Adrian Muscat: Director, screenwriter and producer in Canberra, Australia.

I second Adrian's comment. A used Canon 5Dmkii or 7D or Nikon D800 will produce great images when used properly. The only caveat is that you'll have to record sound separately with a Zoom or the like and re-sync in post (but don't let that stop you, it's a few extra steps that's all). I also recommend testing (or least get a hands on) with every camera you are considering. Look at the image quality, it's limitations vs it's advantages, even the ergonomics. (Can you use it out of the box or do you have to buy a bunch of accessories?) Unfortunately there is NO perfect camera, so it will boil down to your specific needs, budget, AND preferences. For example, I prefer dslr cameras for b-roll because I hate re-syncing audio in post, so I own a Sony Fs700. I like my camera and there are newer models being released almost every six months. For now, it's still good for what I need it to do. Shopping for a camera can be tedious but also exciting so have fun!

It depends on how long the shots are. DSLRs shut down after around 16 min of continuous shooting. If you need it for longer shooting time. I recommend a camcorder or something like it. Panasonic makes good ones.

I have a few Sony's that I use for what you are doing you can go far with a Sony X70 I use this as my C camera with great results. My prime camera's are Sony FS7.

Great tips! thanks for sharing RB.

Most welcome, Adrian!

Well, we had a big fight over frank and Cheryll (as writers do) Donald wanted them to have a relationship but I don't. I don't because that's what I hated about The X Files. Who says a man and woman can't just be colleuges! Lol. I know why chuck was manipulative. He knew about the bad guy and had a sneaking suspicion of the other murders. Maybe we should write that in.

Regarding Paul's original question, 'When is feedback not actually useful?', I have some thoughts. (I've traded notes with writers on scripts, written coverage, etc.). First, I think it is fair to simply say 'This is what I liked.' followed by your specific 'likes' and 'This is what I didn't like.' with the specifics. If the writer/film maker wants more and you want to do more, I think the first thing you have to do is figure out answers to two questions, 'What story is the writer/FM trying to tell?' and 'Can I, based on my skills and interest, help tell that particular story better?' If you can't these questions effectively, you politely decline to go further. And definitely decline to go further if it's just not a story which appeals to you personally, emotionally. (Obviously, this last thought does not apply to paid consultants who have to dive in and do their best whether they like the story or not.) Assuming you can help, I'd offer particular suggestions which the writer/FM can consider. You like a character but you disagree with an important particular choice which the character made or you like certain scenes but one or more may better placed (that is, there's a problem with story structure.) or.... Finally, I think that good notes are rare, even from paid consultants. If you want criticism of your work, you plunge in and take your chances. In my view, your best chance is to get notes from either working screenwriters or working film makers, who, of course, do guard their time carefully. Good luck.

1. Never ask friends or relatives for an assessment of your work. Period. PERIOD⬤ 2. Put your professional hat on when taking notes. It's your work they're criticizing, not YOU. 3. Peer workshops provide the most cost effective feedback. 4. The worse your m/s, the more notes you get, up to a point. After that, you get fewer. 5. Almost anyone can critique AS A VIEWER. Five of those ~ one review. 6. To critique as a professional, they only have to know more than you do. 7. Remember, this is an industry where "nobody KNOWS anything." Be brave.

Oh, that´s fine, really. I was just confused. Thanks for clarifying and I can most definitely agree with you now that I know what your post is about :) Have a great day, Kody! :)

Hi Ziatan. To answer above question to @Debbie. I've visited Iceland, Norway, Denmark and several little islands scattered abouts. There is so much undiscovered talent Scandinavia and I feel there should be a higher media concentration, to showcase it. A few new bolt holes for Indie, are beginning to emerge though, such as the diverse Tou Scene Theatre Norway. Good to meet you.

Norway is Beautiful, Iceland too. People talk often how Hollywood is closed and difficult to break in. Sure, it is not easy but over here it is outright impossible since the industry is more or less privatised. Not in the true sense of the Word but only selected few can actually get somewhere. And most often it is the same story remade all over again. No diversity what so ever in produced work which kind of reflects upon the viewing pool around here. Norway however, seems to be doing different things as of recently, which I applaude.

Amazing job!

HAHA good twist!

Thanks Jim!