The Official I.V.P. Thread

[electro]

Hello to Hv20/30 users across the planet!
You can call me Justin, ElectroFilms, or just Electro.
I've been given the possition of Executive Producer by Spoiler, and will try to run this with the best of my ability.

About myself:
I've been making short films for about 8 years.
I've had about 5 years of experience with practical and digital effects.
And, most importantly, I've owned my Hv20 for almost a year now.


Let's start off at the beginning.
We're still in need of script ideas!
I've heard of many good possible ideas in the first thread.
I personally thought that a comedy would be cool.
International Hi-Deffinition humor. What's cooler than that?

I'd like to have some more of your opinions on this though.
After we get some sort of Genre figured out then we can move closer to a script.

I don't want to get too far ahead of myself, so for right now I'll leave it here.

[Dodgy Nick]

Awesome to see this project started off, hopefully we can finish this before summer ends in the northern hemisphere. Thanks for stepping up Justin, and I'm excited to be a part in all of this. You have the use of me as a cameraman here in London, UK. As for film ideas, there are lots of creative sorts here, so I'm sure we'll find something pretty quickly that resonates with most of us (although you will never be able to please everyone!)

Nick :hv20-smilie77:

[VideJo]

If a comedy is the first thing that comes to your mind with respect to the powerfull possibility of this International Project, I am afraid I will have to sign of here.
Sorry.

[electro]

Comedy was not the first thing that came to my mind.
It just happend to be one of the first developed ideas that I happened to see.

If you have any Ideas, please tell me, since that's what this thread is for.


although you will never be able to please everyone
I think this is going to be our largest issue, Pleasing those who are not even planning on contributing.

[bluegrass]

If a comedy is the first thing that comes to your mind with respect to the powerfull possibility of this International Project, I am afraid I will have to sign of here.
Sorry.

Electro said this:"Let's start off at the beginning.
We're still in need of script ideas!
I've heard of many good possible ideas in the first thread.
I personally thought that a comedy would be cool.
International Hi-Deffinition humor. What's cooler than that?

I'd like to have some more of your opinions on this though.
After we get some sort of Genre figured out then we can move closer to a script."

That doesn't mean the project is set in concrete to be comedy. Give us one or two of your ideas. I hate to see you jump out of it so soon.

Since the type of film is not set, I guess the project could be anything from a short subject to a full length movie.

1. A documentary on how families from different cultures & countries spend their vacations, showing diversity. An example might be how in the U.S. family camping is a very popular form of vacation. Other countries may have some unique forms of family vacations. What is popular in Egypt, Russia, Japan, Finland, etc. What do people do that live in the dessrt? Does the countries government play a role in where families go and what they do on vacation?

2. Possibly a short documentary comparing what is popular entertainment for people in different countries.

3. I still like the idea of shooting the shooter. In other words document on tape, the processes that take place to produce this project. A kind of behind the scenes look.

4. Since the project is international in scope maybe a story that goes around the world and how it becomes interpreted in so many different ways because of our cultural differences. A story could be told by an American to Frenchman who than retells the story with his/hers interpretation to someone in Russia and continues on and on, around the world. The story winds up going around the world and is finally told back to an American. Hows does the story wind up when it gets back to America. It can begin in any country and flow in any direction but it must eventually wind up back were it originated.

I'm an idea person guys. I'm not very good with details so ideas will be one thing I'll try and contribute. I'll try and help in anyway I'm asked to by Electro. I will be a beginner at using a DOF adaptor but am willing to contribute in anyway I can with tapeing.

[kafeero]

Great that IVP is under way.
As for ideas. Has anyone heard of project pedal? It is a documentary under way.
I bring project pedal up because it is sort of episode based. I said sort of because they released episodes once in a while but their feature will be a byproduct of those episodes. The feature is going to be documentary about biking across the country. The first episode sort of lays it all down.
Read up and watch:
http://projectpedal.com/ <--official website
http://vimeo.com/250349 <--first episode

So if the teams could each create sort of an episode. And the final editor would "mix and match".

Some subjects to base the documentaries on:
-canon HV20/30(this is in fact hv20.com:hv20-smilie03:)
-hv20.com
-(more specifically) How the HV20/30 and hv20.com has inspired and pushed people in their dreams. How it brings a community of filmmakers together.
-The struggles of independent filmmaking. So there would be different episodes/teams on different locations documenting a filmaking process. (This would be a difficult topic though because a lot of people use their HV20/30 to make the film and to document this would require another hv20/30.)
-Independent art in general. Different artists around the world being featured and documented. Sort of like DIY or die but not only in the US.

I'll post more as I think of more

Jo_the_big_O we need you!

