to see that it'll work for this production, specifically.
If my crew can't push the linear RAW format and get the most out of it, then we might as well put the money toward something else.

I've been involved in RED projects where the footage resembles any other camera because
-they don't take advantage of the shallow DOF
-they don't understand the ISO metadata
-and they limit their image to about 7 stops because of sticking with REC709

I respect that RED is only amazing when you know how to use it, and this test shoot is intended to be a day for learning, testing, and experimenting.

If we can use RED, then we've got better grounds for attracting investors and interest in the project.
Plus, this test would be a great opportunity for me to understand post workflow. I know a great deal about the camera, but not the workflow after shooting.


With that, I'd be interested in talking to you about the test shoot, or even renting from you for the actual shoot in October.

-J

[Michael Thornton]

Cool, Got your PM.

Thanks

Tek