The Blog for Video 2.0
Saturday, July 21, 2007
HungryFlix.com Update - MPEG4 Trailers viewable on iPhone!
We've been working hard to fix issues with the web site in order to make everything work well under the iPhone's Safari. Good news is that progress has been made. You can now view MPEG4 trailers right on your iPhone!
So for all you movie fans on the go, you can now view free trailers right on your iPhone. Move over YouTube--HungryFlix is coming.
We are thrilled with this development. To see some examples visit:
The Prisoner:
http://www.hungryflix.com/view_media_movie.php?mid=550
Wages of Sin:
http://www.hungryflix.com/view_media_movie.php?mid=488
The trailer window will appear with a small blue "Play" button in the lower right corner. Click that to activate the iPhone's built-in QuickTime player.
So for all you movie fans on the go, you can now view free trailers right on your iPhone. Move over YouTube--HungryFlix is coming.
We are thrilled with this development. To see some examples visit:
The Prisoner:
http://www.hungryflix.com/view_media_movie.php?mid=550
Wages of Sin:
http://www.hungryflix.com/view_media_movie.php?mid=488
The trailer window will appear with a small blue "Play" button in the lower right corner. Click that to activate the iPhone's built-in QuickTime player.
Labels: digital video, hungryflix, iphone, movies, trailers, video, youtube
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
HungryFlix offers video for Apple iPhone
HungryFlix.com, the leading online distributor of premium independent content for the iPod, PSP and Apple TV today announced that it's content will support the Apple iPhone.
All HungryFlix.com content is MPEG4 format and will play out-of-the-box on the Apple iPhone. This will provide users of the new device with a wealth of great content to enjoy while on the road.
HungryFlix.com CEO Brian Andrews said, "We are thrilled to provide mobile video for the iPhone. We feel that this new device is going to be groundbreaking for the mobile video world. The high resolution screen and tight intergration with iTunes will set the iPhone far ahead of other video capabile mobile phones."
All HungryFlix.com content is MPEG4 format and will play out-of-the-box on the Apple iPhone. This will provide users of the new device with a wealth of great content to enjoy while on the road.
HungryFlix.com CEO Brian Andrews said, "We are thrilled to provide mobile video for the iPhone. We feel that this new device is going to be groundbreaking for the mobile video world. The high resolution screen and tight intergration with iTunes will set the iPhone far ahead of other video capabile mobile phones."
Labels: digital video, hungryflix, iphone, iTunes, online distribution, video download
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Movie Making on a Budget - Accessories
Part 3 of our movie making on a budget section.
We have the camera and the software...what's left?
Microphone. You'll need a good external mic. One that can be mounted on a boom pole or on the camera. My favorite is the Rode VideoMic or the Rode Stereo VideoMic. This is the perfect mic for home/hobby users with a mini-plug connector. The VideoMic comes with a shock mount included and delivers very nice sound for the $150.
Tripod. A tripod is a must. Without one your movies will look like amatuer video. Buy a good tripod and you'll only have to buy one once. Do not go for the $50 tripod you find at big box stores. Spend a bit more--say $175 for a nice Bogen/Manfrotto set of legs with a fluid head. The 3001 legs and 3130 fluid head is a great setup.
Tapes. It is important to use quality MiniDV tapes and to stick with one brand of tapes. I have used the Panasonic AY-DVM63PQ Professional tapes for years. Excellent quality and reliabiliy.
We have the camera and the software...what's left?
Microphone. You'll need a good external mic. One that can be mounted on a boom pole or on the camera. My favorite is the Rode VideoMic or the Rode Stereo VideoMic. This is the perfect mic for home/hobby users with a mini-plug connector. The VideoMic comes with a shock mount included and delivers very nice sound for the $150.
Tripod. A tripod is a must. Without one your movies will look like amatuer video. Buy a good tripod and you'll only have to buy one once. Do not go for the $50 tripod you find at big box stores. Spend a bit more--say $175 for a nice Bogen/Manfrotto set of legs with a fluid head. The 3001 legs and 3130 fluid head is a great setup.
