film making
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/5/03 10:53:40 AM Pacific Standard Time, leschke@...
writes:
use. She may go to a place in Seattle during the summer for a week long
class with professional equipment, should be fun.
We tried Dazzel for the PC but just couldn't get it to work. Maybe your son
would let you send us one of his movies. I'd love to see what other teens
are doing. My daughter might let me send her Volleyball video she made of
her club team and of her high school team. She plays sports at the local
high school.
thanks for sharing
Heidi
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
writes:
> Does I Movie sound right?yes, this is what my daughter has and loves. She says it is the easiest to
use. She may go to a place in Seattle during the summer for a week long
class with professional equipment, should be fun.
We tried Dazzel for the PC but just couldn't get it to work. Maybe your son
would let you send us one of his movies. I'd love to see what other teens
are doing. My daughter might let me send her Volleyball video she made of
her club team and of her high school team. She plays sports at the local
high school.
thanks for sharing
Heidi
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/5/03 7:28:03 PM Central Standard Time,
[email protected] writes:
You wouldn't happen to be in Pensacola, would you Teresa? There is a tech
high school here that has movie making equipment, it's been interesting to
hear of their progress in starting this unique school....
Ren
"The world's much smaller than you think. Made up of two kinds of
people--simple and complicated.....The simple ones are contented. The
complicated ones aren't."
"Unschooling support at pensacolaunschoolers.com
[email protected] writes:
You wouldn't happen to be in Pensacola, would you Teresa? There is a tech
high school here that has movie making equipment, it's been interesting to
hear of their progress in starting this unique school....
Ren
"The world's much smaller than you think. Made up of two kinds of
people--simple and complicated.....The simple ones are contented. The
complicated ones aren't."
"Unschooling support at pensacolaunschoolers.com
Tia Leschke
> > Does I Movie sound right?to
>
> yes, this is what my daughter has and loves. She says it is the easiest
> use. She may go to a place in Seattle during the summer for a week longCould you point me to a website or other information about this? It's not
> class with professional equipment, should be fun.
likely for this year, but maybe in the future. He might end up doing a week
at the Gulf Island Film and Television School this year. They have an
extreme sports week where they go up to Whistler for a couple of days and
film skiers on the glaciers as well as mountain bikers and skateboarders
down below.
>son
> We tried Dazzel for the PC but just couldn't get it to work. Maybe your
> would let you send us one of his movies.Could happen. I don't know what he's actually done with it so far. I asked
if he's been able to use it yet, and he said he needs to get a battery
charger for it. I guess that means he's taken some footage anyway. (I
thought it came with a charger, but that might have been another one.)
I'd love to see what other teens
> are doing. My daughter might let me send her Volleyball video she made ofThe class he took made a documentary about fencing. They've got one more
> her club team and of her high school team. She plays sports at the local
> high school.
editing session to finish it, I think.
Tia
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/5/03 8:33:56 PM Pacific Standard Time, leschke@...
writes:
Heidi
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
writes:
> yes, this is what my daughter has and loves. She says it is the easiestthe website is www.911media.org
> to
> > use. She may go to a place in Seattle during the summer for a week long
> > class with professional equipment, should be fun.
>
> Could you point me to a website or other information about this? It's not
> likely for this year, but maybe in the future. He might end up doing a
> week
> at the Gulf Island Film and Television School this year. They have an
> extreme sports week where they go up to Whistler for a couple of days and
> film skiers on the glaciers as well as mountain bikers and skateboarders
> down below.
>
Heidi
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Colonel Newton
>>>>>>>>>>You wouldn't happen to be in Pensacola, would you Teresa? There is a techhigh school here that has movie making equipment, it's been interesting to
hear of their progress in starting this unique school....<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Ren,
I'm hoping this is for *this* Teresa. :)
No, I'm in North Carolina. My school is K-7 (will be adding 8 next year). We are still in many ways a "traditional" school (there are designated times for certain activities, for example, although these times are set by each class-- teacher & kids collaborate on that). We don't have grades, we don't have "punishments" (we do a lot of talking with the kids and asking them to find ways to be more responsible for themselves and their choices)...
