I think you need to look at what is the budget and what is the bang for the buck. There is no need to buy a camera, you could rent one. If you successfully complete the film, buying a camera with the profits should be not be a problem. You should ask yourself, what is going to be the best camera that I can afford. What is the camera that would give me the best product and make a sale of the film most probable. How is the audio on the GS400? That should be a big consideration. Also you don't have a camerman yet, your DP should have a big say in what camera to use. If you are producing for the first time, you certainly would not be shooting it yourself.

I would definitely look into getting an experienced co-producer. You have some of value which is ownership of the script. Your co-producer will have the value of experience and it would be great if that person is also skilled at getting investors. You should definitely think about getting other people to invest in the project. The risks of using all your personal savings can not be underestimated.

If this script is a one time thing, then maybe it critical that you do it. If this script is the first step in a career, then it becomes less important that you do it, because this will oepn opporunities for your other projects.

Again, you're putting your cart before your horse. Get the script finished, first. Budget the picture. Raise the money. Then determine, with your DP, which camera to use. By the time you've reach this step, cameras and options will have changed!

Jay

The script is completely finished. I have already found the actors for the major roles. All parties have agreed in principle to payment deferred on the condition that the film actually sells.

As for a DP, living in Greater Cincinnati, theres not a great abundance of them which means I have to go on NO investors other than the talent and skill workers time and efforts and the cost of equipment and at most, catering (have to feed them if they are currently working for free.)

If there was someone in Cincinnati, I would be more than happy to work with them on this project but as it appears, the only way this script is going to get produced is if I do it myself.

I have already budgeted the film to the best of my ability and other than camera and tape costs (varies from $2000(GS 400)-$6000(HDV Z1), a donation of $500 to the municipalities for use of the courtoom, and $500 for a film permit.

All in all, this film can be produced for $10-$15k max and that includes lighting, catering, and even some PR type stuff.

I am confident the film will make back its initial investment and at the very least, turn a decent profit as the local community support will be there.

Every film that was done in/around Cincinnati has done well here. Nothing big like this happens often here so people get out and support things that show their city.

Camera and lighting are the only things I am lacking currently and once that gets settled, Ill be ready to start.

I do understand this is a huge project especially for my first major project. Maybe Im a dreamer while many here are the realists. But something inside me is driving this bus. This is my chance to take my shot. Either way, it will be fun and I am positive I will learn alot.

Some VERY good advice there, seeing as how I work for a rental company I try to avoid mentioning that option but in general you can get a lot more bang for your buck renting and if something fails a reputal rental company will get you a replacement post haste.
Talk to some of the bigger ones in the US, I think a few of them have good package deals for this sort of production and they can be a mine of useful information.

Could I also mention this, down here we have a 'bible' that list all the local indisrty businesses, sorted by both name and facilities, I'm sure there's such a thing in the US, can be very helpful.
Bob.

From the research I have done for here in the greater Cincinnati area, I was unable to find any places that rented any video equipment.. Cincinnati is not exactly on the map when it comes to film production.

My only other option would be to take the traning courses at the local public access cable station but from what I have read, that their equipment can ONLY be used to produce public access shows.

I dunno. Maybe Im just screwed..

Yes, it's a half a day's drive away, but I would seriously look into Chicago for rentals.

There may be something closer. Check out stokessound.com in Ohio, their website is not finished, but they may be a good lead. They may have other contacts in the Ohio production community. I bet Columbus has some places. I would also contact the governor's office, a lot of states have a contact for film production resources. The Ohio Chamber of Commerce or Better Busines Bureau may have leads too.

I think buying a camera works when you do not have a defined shooting schedule, that is you are making your film on weekends or where you can get the actors and locations. But if you have a set schedule, then renting is most likely a better option.
Martin Scorsese took over a year to film Who's That Knocking on My Door, his first feature.

Pmasters, farss advice about renting is gold. The midwest has a few good rental shops, plus check with the local network camera guys. Many do subcontracting outside work, but have access to the station's gear, with the station's approval.

If that does not pan out, email me at apitt34356 at everyone's favorite Gmail. send details about personnel, production requirements, etc.

am thinking about your lighting dilemma - I just posted a message recently under something called something like "for Lighting Cheapskates", here on VV forum.

but WAY more important - (and infinitely less expensive)...
you MUST get signed contracts from every member of your crew, and talent releases from your talent BEFORE you ever go out on set. Plus music, drivers, deferred lab costs, caterers, accountants, lawyers, EVERYONE.

I've been part of independent films (in the bad old days) so this is the voice of experience speaking.

When there's no money ("Hey gang - I've got an idea... let's put on a show!!") - everyone will willingly work for pizza - just to be involved. If you are lucky enough to finish the project (and I'm sure you will) - and then even luckier to get it into some release - well, that's when you'll write and thank me for this advice.

Because every single person involved in your project will step up to the "he couldn't have done it without me" plate, and then want a huge part of your profit. No contract and you will (could) be tied up in court forever.

I did a fabulous film for David Bowie called "Wayne County at the Trucks".
It featured every avant garde artist in the NY gay music scene in the late '70s, and it was WILD. Mainman Studios (Bowie's organization) put up a couple of hundred thousand bucks to produce the film. But one of the producers was in virtually every scene, and never signed a release. Why would she? It was HER baby. Then she held up Mainman for huge bucks - she wanted a piece of the action - In the end, they just canned the project, but Bowie could affod it - you can't.

You don't need a top Hollywood lawyer to do this (although it would be better if you had one). A simple "letter of intent" spelling out what you expect to get, and what part of the finished project you are giving away, will at least give your lawyer some legs to stand on, in the event you produce the next "Blair Witch Project" ($150 million dollar gross). For a piece of $100 million bucks, even your brother might sue you (just kidding... maybe not).

Please don't forgo this part of the project.

Best of luck - if you do it - it will be the best time of your life.

v.

Well, I dont have a set schedule to complete production. For this being my first major project, I knew better than to set unrealistic schedules.

It could take 3 months, 6 months on the weekends, or a year. The goal is to have it shot and edited in time for Sundance submission in August with the hope of having it bought outright. If not, then I may give internet distribution a shot.

Ultimately, if I could just find an investor who could cover the cost of the camera and some of he lighting, Id be ok. I have plenty of DV tapes to make it work (well over a hundred). Naturally they would get back their investment first and then profits would be split accordingly to the investor, myself and the talent and behind the scenes people.

Ive got to do something because sitting on this script isnt doing me any good and honestly, its causing a lot of stress for me.

I tried to get an agent the other day and I was told that I couldnt get an agent until I had something published but that to get something published I had to have an agent. Classic catch 22. So this is why I am leaning heavily on doing this on my own.

I would love to work with someone on this. I am sure it would be better than if I tried by myself. But as said, Cincy isnt huge on production so my options are quite limited.