This is the third audio test I share on 1PersonCrew.com
On the first test I tested 12 different mic configurations and the second test was about 3 different wireless systems for filmmakers. Since then I’ve received lot of different ideas and suggestions, mostly positive, that I’m adding to today’s test.
Mic 2 and Mic 4 are connected to an H4n Pro field recorder (newest model) via XLR Cables. Mic 2 is on the Left Channel and Mic 4 is on the Right Channel.
DISCLAIMER This article is not paid or sponsored by anyone. It reflects my own independent opinion. I only recommend companies and products that I trust. Some links might be affiliates, which means I may get a few pennies if you decide to purchase something. Thanks in advance for your support!
Last week I received my first official complaint about 1 Person Crew. It was a very polite email from Michael G. saying “I truly appreciate the time you take to share your thoughts, but the last few posts have been about hardware. At some point, would you mind sharing some of the applications you use as well?”
Michael is totally right. I stand corrected and thanks for the feedback!
So, today’s post is about some of the software applications, plugins and smartphone apps that help me work more efficiently. The list isn’t organized in any particular order. I simply looked at my phone and computer and added the apps I use most often. I’ve added direct links for your convenience.
DaVinci Resolve – The free video editing software I’d recommend for anyone getting started.
I created three lists to share my favorite tools; the first equipment guide is for the travel filmmaker who’s priority is size and weight. The second list is for those who are getting started or are looking to add new/better tools. And the third list is for more experienced filmmakers who want to take their productions to the next level.
Here’s my second suggested gear setup:
Up and Running
This list includes the most essential items for people getting started, or who are currently shooting video but want to upgrade some gear. Lenses, mics and lights are fairly typical items. Size and weight are important, but not super critical.
I’d recommend this setup for anyone involved in run and gun scenarios like vlogs, education and training, weddings, red carpet premieres, product launches, sporting events and documentaries.
A typical example for this setup is corporate gigs where I have the luxury to setup one day, shoot multiple interviews for a couple of days, and then take my time packing everything carefully.
The gear lists are not paid or sponsored by anyone. They reflect my own independent opinion, and the companies and products I use and trust. Some links might be affiliates, which means I may get a few pennies if you decide to purchase something. Thanks in advance for your support!
It’s great to talk about camera movement in the abstract: “the camera turns 360 like in “Gravity” and then we do a really slow long tracking shot like in “The Shinning.”
Sadly there’s also real life, and it comes with real people usually working in tiny and crowded spaces. Besides the actual physical challenges, we should consider the reasons to move the camera, in other words, it’s a good idea to think WHY are we moving the camera before we get into HOW to do it.
Watch the video below for a real life example:
And here’s a 90-second version of the Bookbinder’s story.
Which camera should I buy? What’s your favorite lens? How many lights do I need? What’s better, a shotgun mic or a lavalier mic?
I don’t know.
These are the kind of questions I get every week, and unfortunately it’s very hard for me to answer them objectively and responsibly. Why? Because I need a lot more info. For example, what’s your budget? Do you have other gear or are you getting started? Are you mostly working on location or in a studio?
The “ideal” gear for a travel filmmaker working alone is completely different than the one required by someone shooting products in a studio environment. A documentary shooter needs a few versatile lenses and works mostly with available light. Someone producing similar content, but as an in-house, full time employee at a corporation can afford more time and gear, especially lights.
As you probably know by now, my approach is “how to do more with less.” My goal is to own as little gear as possible, not only to keep my overhead low, but most importantly to select the gear based on each story, my client’s requirements, and obviously, the available budget.
I created three lists to share my favorite tools; one for the travel filmmaker who’s priority is size and weight. The second list is for those who are getting started or are looking to add new/better tools. And the third list is for more experienced filmmakers who want to take their productions to the next level.
After doing a lot of research and trying multiple options, it’s clear that the best way to keep models, specs and prices always up to date is to host the lists on Amazon.com.
Here’s the first of three kits:
The Travel Kit
This ultra minimalist setup consists of the most essential items I take with me on travel and lifestyle assignments, which is the main bulk of my production work. Travel assignments require extremely light and compact gear that must fit in one backpack, and maximum a carry-on bag.
It doesn’t matter how awesome a piece of gear is, if it’s too big or heavy, I can’t take it with me. On travel assignments most of the work is done with available/natural light and only essential sound (like interviews) is recorded on location.
Some post-production might be performed during the assignment (especially waiting at airports and during long flights). Backup is extremely critical as re-shoots are often impossible.
The gear lists are not paid or sponsored by anyone. They reflect my own independent opinion, and the companies and products I use and trust. Some links might be affiliates, which means I may get a few pennies if you decide to purchase something. Thanks in advance for your support!
Today’s tip is about how to create sequence so you can edit multiple cameras in real time, with the click of your mouse (or using the number keys on your keyboard).
Like many people shooting documentaries and interviews, I often shoot with two (or even three) cameras, and record audio separately.
Syncing the footage with the clean audio source in Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve is relatively easy, but not always accurate. That is why for many years I’ve been using a plugin called PluralEyes.
Live editing is a great way to cut VERY quickly, but it involves a few “hidden” steps:
If you are serious about the craft of video editing, this new online course by Oscar-winning editor Tom Cross (Whiplash, La La Land and First Man) is pure gold. Highly recommended.
Do you find these tutorials and resources useful? Let me know!