I am located in Southern California.
Will be in Uganda soon.

[bluegrass]

As we get futher along with this project, I'm sure that it would be useful to combine efforts in a one on one situation. To this end, it would be helpful to state where we are located. I would be willing to travel up to a couple hundred miles or so on a few occasions to work with others on the project.

If some of the time while we are on vacation, could be used to shoot some location scenes, It might be helpful to let the project leader know where you will be going and if you're willing to do some shooting. As an example if we needed a shot of someone in Paris and you knew you would be there on vacation and you could pull it off, this sort of thing could be useful.

I am located in St.Louis, Missouri - central USA.

1st vacation in June - Bean Blossom, Indiana - 10 days camping at a bluegrass festival.

[electro]

I still like the idea of shooting the shooter. In other words document on tape, the processes that take place to produce this project. A kind of behind the scenes look.

So the project would be the producing of the project?
Sounds like a neat idea, but I'm a bit lost.

@ bluegrass: I think you'd be very helpful at gathering different ideas and presenting them (If you're interested). We can later put it up to a vote the see what we should do.

[bluegrass]

I still like the idea of shooting the shooter. In other words document on tape, the processes that take place to produce this project. A kind of behind the scenes look.

So the project would be the producing of the project?
Sounds like a neat idea, but I'm a bit lost.

@ bluegrass: I think you'd be very helpful at gathering different ideas and presenting them (If you're interested). We can later put it up to a vote the see what we should do.

Well you could make creating the project the main project and not as much emphasis on the embedded story but that's not neccessary. You could also document the project all along the way and condense this into a special feature addition to the project or use the it to build something that is educational for others to learn from about making a movie. Documenting the ups and downs, what worked well and what didn't, etc.

Ya. I would take on the doumenting of "ideas" here. Define what "ideas" or though. I think one of the most difficult aspects of working on this project is going to be the consolidation and organization of information that is needed to progress through it from beginning to end. If for example, we wind up with a dozen or so people working on this and we're all posting things on this site without having the ability to conference with each other, it could get hairy. I'm the desktop support person for about a hundred users where I work. I don't care for "IM" (I have never personally used it) but a lot of my clients do. Once we are all signed on to this project, do you think if we all had an "IM" account just for this project, it could help?

[electro]

Ok that's a bit more clear, thanks!

As for ideas, I meant genre, plot or any other story advancements.

Creating G-mail accounts was brought up before, but I personally don't like G-mail.
(Just personal, but if it's in the best intrest of the production I'll go for it)

I use IM a lot, and it's easy for everyone to transfer information.
(Yahoo IM, is what I've found to be the easiest)

[hepabst]

I've been lurking.

I think some of the very basic questions have been answer like:

Which camera? hv20/30.
Where? around the world.
Why? ????
Will we be political, religious? ????
What is our theme? ????
What format? ????
What Genre? ????
What tone? ????

And so on. IMO, it should have some sort of continuity between all the locations. I understand "Big_O"'s position I think he in a previous post wanted to feature the rising food prices and it's affect on the masses. I see a lot of this on the news every day, will we be a news reel? The people that are really affected we won't have a camera on them. Most of those people could eat for a year on the price of one hv20. If we can show the absurdity of using food to make fuel through some type of comedic vehicle is one alternative to just saying "the price of food is high." So it comes down to how clever will we be. My point is that we shouldn't rule out any topic this early in the development of this project. Let's kick it around a bit first before we throw it in the trash heap.

[hepabst]

i.e.

"People starve to feed their cars."

"Nations choose starvation to feed their energy addiction."

[kafeero]

We could integrate these themes into a film that works like crash(2004).
Crash addresses the themes of race through the perspective of several lives.
This way we could have different lives and locations.
However the theme should be universal. Like race or the world's addiction to energy.\
Some other themes/ideas:
-soccer(sports?)
-Zombies(28 days later around the world):hv20-smilie03:
-End of the world!:hv20-smilie68:

Just some random ideas that could be developed on.

[bluegrass]

Some good ideas. I was just thinkin' about addiction to energy as I sit here typing on my computer which is projected to an 8 foot screen in front of me. Yes I think I could have lived happily a hundred and fifty years ago without electric but I'm afraid I'm addicted now. That came to light last year when I was relaxing at my computer and elecric went out because of storms. I even though I still had all the creature comforts of food, drink, and a warm shelter, I felt like I couldn't do anything. I went to bed several hours before I normally would have. Yes, I'm addicted.

[previdman]

A matter of perspectives, drawing up the differences among people besides their cultures. Not to compare but to enlighten.

Example: A person's financial standing brings to light different perspectives on how and what they consider important.