Tapes. It is important to use quality MiniDV tapes and to stick with one brand of tapes. I have used the Panasonic AY-DVM63PQ Professional tapes for years. Excellent quality and reliabiliy.
Labels: camcorder, digital video, filmmaking, indie film
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Movie making on a budget
Most of us don't have unlimited funds. For those of us on a budget, here is my list for great budget-minded movie making gear.
Camera:
The just announed Canon HV20 looks like a real winner, but the lack of real world usage means we can't recommend it just yet. So here is the list
Under $1,000:
Panasonic GS500 3CCD Standard Definition with high quality 16:9 mode and frame mode with CineGamma.
Sony HDR-HC5 1080i HDV Camcorder, 2.1 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, 10x Optical/80x Digital Zoom, 2.7" Touch Panel LCD Screen, Carl Zeiss Lens
Under $1,500:
Sony HDR-HC7 1080i HDV Camcorder, 3.2 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, 10x Optical, 2.7" Touch Panel LCD Screen, Carl Zeiss Lens, Optical Image Stabilizer
Under $3,000:
Canon XL-2 1/3-Inch 3-CCD Widescreen MiniDV Camcorder with 24P Recording, Body Only without Lens
Panasonic AG-DVX100B 3-CCD 24p/30p/60i Mini-DV Cinema Camcorder, NTSC, with CineSwitch Technology, CineGamma Software, FireWire Interface
Under $5,000:
Canon XH-A1 3CCD HDV Camcorder, 1080i, 16:9, 20x Lens, 24f Mode
HDR-FX7 3CMOS HDV 1080i 16:9 Camcorder Kit, includes Anton Bauer ElipZ Battery Package and Camcorder Bag
Camera:
The just announed Canon HV20 looks like a real winner, but the lack of real world usage means we can't recommend it just yet. So here is the list
Under $1,000:
Panasonic GS500 3CCD Standard Definition with high quality 16:9 mode and frame mode with CineGamma.
Sony HDR-HC5 1080i HDV Camcorder, 2.1 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, 10x Optical/80x Digital Zoom, 2.7" Touch Panel LCD Screen, Carl Zeiss Lens
Under $1,500:
Sony HDR-HC7 1080i HDV Camcorder, 3.2 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, 10x Optical, 2.7" Touch Panel LCD Screen, Carl Zeiss Lens, Optical Image Stabilizer
Under $3,000:
Canon XL-2 1/3-Inch 3-CCD Widescreen MiniDV Camcorder with 24P Recording, Body Only without Lens
Panasonic AG-DVX100B 3-CCD 24p/30p/60i Mini-DV Cinema Camcorder, NTSC, with CineSwitch Technology, CineGamma Software, FireWire Interface
Under $5,000:
Canon XH-A1 3CCD HDV Camcorder, 1080i, 16:9, 20x Lens, 24f Mode
HDR-FX7 3CMOS HDV 1080i 16:9 Camcorder Kit, includes Anton Bauer ElipZ Battery Package and Camcorder Bag
Labels: camcorder, digital video, equipment, filmmaking, hdv
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Five tips for no-budget filmmakers
Ready to make your movie? Here are a few simple tips to help you on your way. These are things I've learned from books, online resources and my own experience making short films. Enjoy...
1. It's the Story, Stupid....filmmaking is story telling. You need a good script. You need a story that you are passoniate about telling. When you don't have a budget, chances are you won't be blowing up buildings or having long chase scenes to entertain your viewers. Focus on the script. Get a tight, interesting script on paper before you shoot anything.
2. Use the equipment you have...or rent--don't buy. Is your only camera a $300 Handcam? So what. Use it. Even the cheapest consumer MiniDV camcorder can give good results when you use a tripod and you light properly. Don't feel that you need to rush out and buy an brand new HDV cam, or a new boom mic, or Final Cut Pro. Shoot with the equipment you alreay own. Learn your equipment and more importantly, learn the craft of filmmaking. Trust me, there will be many more things limiting you besides your equipment.
