What equipment might one need to acquire in order to produce a high-quality, professional movie?

Question

..I've got a really good HD video camera (Sony HDR-FX1), a powerful computer complete with editing software, and I'm preparing to get a mic (Sennheiser ME66 shotgun with K6 power supply).. What else do I need / would be good to have?

I'm sure I need lights, but which make/model/wattage is best? ..and what options are there for powering them if I'm shooting on location in the middle of nowhere?

..Last but not least, any recommendations for a good video supply store in the San Francisco Bay Area?

Any and all help will be mad appreciated; thank you for your answers! :)

Hmm.. Seems I should have spent more time on the details for this question..

First, I neglected to mention some key pieces of equipment that I also have:

- Tripod (it's not the best, but it works).
- 3 Filters (UV Clear, PL Polarizer, FD Fluorescent)
- 2 Lenses (Wide Angle and Telephoto)
- Homemade Steady-Cam
- Extra Camera Battery
- Camera Battery Charger (+ Car Adapter)
- Miscellaneous (DV Tapes, Lens Cleaning Solution/Cloth, Etc.)

To answer some of your questions:

- I do have several screenplays ready.. It's actually how I got into this whole thing to start with: I'm a writer at heart! :)

- I don't have a boom pole or shock mount yet; I plan to pick those up as soon as possible.

- I'm currently using Sony Vegas 6 to edit (I know, everyone says Final Cut's the best, but I've got a PC and Vegas seems fine so far).

- I'm buying rather than renting because I have a few other projects in the works, and I think/hope it will pay off in the (not too) long run..

Thanks ver' much! :)

...By the way, Alex M, what makes the XL2 and XH-A1 better than HDR-FX1 (sincere question; still learning about this stuff)? :/

Answer 1

I'd have thought a good tripod and head were must have items. If you're planning any tracking shots you'll need some sort of a dolly. What about hand held shots? I've used a chest support with some success, but I've heard of people making their own steadycams.

I'll risk being a stuck-up asshole as well - have you storyboarded your movie yet? That'll give you some idea of what you'll need.

Answer 2

If I were you, just go over to Home Depot or Lowe's and grab a few of the 500w worklights. Very cheap, and work very very well. Also, you could probably get a generator there or somewhere else for a few hundred bucks, and that should be enough power to power the lights. Of course, I'm no electrician, so I don't know too much about generators. And at risk of sounding like a stuck-up asshole, you DO have a story don't you? Just make sure it's filmable, etc. etc. blah blah blah. Okay, I'm done. Hope this helped!

---EDIT-----
After Effects will help, too.

----EDIT 2.0------
Okay, the following are based purely on my opinions, so don't read too much into them. I think Premiere Pro is a great program. I've never used Final Cut, so I can't do a comparison, but since you're already using windows, you might as well dish out the money and get Adobe Production Studio CS3. You'll get Premiere Pro, and also After Effects, which work great together. I would probably go for an XH-A1 if I were you and if I had the money, although an HDR-FX1 wouldn't be bad either. It's just that I've heard more good things about the XH-A1. I know that you said you made your own steadicam, but I've found an extended tripod to work extremely well too. Whatever floats your boat, I guess :-). I don't know if you've considered wireless lav mics or just plain lav mics, but that might be a good option as well. I guess that's all that I can think of right now. Hope this helps a bit!

Answer 3

Ok, first what editing software are you using? If you are using adobe I would highly recomend after effects. Even if you aren't it is still a great product. As far as lights go.. It depends if you are shooting outside lights are not always required. However, when used properly ( See this article about 3-point lighting http://www.3drender.com/light/3point.html) it gives the shot that perfect look. As far as which lights to use.. Thats up to you. You can get away with a couple of clip on spot lights from home depot. Or if you want you can go to a place like B&H and spend several hundred. As far as how to power the lights... I would defiently say to stay away form a generator, for the simple reason that they make noise. Insted look at a UPS battery backup like this: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1111359&CatId=234. The only problem is they only last about a 1/2 to 3/4 hour with 1000 va of current and are around $800. Even if you don't get lights I would defiently recomend some filters for your camera. I would recomend getting a UV ( if you film outside or by windows) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/72728-REG/Tiffen_72PTP_72mm_Photo_Twin_Pack.html. Also a sublte diffusion filter like this one http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/225507-REG/Tiffen_72BDFX12_72_mm_Black_Diffusion.html help to take the digital edge off of the image. Also if you plan to shoot in bright light a ND .6 or .9 filter helps to increase the ND beyond what the camera has built in. According to B&H your camera is a 72mm lens so all of the filters above will work with your camera. Filters and lights can really help to give your image that true "Film" feel. I can personally say from experience that they can make or break a shoot. Oh and by the way a HDR-FX1 ? Everyone knows the XL2 and XH-A1 are way better :) Whatever floats your boat.

Answer 4

like you are the only one in SFO that ever wanted to make a movie?? why buy stuff when you can rent the complete outfit, from mics to reflectors. If you were a studio that pumps out 20 features a year, then buying makes sense. There are several rental outlets, work with them as to what camera, lenses and accessories will work best for your shooting style. They can also hook you up with professionals that can design the lighting, mix audio and such.