My school's only in its third year.
Teresa G.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/6/03 5:36:28 PM Central Standard Time,
[email protected] writes:
<< My school's only in its third year. >>
Oh, ok. Well this school in Pensacola is in it's second year....it's focus is
technology and kids have to apply to try and get in.
There are several homeschoolers using it.
Since you're into film making, is there a good website you'd recommend that
describes the process? My kids have been asking a lot the last couple of days.
Forgive me if I missed links that have already been given.
Ren
"The world's much smaller than you think. Made up of two kinds of
people--simple and complicated.....The simple ones are contented. The
complicated ones aren't."
"Unschooling support at pensacolaunschoolers.com
[email protected] writes:
<< My school's only in its third year. >>
Oh, ok. Well this school in Pensacola is in it's second year....it's focus is
technology and kids have to apply to try and get in.
There are several homeschoolers using it.
Since you're into film making, is there a good website you'd recommend that
describes the process? My kids have been asking a lot the last couple of days.
Forgive me if I missed links that have already been given.
Ren
"The world's much smaller than you think. Made up of two kinds of
people--simple and complicated.....The simple ones are contented. The
complicated ones aren't."
"Unschooling support at pensacolaunschoolers.com
regan
> From: starsuncloud@...I work in the film business in NYC (I am an editor). I can't think of any
> Subject: film making
>
> Since you're into film making, is there a good website you'd recommend that
> describes the process? My kids have been asking a lot the last couple of days.
> Forgive me if I missed links that have already been given.
comprehensive websites offhand -- I'm sure there are some, but I think you'd
find a better-written overview in a book, since it's a massive subject (do
get a modern one if you go looking -- the business started changing
radically in the last few years). Anyhow, I can answer many questions you
or your children have... particularly about independent film-making. If the
group is interested, ask me here... if not, feel free to email me offlist.
Cheers,
Regan
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/6/03 8:36:39 PM Pacific Standard Time,
starsuncloud@... writes:
From the site: Join us as we explore this creative process, from the
screenwriter's words to the editor's final cut. Write your own dialogue for a
scene or put yourself in a producer's shoes by managing the production of a
film.
Cheryl
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
starsuncloud@... writes:
> Since you're into film making, is there a good website you'd recommend thathttp://www.learner.org/exhibits/cinema/
> describes the process? My kids have been asking a lot the last couple of
> days.
> Forgive me if I missed links that have already been given.
>
> Ren
>
From the site: Join us as we explore this creative process, from the
screenwriter's words to the editor's final cut. Write your own dialogue for a
scene or put yourself in a producer's shoes by managing the production of a
film.
Cheryl
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
Thanks for the link Cheryl!
Ren
"The world's much smaller than you think. Made up of two kinds of
people--simple and complicated.....The simple ones are contented. The
complicated ones aren't."
"Unschooling support at pensacolaunschoolers.com
Ren
"The world's much smaller than you think. Made up of two kinds of
people--simple and complicated.....The simple ones are contented. The
complicated ones aren't."
"Unschooling support at pensacolaunschoolers.com
regan
My recommendation would be to start with books that are "making of" movies
your kids have seen. They have these at my library for most big films (like
"Jurassic Park" and "Star Wars"). I think the material would be easier to
absorb this way, with lots of pictures of people behind the camera and
building models. Otherwise, many of the concepts can get somewhat abstract.
A lot of books and websites get hung up on describing what the weird job
titles (like 'key grip') mean, when that info doesn't have much to do with
what most people find magical about the movies.
"Making of" shows on tv are really great too -- MTV has them, as does Bravo.
(These tend to focus on actors and directors.) And of course DVDs with
extra features are good for hearing more about the script, the acting, and
the editing.
