This past summer, I filmed my no-budget, no-crew feature film on a Sony A7siii / A7iv w/cheap lights off amazon, using garbage bags to shape / diffuse the light. The film has already secured distribution.
Just wanted to share encouragement to filmmakers who are trying to get their next project off the ground to just go for it. Don't stress about what camera you are using, or what lenses you can get, etc. At the end of the day, they are tools. Use your imagination and your skillset to make whatever work.
On the flip side, if one day I get the budget...I may just shoot on Alexa. Until then, I'm happy with my other Alexa .... from Amazon.com.
Check the trailer out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwQgeqoCA0w
PS - would love to see what everyone else is working on!! Drop a link below!!
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Wow, Stephen Folker! This trailer looks amazing. Great work. Also really powerful sounds effects, music and performances. Agreed - you can make terrific work with the tools you have. Bravo!
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I really like that, Stephen Folker. Better to go out and film with what you have than wait and wait until you have the perfect equipment.
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Great job Stephen!
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Thanks Maurice! And yes, better to use what we have than worry about the next best thing. And to clarify, I could invest in a RED camera if chose to. However, for me it's not worth the cost as I don't feel it's going to make my work look more 'cinematic'. It's a tool and I prefer to keep it simple.
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Nathan Woodward thanks!
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Great work, Stephen Folker! Thank you for sharing this with us! And congratulations again on getting distribution for your project! I'm so excited for you.
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That's awesome, Stephen Folker! Love the "go get 'em" spirit. I aspire to follow your example this year.
What cheap lights did you pick up? I have my eye on this for a starters kit:
GVM 1200D 50W Bi-Color RGB Studio Soft LED Panel 3-Light Kit.
https://www.adorama.com/gvm1200d3l.html
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You're welcome, Stephen Folker. No need to buy something that won't help much. That money could go other places, like costumes, props, etc.
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Ty Strange the lights you are looking at would work. I purchased this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08NVNSM18/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Keep in mind, the item / name description has changed since I bought it, as mine don't look exactly like this (knock off re-branding). Also, I have some other older lights. I'm not picky on gear.
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This is great, congrats! That's among the best advice you can give aspiring filmmakers. Just find a way and go do it!
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Nick Phillips - thanks for taking a moment to check it out. :)
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Thanks, Stephen Folker!
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@Stephen Thanks for the share, awesome trailer! Curiosity, dread & anticipation of a rollercoaster ride make me want to see whole film. Props add an extra layer of “weird” aside performances.
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Debbie Croysdale thanks! Glad you picked up on the weird vibe! :). It was fun to make.
Should be coming out soon! I'll keep you posted!
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Doris V Walker thank you! :)
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This is great, Stephen Folker! You clearly have a great eye for framing, (camera) movement, adding visual subtext, etc. through visual storytelling (by indeed using the camera as a tool). And that's what it's all about in the end. Such a terrific job! Congrats on getting it distributed as well!
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Jaap Ruurd Feitsma thank you for the kind words. Appreciate it. :)
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Stephen Folker You have a great ability to move with the camera. And a beautiful photograph together with the script. Beautiful work. A brilliant idea to escape anonymity. I have my cameras and a script, I plan on taking this path. Thanks for
to share !!!
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John January Noble that's fantastic! Please keep me informed when it's done! I'd love to see it!
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Stephen Folker Of course yes, it will be my first short film. When it's ready, I'll share it.