...where you find yourself off the beaten path and you walk into an unfamiliar place. And you meet people that you'd otherwise never meet. You'd see and hear things that you'd otherwise never see. You are in a place that most will never encounter. And one that you would certainly never experience if not for the fact that it's your job (and I use that word most loosely) to try to discover places like this. To take real people and real moments and make them part of something cinematic.
These are the days when you thank God that you're a documentary filmmaker.
You should invest in a heavier shoulder mounted type camera. Your shots won't look so wobbly when you dolly like that.
Posted by: Jess Brougard | August 12, 2008 at 05:34 AM
Agreed! If you want to be professional you should also look into a better format (HD or 35mm would be ideal). It looks like you shot that footage on a three year old point and shoot camera.
Posted by: David | August 12, 2008 at 09:26 AM
You've perfectly captured on miniDV film what many people around these parts refer to as an "Arkansas Boombox" with "Surround Sound."
Posted by: Dan | August 12, 2008 at 10:10 AM
pretty summer.
Posted by: holly | August 12, 2008 at 10:52 AM
I've never understood why so many people are hung up on slightly wobbly footage. I can think of countless successful, entertaining, low budget docs that use the same style. If it isn't so bad that it is unwatchable, who cares? It's in the nature of the genre. I know craft is important, but doesn't putting together an entertaining film with no budget require craft, too?
Posted by: scott | August 12, 2008 at 03:40 PM
I agree with Scott. I think it looks great. The low-tech feel reflects the setting and situation.
Posted by: Chris | August 12, 2008 at 04:48 PM
I'm thinking that you may want to look into using some editing in order to develop the plot some more. Try a cross-fade. It gets 'em every time.
Posted by: Nate | August 12, 2008 at 09:33 PM
im confused, did you ask for technical advice???
Anyways, about the words you wrote, I couldn't agree more!!! it's a beautiful world. Keep doing your thing!
Posted by: jennifer Venditti | August 14, 2008 at 05:30 AM
i agree with Jennifer! "thank God you're a documentary filmmaker"... this is exactly how I feel every time I turn the camera on. great post AJ.
Posted by: patrick creadon | August 17, 2008 at 10:21 AM