Your area has a film festival in March (www.pensacolabayfilmandtv.com) ...
they might end up having a short film program or some kids movies that would
make an interesting counterpoint to the Hollywood style that one usually
sees in the theaters. Or you could end up meeting local filmmakers who
would let you visit the set of their next project.
I don't know what age your kids are, but some fun film-related projects are:
* making scripted videos, using real people or dolls
* making stop-frame animation (with clay or legos)
* making nonsense or found-footage videos (editing bits from tv + movies)
* writing new scripts for a favorite tv show
* documenting small events like dinnertime, a party, a wedding
* videotaping a pet + later adding "voiceover" of what the pet is thinking
* make a comic-book movie by video-ing each frame for a little while +
reading the text
Older kids who are interested in filmmaking can learn a lot from still
photography, reading fiction (or reading fiction and then seeing the movie
it was made into), a video camera (doesn't have to be fancy; a $10 one from
1987 that works is just fine -- ask around, because lots of people upgrade
and have no use for their older models), and any computer editing programs
they can get their hands on [but you CAN edit with two VCRs, or one camera
and one VCR.] Storytelling is storytelling, though the tools may change.
Filmmaking is one career where you find lots and lots of people with
nontraditional and no-college backgrounds. Another interesting aspect of
the field is that it also features many other jobs that some people aren't
aware of: a film set requires hairdressers and medics and teachers and
physical trainers and language experts and architects and historians and
musicians/composers... which is good to know for anyone who thinks film
might be fun, but doesn't have the personality of a director, actor, or
producer.
Cheers,
Regan
(And I have worked on an Alan Rickman movie -- a creepy, no-budget movie
called "Dark Harbor".)
your kids have seen. They have these at my library for most big films (like
"Jurassic Park" and "Star Wars"). I think the material would be easier to
absorb this way, with lots of pictures of people behind the camera and
building models. Otherwise, many of the concepts can get somewhat abstract.
A lot of books and websites get hung up on describing what the weird job
titles (like 'key grip') mean, when that info doesn't have much to do with
what most people find magical about the movies.
"Making of" shows on tv are really great too -- MTV has them, as does Bravo.
(These tend to focus on actors and directors.) And of course DVDs with
extra features are good for hearing more about the script, the acting, and
the editing.
Your area has a film festival in March (www.pensacolabayfilmandtv.com) ...
they might end up having a short film program or some kids movies that would
make an interesting counterpoint to the Hollywood style that one usually
sees in the theaters. Or you could end up meeting local filmmakers who
would let you visit the set of their next project.
I don't know what age your kids are, but some fun film-related projects are:
* making scripted videos, using real people or dolls
* making stop-frame animation (with clay or legos)
* making nonsense or found-footage videos (editing bits from tv + movies)
* writing new scripts for a favorite tv show
* documenting small events like dinnertime, a party, a wedding
* videotaping a pet + later adding "voiceover" of what the pet is thinking
* make a comic-book movie by video-ing each frame for a little while +
reading the text
Older kids who are interested in filmmaking can learn a lot from still
photography, reading fiction (or reading fiction and then seeing the movie
it was made into), a video camera (doesn't have to be fancy; a $10 one from
1987 that works is just fine -- ask around, because lots of people upgrade
and have no use for their older models), and any computer editing programs
they can get their hands on [but you CAN edit with two VCRs, or one camera
and one VCR.] Storytelling is storytelling, though the tools may change.
Filmmaking is one career where you find lots and lots of people with
nontraditional and no-college backgrounds. Another interesting aspect of
the field is that it also features many other jobs that some people aren't
aware of: a film set requires hairdressers and medics and teachers and
physical trainers and language experts and architects and historians and
musicians/composers... which is good to know for anyone who thinks film
might be fun, but doesn't have the personality of a director, actor, or
producer.
