the Moviemakers!

and here it is....compression quality may not be all that good. If you want to see it bigger sized, click on the 'the Moviemakers' link below the video. Haven't figured out how to get that right on vimeo. But anyway - taraaaaa..

the Moviemakers from Ashutosh Pathak on Vimeo.

unmaking the Moviemakers

So, me and Sandeep went to Goa to fetch a pail and water, and came back with a film. Will be uploading that one right after this. Here are some experiences, and ideas.


About the Camera - SonyDCRSR47E

• Its a DV camera, not HD by a long shot.
• It takes stills, but at 640x480, which is uselesss really, unless you need a reference.
• It's LCD panel is too reflective outdoors. You can only see your face, and not the controls. Don't know a way around it...maybe wear an umbrella on your head.
• You CAN operate it without the LCD open also - there is a setting in there somewhere. Of course, then you cannot see what you are shooting. But its handy when you want to shoot stuff secretly. It may also be handy to screw in the tripod base plate at the bottom when you are doing this - it gives you a good idea about how tilted your camera is.
• Audio quality is surprisingly good.
• We have a wide lens - use it. The standard lens does not have enough width and can get tricky in tight rooms.
• There is a 'saturation' difference between the LCD and what you see on the comp. What looks beautiful on the LCD may not end up being that finally. Just keep that in mind, and stop pretending like you have a film camera. he heh.
• Although it has manual exposure setting, they are not really sensitive. I mean...just live with it. We are poor peoples.
• The zoom - always better to zoom out than to zoom in. Your shot won't lose focus then.

All that sounds bad, but i think its still a decent and hardy camera, and good to have fun with. Just not the type on which you shoot your portfolio film.


WhatDoYouCallThis style film-making
here's what me and sandeep went by while trying this out....

• Shoot what ever interests you (the cameraman)
• Hand over the camera to the other guy rapidly enough. That way you get less conscious and the frame has some energy always.
• Best to do this with actors who can think, or with Writers who can act.
• Have a vague plotline perhaps, and some semblance of character - attitudes at least. Then see where it goes.

Thats it...you can see the results in the next post. I found it surprising that holding the camera ourselves actaully didnt matter much in the edit. It becomes a form of its own, and the jumpiness stops bothering (me at least). Didn't really know where i was headed with the plot of this one, as should be evident in the cut. But on some levels, i am happy with this little experiment.
On another level, i find i'm still a little stupid with handling enacted scenes. Long way to go...


So, here's another idea...
Gather a cast of inventive actors. Not too many.
Use as many small cameras you feel comfortable with. You use one, give the actors some.
Make a general plot...4 friends go to an outhouse over the weekend, but meet an alien there etc.
Make sure the plot has travelling involved. This method may not be the best for static indoor scenes.
Give each actor a character briefing, and a trajectory and key plot points. You needn't inform all the actors about the other actors' brief.
Get together and shoot this thing.

I bet my beard it'll come out good :)

Happy Diwali!!

Hi this is a short film we on Diwali night. Happy Diwali to you all!!

happy-diwali from prodipto ray on Vimeo.

the echo grows louder

Hey flimsundass gang,
Where are you all? Can we start sharing "film-making" experiences please, however sundassy? Ashu and Sandeep, you've used our camera a lot. And had a problem with it. Could share that.
Okay, I'll start. I've shot some stuff for a short docu I'm planning to make. Probably call it 'Under the Skin'. It's about how this hairdresser Smita gets a tatoo. Basically, how "personal" it is, both for her and for the tatoo artist, Savio. Since I've been logging the footage, I'll tell you a bit about it.
I interviewed Smita about what getting the tatoo means to her. Decent interview, but she speaks very softly, so lots of it, I found, is not going to be usable in the edit. The mistake I made was, although I went close so that the camera mike might pick up her voice, she had some music playing already at her place. Of course I should have asked her to turn it off, but she was jittery and I wanted her to be comfortable...
I got a good interview of Savio, the tatoo artist. Also, shots of his workspace and home. Then Smita's workspace and home. Nice mood, I feel. Lots of what I've shot is mid-shot and CU. The home shots are also tight because, well, you know mumbai houses - all passage and low ceilings! But appropriate to the idea of "personal" and "under the skin".
I need good music, because both listen to rock a lot. So i think, that for the soundtrack. I also want to get shots of Savio swimming. He swims regularly... plus I get to see him in his trunks!!!
Wish me luck on the edit. if anyone has any suggestions, please post... Artists - Podu and Ashu - any ideas on transitions between shots? I don't know anything beyond dissolve and fade in fade out, and jump cuts. Can't figure whether to play with this or stick to simple cuts.
May the Force be with You (and whoever has the camera, give it back to me soon).