A very wealthy person probably isn't even aware, much less cares abt the price of gas except where stock market is concerned. His cars are serviced and maintained by staff and always at the ready. A less affluent person may have to decide between paying rent or buying gas over the issue of a 30 cent a gallon increase.

Health insurance premiums aren't as critical to someone wealthy whereas they are literally a matter of life and death to someone working two jobs who can't afford any.

We in America can't decide where to go for lunch while at the same time there's someone walking down a dirt road in another country hoping to find something dead, but still edible for today's only meal.

Again the intent wouldn't be to compare the haves to the have nots. Since it's international in scope, each videographer could simply shoot from their perspective.

The viewer could draw whatever value from the whole of the presentation.

Just an idea.

[kafeero]

A matter of perspectives, drawing up the differences among people besides their cultures. Not to compare but to enlighten.

Example: A person's financial standing brings to light different perspectives on how and what they consider important.

A very wealthy person probably isn't even aware, much less cares abt the price of gas except where stock market is concerned. His cars are serviced and maintained by staff and always at the ready. A less affluent person may have to decide between paying rent or buying gas over the issue of a 30 cent a gallon increase.

Health insurance premiums aren't as critical to someone wealthy whereas they are literally a matter of life and death to someone working two jobs who can't afford any.

We in America can't decide where to go for lunch while at the same time there's someone walking down a dirt road in another country hoping to find something dead, but still edible for today's only meal.

Again the intent wouldn't be to compare the haves to the have nots. Since it's international in scope, each videographer could simply shoot from their perspective.

The viewer could draw whatever value from the whole of the presentation.

Just an idea.

Sort of like crash(2004) and pulp fiction and the likes with multiple perspectives.

[VideJo]

I am relieved, that my first idea was at least noticed. It was the contrast between the seriousness of that idea and a comedy that made me post that posting in which I announced my resignment.
Let me try to put the idea in a wider perspective.

The global rise of Food Prices

Bio- fuel
Some two years ago I’ve read an article in the National Geographic Magazine. It was called: “The End of Low Oil Prices”. The world nowadays consumes more oil, than new recourses are found. So some “smart” people came up with the idea to make oil out of crop stock. The idea found supporters and up came the demand for corn for bio fuel. Farmers in the US got higher prices from those customers, than they got from the agri market. So the year thereafter, people in Mexico crowded the streets to demonstrate against the rise of corn prices . . .
In the meantime, scientists came up with a next version of bio fuel. The second generation. This version makes use of bio-stuff that has no use in the food circle. For instance scrap wood. But unfortunately, the investors are now deep in the realization of plants for the first generation. So they would like to earn back their initial investments, before starting on the second version . . . Some time ago I’ve heard about the third version, making use of algae.

Failing crops
In some places crops have failed recently. For instance, the rice harvest in Australia has gone back this year to only 2% of what it should have been. The Inconvenient Truth of All Gore might have something to do with that.

Rising economies (and the decline of others)
The economies of India and China are growing in a rapid pace. And so they adapt their way of life. They buy more food and they buy themselves a car. Up go the prices of oil and of food. The Chinese are buying whole harvests away from the global market to fuel their production.
Last week I’ve bought myself a Relax Chair for 40 Euro. Made in China. But that means, that many products are being resourced to China and probably a lot of people in the developed countries will lose their jobs in due time.

On a worldwide basis, authorities have got the picture. The Secretary General of the United Nations has recently started a full program to deal with the problem. And President George W. also pulled his wallet.

So why should not we also get involved? We are taking part of an International forum, that deals with one of the most powerful tools ever: Moving Pictures!
How could we contribute, using the IVP?
Well, someone in India could show the result of the rising food prices on the diner table of local people,
someone in France could make some footage of a farmer, emphasizing the need to maintain the high European subsidies for the agricultural Industry, which is criticized by other Europeans.
someone (somewhere) could film the realization of a plant for first generation Bio Fuel,
some could film the price list at fuel stations. The differences all over the world are gigantic.
And who knows, maybe we could come up with an answer to the problem . . .

[hepabst]

I think if we just list "the problems" this will be nothing more than a news reel doing the same thing the nightly news is doing just fine. There are underlying greater issues. i.e. Over population of the planet, and the idea that we deserve to have what the next person has, and that we all have the moral right to succeed and be wealthy. The reality is the planet can't provide us all our luxuries. If we were bugs, someone would have sprayed us by now.

So asking questions of the general public about how they feeling about the problems and what they are willing to do about it. Ask them if they are willing to stop having so many children and so on. There are a lot of hard questions that need to be answered with regard to the survival of the human race.

