Thursday, June 12, 2008

DVX100 Short Film - Meth


One look at this trailer and you just might find yourself second-guessing the camera that was used. Shot with the DVX100, filmmaker Ozan Biron from Vancouver, Canada made this feaux trailer to an unexisting movie entitled "Meth". It was something that was made for the FOX TV show competition "On the Lot". Now - here's the kicker - according to Biron, there were no extra lenses or 35mm adapter used for the production!

This has caused quite a stir among the DVX100 communities and forums as many are wondering just how Biron was able to pull off such a film-like look with a stock DVX100a. At first glance, I couldn't believe it either. Then...watching it a second time I forgot about the use of great sound design, great score, good actors, great lighting, great editing, a great eye for color correction, visual effects in post, framing, sound effects, great directing, etc.

Not to take away anything from Biron (the trailer is one of most amazing sets of DVX100 footage I've ever seen) but with the right talent and vision, the DVX100 is more than what most of us give it credit for. Edited in Adboe Premiere, color timed and cut in Adobe After Effects 6.5. He said he shot in 24P normal and just zoomed in half way to work the depth of field in particular shots.

Tools Used as Listed:
One basic DVX100A (no adapter?) Velbon CX-686 tripod, Lowel Light Kit, Bizounce, Sony wire ECM-44B lav mic, Premier1.0 and AE6.5

With some still skeptical, I wanted to add a few links so you can judge for yourself: DVXUser Forum - "Meth" Trailer | Rebel's Guide Forum - "Meth" Trailer

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

HVX200 Movie - Ash Wednesday

Writer/director Ricardo Mendoza moves up several notches from shooting his first film, "El Escape De Los Santos" with a DVX100 to the world premier at the 2007 New York International Latino Film Festival with his latest project "Ash Wednesday" which was shot on the HVX200. Shot throughout Texas and from the basis of a 67 page script, the first episode of "Ash Wednesday" is the first of an uncertain amount of chapters to follow.

The shallow depth of field looks great and was achieved with the stock lens, I believe, without the use of any adapters. working with a low-budget skeleton crew, Digital Works Studios shot in 24P 720HD and used 4GB cards which they were able to squeeze out 10 minutes worth of footage per card. With the exception of actress Kristy Gomez, all of the principle characters in the film were non-actors.

And talk about DIY productions - according to DWS, the music featured in the trailer "was made with a metal desk, a can of starbucks double shot espresso, a chair, a wooden door..." now that, my friends, is why I love low-budget flicks. Ash Wednesday Website

Monday, June 9, 2008

DVX100 Movie - Four Eyed Monsters


The award-winning online phenom Four Eyed Monsters is a feature length DVX movie that you should've heard of by now. The open source duo have bombarded blogs and headlines over the past few years with their groundbreaking approach to DIY film distribution. Creating a cult following across the globe with their do it yourself love story, Crumley and Buice have springboarded to a deal with IFC films, YouTube and more.

• 2005 Received Special Audience Award @ SXSW 2005
• 2005 Won Best New Directors from Brooklyn International
• 2005 Best Actress Trenton Film Festival
• 2005 Best Cinematography
• 2005 Honorary mention from Sidewalk Film Festival
• 2006 Nominated for Best Cinematography Spirit Award
• 2006 Nominated for John Casavettes Spirit Award
• 2006 Won Undiscovered Gems Showcase Sundance Channel Audience Award

Website: Four Eyed Monsters

Directing, Editing, Writing,
Cinematography, Animation
& Starring: Arin Crumley and Susan Buice

Friday, June 6, 2008

DVX100 Short - Flip


Shot on a DVX100a with an M2 Adapter, Flip is already on DVD with over 4 hours of special features. This 15 min. short film was shot for less than $3,000 - way too much for a short I think. But the depth of field is awesome.

Website: flipmovie.net
Director: Carleton Torpin