3. Plan, plan and then plan some more. After the script you need to prepare a shot list. This is a break down of every shot within every scene. List the location, actors, props, type of shot (Close Up, Wide, Medium), camera moves, etc. The shot list will allow you to play your day. If the first and last scenes of your movie take place in the same location with the same actors you can shoot them back to back. This limits your camera and lighting setups which is vital. In addition to the shot list you need to scout you locations, gather your equipment (cables, bulbs, batteries), have PAs to pickup actors and get food.
4. Get tons of coverage. You never have enough. You never have enough takes, enough angles, enough shots. Shot it again. Even if you think you got it, you probably didn't get it. If you planned your day well (see #3) then you should have enough time to get plenty of coverage.
5. Treat everyone with respect. Actors are interesting people. They are probably working on your film for free. Treat them with respect and kindness. You are the director not the dictator. Get opinions but make the final decisions yourself. Your crew is vital. Find a good crew and treat them well.
6. Keep making films. Make tons of shorts. You'll learn something every time. Try different things and keep growing. You'll never stop learning and you'll never stop having fun.
Watch some great films at http://www.hungryflix.com
1. It's the Story, Stupid....filmmaking is story telling. You need a good script. You need a story that you are passoniate about telling. When you don't have a budget, chances are you won't be blowing up buildings or having long chase scenes to entertain your viewers. Focus on the script. Get a tight, interesting script on paper before you shoot anything.
2. Use the equipment you have...or rent--don't buy. Is your only camera a $300 Handcam? So what. Use it. Even the cheapest consumer MiniDV camcorder can give good results when you use a tripod and you light properly. Don't feel that you need to rush out and buy an brand new HDV cam, or a new boom mic, or Final Cut Pro. Shoot with the equipment you alreay own. Learn your equipment and more importantly, learn the craft of filmmaking. Trust me, there will be many more things limiting you besides your equipment.
3. Plan, plan and then plan some more. After the script you need to prepare a shot list. This is a break down of every shot within every scene. List the location, actors, props, type of shot (Close Up, Wide, Medium), camera moves, etc. The shot list will allow you to play your day. If the first and last scenes of your movie take place in the same location with the same actors you can shoot them back to back. This limits your camera and lighting setups which is vital. In addition to the shot list you need to scout you locations, gather your equipment (cables, bulbs, batteries), have PAs to pickup actors and get food.
4. Get tons of coverage. You never have enough. You never have enough takes, enough angles, enough shots. Shot it again. Even if you think you got it, you probably didn't get it. If you planned your day well (see #3) then you should have enough time to get plenty of coverage.
5. Treat everyone with respect. Actors are interesting people. They are probably working on your film for free. Treat them with respect and kindness. You are the director not the dictator. Get opinions but make the final decisions yourself. Your crew is vital. Find a good crew and treat them well.
6. Keep making films. Make tons of shorts. You'll learn something every time. Try different things and keep growing. You'll never stop learning and you'll never stop having fun.
Watch some great films at http://www.hungryflix.com
Labels: camcorder, digital video, filmmaking, how to make a movie, movies, NLE, tips
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Canon HV20 Released! True 24p HDV at consumer prices!
Canon today announced the US availability of their new HV20 High Definition camcorder. The HV20 joins the HV10 in Canon's consumer HDV lineup. The HV20 should deliver better low-light performance than it's predecessor but these claims have not yet been proven in real world tests.
The real gem in the HV20 for indie filmmakers is the inclusion of a true 24p mode. The camcorder will offer a Cinema mode, a one-touch, on/off setting that shifts colors to appear more like film. The setting corresponds to Custom Preset #8 (Cine V.) in the XH A1/G1 camcorders. The 24P frame rate and Cinema color mode are available independently or together. This will allow budget minded filmmakers to shoot on HDV and get even closer to the "film look".
The Canon HV20 has an MSRP of $1099 and will be available in mid-April 2007. This should be one hot little camcorder.
Labels: camcorder, Canon, digital video, equipment, filmmaking, hdv, high definition
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