[VideJo]

I agree with you.
But the power of our community is, that users all over the world could give us an uncolored insight, while the Broadcasters always tend to present it in a way that suits them best. I believe. And that we could give this problem a face, that it will not get by only looking at the nightly news. We westerners are getting numb by the overwhelming tragic events and we might easily forget, that behind all of this there are people.

[hepabst]

So then we have an answer to the question "who" will this be about. People. Then we should consider the "tone" of the presentation and the theme we will follow.

[bluegrass]

So we have some good seeds planted and hopefully more will get on board and throw there ideas out. Without a doubt the group will not share the same views on the subject matter, but does that prevent us from working together? I don't see why it should. I noted something that I felt was important that Hep stated - we shouldn't waste our energy repeating what is already heard on the evening news. As Jo pointed out, we can make this project unique and show things that the media doesn't show because of Nielson ratings.

I have a busy week and will be out of town Thur - Mon but I want do distill some of the ideas down to a list we can look at to help us decide the direction we will go. The debate between Jo & Hep is just what we need to start working together. I saw some good things come out of tossing the ideas back and forth. I don't mean to leave out the contributions of previdman and kafeero either.

Let's continue to toss these ideas around, debate them, come up with more or elaborate some on the ones on the table now. I'm sure electro will help guide these discussions along a path we need to stay on. Perhaps setting a timeline we should try and keep to for different steps of this project.

[VideJo]

So let me toss up some more ideas . . .
A collation of local festivities from all around the world.
Contact concert organizers and ask them for a permission to shoot footage of a concert as a sort of world wide support of the issue of the global rise of food prices. Wonder how succesful this may be though.

[hepabst]

One important factor, IMO, is that this project is an "Open Source Project". So all of what we are saying and doing even here in a thread is all part of this project. All of our ideas and comments are dated and time stamped but they are public. We are not creating a project under lock and key in the dark of night the way most films are created. All the world will be watching as this project gains momentum. In some way this sense of openess should be one of the roots of our project's "theme".

[bluegrass]

So let me toss up some more ideas . . .
A collation of local festivities from all around the world.
Contact concert organizers and ask them for a permission to shoot footage of a concert as a sort of world wide support of the issue of the global rise of food prices. Wonder how succesful this may be though.

Jo - I shoot concert shows all the time. As a matter of fact I will be shooting some shows all this weekend. What are you proposing I ask for from the concert producer, the venue owner (an Ozark winery), and the artists that I tape.

Electro - do you propose getting some sort of release form signed in any areas of this production. I have been taping live concerts for years and have never dealt with any formalities. I have the feeling that most bluegrass festivals or pretty informal and the artists and such don't care whether I tape them. There was only one instance that the stage announcer stated that all recording devices should be turned off. Camera's were still allowed.

Another question I would like to ask here is concerning a good cross the board around the world representation of people on this projecct. Do you think it will just naturally happen or should we do something to attract more countries to be involved here. I don't know that we have anyone from places like Africa, India, Russia, Israel, Iraq, etc as members here on this forum. Maybe we could post some sort of notice and a link to this thread on some other locations of the Internet.

[hepabst]

If someone's face is on the tape we need a release or blur them out.

We need to have our theme outlined so we can attract participation. How can we ask questions if we don't have the production story nail down.

[Dodgy Nick]

If someone's face is on the tape we need a release or blur them out.

We need to have our theme outlined so we can attract participation. How can we ask questions if we don't have the production story nail down.

Good point hepabst, and that's exactly why Justin (electro) is soliciting ideas for this story. I love your, jo's, bluegrass and everybody else's contributions thus far. We need to brainstorm a few more ideas I think, maybe some of them can overlap.

Here are a few (some lighthearted) ideas:

Idea 1: Quantum physics lab experiments across the planet succeeds in allowing people to send things instantly across continents.

Idea 2: All technology is rendered useless because of solar radiation, and people are forced to communicate across continents with cups and string.

Idea 3: We make a sort of Vox Pops film over different continents, where we ask people the same questions. This will show that people are more similar than we thought, and break down silly stereotypes. It can have a humanizing effect on people in countries seen as 'hostile'

Idea 4: A Frenchman lost in London, an Englishman lost in Paris, an Australian girl lost in the USA and an American lost in Sydney. Comedy of errors maybe?

Just throw down as many ideas as possible people!

[VideJo]

hepabst is right here!
Only if and when we announce the subject or theme will there come additional supporters.
@ bluegrass: I feel that only shooting the concert (or a part of it) will not be enough. If we decide for my favorite subject, I would like to see the artists interviewed as well, With some smart questions that will get their honest opinions. Not the ones that favor their carrier. But to formalize those interview questions would probably be the takst of someone in the team, who knows how to do that properly.