Cheers,
Regan
(And I have worked on an Alan Rickman movie -- a creepy, no-budget movie
called "Dark Harbor".)
> From: starsuncloud@...
> Subject: film making
>
> Thanks for the advice Regan...any books that are a simple overview, not too
> technical for young kids?
> I'm saving your email addy in case they do stay interested.
>
> Ren
[email protected]
Regan,
You are a positive wealth of information, thank you!!
I have been fascinated with the stop frame type of film work for some time,
but assumed you need a special camera as my camcorder isn't capable of doing
that.
Is it possible to find inexpensive equipment for THAT type of thing? My kids
can use our camcorder if this interest develops.
Mostly, Jared was really curious about the process. He's seen shows on
special effects, but doesn't get how it finally comes together.
I need to get movies that show the actual editing process I think. He sees
the "tricks" they use but doesn't get how it ends up looking so perfect in
the final version.
Ren
"The world's much smaller than you think. Made up of two kinds of
people--simple and complicated.....The simple ones are contented. The
complicated ones aren't."
"Unschooling support at pensacolaunschoolers.com
You are a positive wealth of information, thank you!!
I have been fascinated with the stop frame type of film work for some time,
but assumed you need a special camera as my camcorder isn't capable of doing
that.
Is it possible to find inexpensive equipment for THAT type of thing? My kids
can use our camcorder if this interest develops.
Mostly, Jared was really curious about the process. He's seen shows on
special effects, but doesn't get how it finally comes together.
I need to get movies that show the actual editing process I think. He sees
the "tricks" they use but doesn't get how it ends up looking so perfect in
the final version.
Ren
"The world's much smaller than you think. Made up of two kinds of
people--simple and complicated.....The simple ones are contented. The
complicated ones aren't."
"Unschooling support at pensacolaunschoolers.com
regan
Glad to be of help. The movies are a mystery to so many people; I like to
tell all the secrets. ;)
As for stop-frame animation, you are correct that most camcorders don't have
a feature that lets you record one frame at a time. (Some do, but they
usually cost lots more.)
What I used as a kid was a Super-8 camera (the "camcorder" of the late '60s
and early '70s). You can still get these today at flea markets and on eBay
(be sure to get a SUPER 8 camera and not "regular" 8 -- regular 8 film is no
longer made). Also, ask around: so many people have these cameras around
and have no use for them. Before you buy one, do make sure it can do one
frame at a time. Most of them can, but some lame ones were made with very
few features. You should be able to purchase one for $15 - $20, regardless.
You'd also need a projector to watch the results of your handiwork. Lots of
people have these in their attics, or again, eBay. Super-8 film is easily
available, but you'd likely have to mail-order it in and ship it out for
developing (email me if you can't find places online). But I think this is
part of the fun -- to get your film back 3 weeks later, so excited about
what it's going to look like!
The process is simple, if tedious. You stick the camera on a tripod or
other firm surface. You put your scene in front of the camera, usually on a
table. Look through the lens and focus for the scene. (You may want to
turn bright lights on to help the camera focus.) When you're all set up,
you click the "shutter" so that the camera records ONE lonely frame. (Two
is okay too.) Then, you move your scene a little bit: the clay man moves
his arm half-an-inch, maybe. Or the lego car moves a similar amount. It's
fun to move a couple of elements each time, and to know where all this
action is heading -- otherwise, it's hard to know when you're finished.
Take another frame or two. Move your elements a little more. Take a frame.
Move the elements. Take a frame.
Bear in mind that film moves at 24 frames per second (though some super-8 is
18 frames per second). At 24 fps, one minute of finished film takes 1440
frames! That said, most of my animations from childhood are less than 10
seconds long and they are still pretty cool.
Cheers,
Regan
tell all the secrets. ;)
As for stop-frame animation, you are correct that most camcorders don't have
a feature that lets you record one frame at a time. (Some do, but they
usually cost lots more.)
