[Sareesh Sudhakaran]

It’s my main worry. I don’t mind their creative input, but when it comes at the expense of my wallet…

I’m going to carefully word out the contract and draw the line somewhere, treat it like every other job, but at ‘no charge’.

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[Sareesh Sudhakaran]

Thanks, Mark! I intend to follow your advice about the ‘no charge’ bit.

Regarding contracts, other than signed release forms, one thing that worries me is about the ‘choice’ of making a video, for which I don’t want to be responsible.

E.g., if the organization agrees to make a video they are speaking on behalf of those they are trying to help. In this respect I just want to be seen as a contractor without the legal obligation to share that responsibility. Being India, there are a lot of organizations working with underprivileged kids, and not all parents might agree (even if they are poor) on how their child is portrayed. Ditto for mentally challenged kids or individuals.

Let’s just say the law in India isn’t what it is in other parts of the world. I am also faced with the prospect of having to witness things I don’t want to witness, even if I perform my due diligence and choose the organizations I want to work with. I’m talking about unethical practices, immoral or illegal activities.

Anyway, my intention is not to paint the wrong picture. Most people want to help, and I want to help them do their work. Maybe after I’ve done a few I might realize my ‘fears’ were unfounded.

Maybe it’s just a disclaimer, outlining what I’ll provide, show, and deliver (copies, licenses, etc.). I want to keep the number of pages to a minimum so as to not scare away anyone.

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[Sareesh Sudhakaran]

Excellent advice, Bill. I will be qualifying them every step of the way. A few big charities that I know might be able to afford at least the rental rates, and that’s a big deal.

I won’t go overboard with it, though. Can’t afford to work on more than a few a year. Last thing I want is to be in need of charity myself!

Get the Free Comprehensive Guide to Rigging ANY Camera – one guide to rig them all – DSLRs to Reds to the Arri Alexa.

[Sareesh Sudhakaran]

That’s an interesting idea, Joseph. I’m talking with my accountant as well to see how it might benefit me. Thanks!

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[Sareesh Sudhakaran]

Why not just monitor via HDMI?

Secondly, I strongly suggest you test the HDMI feed vs the H.264 feed and then decide for yourself if the external recorder is worth it.

Get the Free Comprehensive Guide to Rigging ANY Camera – one guide to rig them all – DSLRs to Reds to the Arri Alexa.

[Sareesh Sudhakaran]

I would look at uncompressed TIFF. I consider it the most universal archival format – encompasses the web, photography and video worlds.

On the other hand, if you have multiple channels of data, then nothing beats openEXR.

Get the Free Comprehensive Guide to Rigging ANY Camera – one guide to rig them all – DSLRs to Reds to the Arri Alexa.

[Sareesh Sudhakaran]

The closest one I’ve seen is https://www.videocardbenchmark.net/

Get the Free Comprehensive Guide to Rigging ANY Camera – one guide to rig them all – DSLRs to Reds to the Arri Alexa.

[Sareesh Sudhakaran]

Yes, the possibilities are endless. A download also stays with the client for longer periods.

Get the Free Comprehensive Guide to Rigging ANY Camera – one guide to rig them all – DSLRs to Reds to the Arri Alexa.

[Sareesh Sudhakaran]

Excellent article, Trey.

It’s a great idea to let clients know the ballpark figures. I like Joseph’s idea of the PDF file that you can send prospects. Very elegant.

Thanks for sharing.

Get the Free Comprehensive Guide to Rigging ANY Camera – one guide to rig them all – DSLRs to Reds to the Arri Alexa.

[Sareesh Sudhakaran]

I would look at the Canon 17-55mm f/2.8, which is expensive but probably the fastest. If it’s over budget, you could look at the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 VC. Depending on your location you might also need a telephoto zoom.

Here are my thoughts: Which lens to get? Hope it helps.

Get the Free Comprehensive Guide to Rigging ANY Camera – one guide to rig them all – DSLRs to Reds to the Arri Alexa.