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Making Video Look like film
What is the best way to make video look like film, short of doing a tape to tape transfer.
We have not shot anything yet, but we have D-9, Beta SP and a Mini DV Sony HD camera.
What would you suggest, FCP Filters, camera filers?
Any suggestions would be greaTLY appreciated.
Thanks;
Steve Cohen
Editor
O2 Media Inc. -
10 Replies
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Steve,
I have used Gfilm filters a lot and tried Magic Bullet, (both plugins for post) and I prefer Gfilm. But, of late I have been working with 24p video and it gives you an amazing edge right from the beginning, if you know how to light.
This is a recent movie I shot with my DVX 100 in widescreen DV, at 24pA, captured with advanced puldown removal and edited at 23.98. The only filters on it are a chromatic glow filter for the soft look, no other film simulation filters were used.
https://www.fisheyeedit.com/moonlight.html
The Windows version will start playing, turn it off and enjoy the H264 QT movie.
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Hi Steve,
I’ll recommend you to have a look to the manual of MagicBullet (Redgiant Software). Even if you do not use that software its give you very interesting information about how to shoot with the idea of getting a film-like look. The manual of the Nattress Film Effects can point you too to few other interesting matters. You got few articles about in the LAFCUG and Ken Stone web sites and if you have a look in googles you will find a bunch of information.
Cheers,
rafael -
Great looking footage begins with great lighting and camera work. Great lighting cam make DV look like film WITHOUT plugins. Conversely, film look plugins will not make poorly lit video look like film.
Shane
Littlefrog Post
http://www.lfhd.net -
Thanks to all.
Shane I am well aware of what you are saying and i totally agree.
That my be the biggest stumbling block we have to get over here.
Frankly our cameraguy suck.I will pass these suggestion along to the producer.
Anyother suggestion would still be appreciated.
Steve Cohen
Editor
O2 Media Inc. -
Steve,
Shooting at 23.98 and editing at 23.98 is the best way to start. Its already very film-like from the start. You can then add a bit of grain and raise the contrast to make it look even more like film. Magic Bullet is great, but if weeklong renders aren’t your style, you may not like it… Also, try the demo of Graeme Natress’ film effects. Graeme makes some pretty good stuff that renders fast too…
DRW
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Chris,
Where did you find a chromatic glow filter? I have Magic Bullet 2.1 and Nattress Film Filters and I don’t see anything in them other than a Chroma Blur.
I’ve been looking for that look for sometime now for a feature that we are working on.By the way, very nice looking trailer to your feature!
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Wayne Carey
Schazam Productions
http://www.schazamproductions.com -
Thanks David;
I will definately mention that to the producer. They are trying to do this on a budget.
Steve Cohen
Editor
O2 Media Inc. -
Steve,
Just make sure they understand that ultimately, if they want the project to look like it was shot on film, then they should investigate shooting on film.
The worst position you can be in is for the producers to turn around and say all their time, effort and money doesn’t look “filmy” enough.
If you can show them some samples, like the stuff Chris linked to and whatever else you can find off the net, you’re showing them right up front what they can expect the finished product to look like.
You may even want to see if you can find examples of shows or movies that were shot with your equipment. Right off the top of my head, I know that It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia was shot using DVXs https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0472954/
Good luck!
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1- Hire a good DP.
2- Use a tripod, dolly or stedicam. Don’t hand hold a small camera.
3- Light every shot.
4- Shoot widescreen.Arnie
Now in post: Peristroika, a film by Slava Tsukerman
https://www.arniepix.com/blog -
If you eelect to use Magic bullet or something similar be sure to budget your time to have some extra to play around and get the exact look you want. They can produce good results but may require a bit of tweaking and a LOT of rendering time.
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