What I used as a kid was a Super-8 camera (the "camcorder" of the late '60s
and early '70s). You can still get these today at flea markets and on eBay
(be sure to get a SUPER 8 camera and not "regular" 8 -- regular 8 film is no
longer made). Also, ask around: so many people have these cameras around
and have no use for them. Before you buy one, do make sure it can do one
frame at a time. Most of them can, but some lame ones were made with very
few features. You should be able to purchase one for $15 - $20, regardless.
You'd also need a projector to watch the results of your handiwork. Lots of
people have these in their attics, or again, eBay. Super-8 film is easily
available, but you'd likely have to mail-order it in and ship it out for
developing (email me if you can't find places online). But I think this is
part of the fun -- to get your film back 3 weeks later, so excited about
what it's going to look like!
The process is simple, if tedious. You stick the camera on a tripod or
other firm surface. You put your scene in front of the camera, usually on a
table. Look through the lens and focus for the scene. (You may want to
turn bright lights on to help the camera focus.) When you're all set up,
you click the "shutter" so that the camera records ONE lonely frame. (Two
is okay too.) Then, you move your scene a little bit: the clay man moves
his arm half-an-inch, maybe. Or the lego car moves a similar amount. It's
fun to move a couple of elements each time, and to know where all this
action is heading -- otherwise, it's hard to know when you're finished.
Take another frame or two. Move your elements a little more. Take a frame.
Move the elements. Take a frame.
Bear in mind that film moves at 24 frames per second (though some super-8 is
18 frames per second). At 24 fps, one minute of finished film takes 1440
frames! That said, most of my animations from childhood are less than 10
seconds long and they are still pretty cool.
Cheers,
Regan
> From: starsuncloud@...
> Subject: film making
>
> Regan,
> You are a positive wealth of information, thank you!!
> I have been fascinated with the stop frame type of film work for some time,
> but assumed you need a special camera as my camcorder isn't capable of doing
> that. Is it possible to find inexpensive equipment for THAT type of thing?
> My kids can use our camcorder if this interest develops. Mostly, Jared was
> really curious about the process. He's seen shows on special effects, but
> doesn't get how it finally comes together. I need to get movies that show
> the actual editing process I think. He sees the "tricks" they use but
> doesn't get how it ends up looking so perfect in the final version.
Betsy
**I need to get movies that show the actual editing process I think. He
sees
the "tricks" they use but doesn't get how it ends up looking so perfect
in
the final version.**
Have you guys tried watching movies or TV shows in slow motion to see if
you can spot more techniques and tricks that way?
I've been meaning to do that with the Buffy fight scenes. I can deduce
that if they aren't showing Sarah Michelle Gellar's face, then it's the
stunt person, but I'd like to study this in more detail. My eyes are
just really easy to trick with fast scene changes. I'm gullible. <g>
Betsy
sees
the "tricks" they use but doesn't get how it ends up looking so perfect
in
the final version.**
Have you guys tried watching movies or TV shows in slow motion to see if
you can spot more techniques and tricks that way?
I've been meaning to do that with the Buffy fight scenes. I can deduce
that if they aren't showing Sarah Michelle Gellar's face, then it's the
stunt person, but I'd like to study this in more detail. My eyes are
just really easy to trick with fast scene changes. I'm gullible. <g>
Betsy
Colonel Newton
>>>>>>>>>>>that.Is it possible to find inexpensive equipment for THAT type of thing? My kids
can use our camcorder if this interest develops. <<<<<<<<<<<<<
Ren,
One of my students has a little camera-- it's blue and almost looks like an old Kodak... rectangular-- and she got it at Toys-R-Us last year after Christmas for like $30. I'm not sure of the name-- I'll ask tomorrow. Her dad says there were similar cameras there this year as well.
This particular student makes films a good bit-- for school and her own amusement. She gets pretty good effects from the camera as well (fades, etc.).
Teresa G.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]