[John Cummings]

I considered P2 for an upcoming doc series, but still can’t figure out how to handle 5 hours of HD video a day over two week’s time. Especially shooting in some pretty remote places.

Unfortunately, it looks like it will be tape, at least for a while, for me.

John

J Cummings
DP/Chicago
http://www.cameralogic.tv

[John Cummings]

Hi David-

That all sounds like very good advice.

This project is a little different because it will go forward even if doesn’t get picked up by a network. Its an historic learning series…sort of a “Walking the Bible” funded by the donations of…and targeted to…a very large mainstream religious group. Of course, a national premiere would be a great way to kick it off…and an opportuinity to possibly recoup some of the costs…but would only be icing on the cake.

The fact that the producers need to retain primary editorial and distribution control sort of muddies the waters somewhat.

So…knowing all that, would you think your initial pilot theory still looks like a good stategy?

Any thoughts?

Thanks guys-

John

J Cummings
DP/Chicago
http://www.cameralogic.tv

[John Cummings]

Hey Nick-

I bought those Chrosziels because I was shooting handheld day after day on home improvement shows. They really helped ease the strain…especially with a heavy wide zoom. As a bonus, they also really help minimize the left-right “rocking” because you support the camera on both sides. Kind of a poor man’s steadicam. Two Downsides: You need to add a zoom control if you want the servo zoom…and unless you fold the handles up ( a pain because you have to work hard to get them set just right) you can’t easily set the camera down between takes without stressing any audio or power connectors on the back of the camera. I usually got around that by finding a chair or step to put the camera on. Just make sure you don’t walk away! All in all, money well spent!

John

J Cummings
DP/Chicago
http://www.cameralogic.tv

[John Cummings]

“The Sony D-600 was probably one of the biggest money-makers for freelancers ever”

I respectfully disagree. I think the biggest money-makers were those of us who bought the Sony D30 betacam. We charged the same rate and paid it off in half the time…

J Cummings
DP/Chicago