The above video is a gleaming example of what can be done with very little. It is an impressive looking short film called White Red Panic from Ayz Waraich and it shows us we don’t need all the bells and whistles equipment-wise to make something that visually stimulates. This is desktop filmmaking shot with a Canon HV20. A tiny kick around HD camera that goes for under a grand [the new replacement model is the HV30.] Yes, you heard me right. 1080p24 for under $1,000. The film itself is a simple sequence but you can see how far color correction can take you if you do your homework. I own the HV20 myself and I’ve shot a few things around the apartment but I can’t wait to beat this thing into submission and get some serious images. I’m planning on the next short film to be shot with this camera.

I first found out about this film and the camera through Stu Manschwitz’s ProLost site. He’s kind of a digital DIY guru of sorts that has an excellent book that informs and educates and I highly recommend it. He’s also one of the founders of The Orphanage and chief creator of Magic Bullet Looks. The film, the site and the book might be the boost you need to get you to sharpen your skills and get you excited about creating again. Remember what I said, a $1,000 camera.

We are moving into a new phase of independent filmmaking, beyond the crappy looking mini-dv cameras of just five years ago. Don’t get me wrong, use what you have. It’s not about the tools. It’s about the vision and ultimately, the story. HD isn’t everything and not everything needs to be HD but the options are there and at an extremely affordable price and with some ingenuity all things are possible.

I spent the last couple of weeks seeing some friends and spending some quiet time with the family and Linda. Quiet is good, trust me.

Creatively, I will be pushing forward with everything as per usual. Writing, screening, shooting, editing, learning…always learning. My time will definitely be consumed in the months to come especially after April (the due date is April 14th, give or take a couple of weeks.) I have a theory that the busier you are the more productive you potentially can be provided you’re busy the good way not the mind-numbing, grinding, spinning your wheels bad way. I got a Canon HV20 HD MiniDV Camcorder so I intend on shooting more which will be good. It’s not a prosumer camera but it can be hacked to produce some beautiful images at 24p. I’m still working with FCP 5.1.4 so getting the HDV format into my system might keep me up a couple of nights. It’s not a full on DV/HD camera like the DVX-100 or the HVX-200 but it will serve me well for small projects and experimenting. Anyway…

I wish everyone who stops by [This Savage Art] a healthy 2008 and thanks for reading and remaining interested.