[previdman]

.....If we were bugs, someone would have sprayed us by now.

Absolutely LOVE this line! :hv20-smilie77: Don't think a lot of factions haven't tried but it appears we're doing a good enough job from within, IMHO.

[previdman]

Jo - I shoot concert shows all the time. As a matter of fact I will be shooting some shows all this weekend. What are you proposing I ask for from the concert producer, the venue owner (an Ozark winery), and the artists that I tape.

No. Propose it to them in a way where they WANT to be involved. Never ask as if you need them.


... I have the feeling that most bluegrass festivals or pretty informal and the artists and such don't care whether I tape them.

With all due respect, that's a pretty broad (and potentially dangerous) statement.

They may not care until they or their managers see it come to life and smell an opportunity for making some money. I don't care who they are. Always CYA...always.

[previdman]

Bio-fuel 'aka' Food for fuel 'aka' I'm hungry. Will work for crude.


Here's a 2007 segment I did on vocalo.org radio abt the stupidity of this idea, if you're interested.

http://www.vocalo.org/node/9296

Not to take away from the momentum of this thread, btw.

[bluegrass]

Here's a 2007 segment I did on vocalo.org radio abt the stupidity of this idea, if you're interested.

http://www.vocalo.org/node/9296

Not to take away from the momentum of this thread, btw.

Wow! I couldn't agree with that guy more. I was just saying to someone today that they have to stop this idyocrasy of using corn to make fuel. Some of this ludicracy almost has me thinking the world is headed towards the end game.

[kafeero]

Idea 3: We make a sort of Vox Pops film over different continents, where we ask people the same questions. This will show that people are more similar than we thought, and break down silly stereotypes. It can have a humanizing effect on people in countries seen as 'hostile'

I like this idea.

[Dodgy Nick]

I like this idea.

The problem with it is you'll get people with HV20's volunteering in the USA, UK, parts of Europe and Australia, and none from Iran, North Korea, Columbia, etc. which is what would make it really interesting.

[veg]

LONDON.... 23.52hrs.....15th May 2008 ...
'POSSIBLY' 40,000 PEOPLE DEAD IN BURMA + 'POSSIBLY' 50,000 DEAD IN CHINA
90,000 people have died this week, as we speak on this thread.
Lets make a vid!
veg.

[kafeero]

So it seems like a lot of us want to enlighten the audience by showing diversity in the following.

-cultures
-ideas
-geographical locations
-entertainment
-others

some specific ideas mentioned
-how families from different cultures & countries spend their vacations
-what is popular entertainment for people in different countries.
-a story that goes around the world and how it becomes interpreted in so many different ways because of our cultural differences
-How the HV20/30 and hv20.com has inspired and pushed people in their dreams. How it brings a community of filmmakers together.
-The struggles of independent filmmaking and independent art in general.
-A matter of perspectives, drawing up the differences among people besides their cultures. Not to compare but to enlighten.
-Addiction to energy
-The global rise of Food Prices
-A collation of local festivities from all around the world.
-Quantum physics lab experiments across the planet succeeds in allowing people to send things instantly across continents.
-All technology is rendered useless because of solar radiation, and people are forced to communicate across continents with cups and string.
-We make a sort of Vox Pops film over different continents, where we ask people the same questions. This will show that people are more similar than we thought, and break down silly stereotypes. It can have a humanizing effect on people in countries seen as 'hostile'
-A Frenchman lost in London, an Englishman lost in Paris, an Australian girl lost in the USA and an American lost in Sydney. Comedy of errors maybe?

Have I forgotten any?:hv20-smilie81:
Just a recap of ideas so that we can continue brainstorming.

[Chicken Warrior]

First of all, do we actually know who might be involved in this project? From the voices I've heard, it will all be people from the 'western world' contributing. Given that direct and unpreventable bias/lack of diversity, why don't we focus on how we - the rich fat cats of the world - effect all of the above issues without really acknowledging it? And it would seem suitable to use exclusively 'consumer' equipment for such a concept.

I also think those involved should seriously consider making the film silent. This erases so many problems it's not even funny. Language, translation, script, naration, etc. etc.

Just some random thoughts.

[hepabst]

And then there is the laughing disease pandemic!

[veg]

Oh Yes! Oh Yes ! hepabst
Laughter, smiling, tears and music....... the truly International language!
Jaque Tati
Mr. Bean
et al.
veg.

[Duke]

I've been watching the thread just to see what direction it was taking and you've all had many great ideas.

The fact that we have many members from all over the world makes it a big advantage that we could put famous landmarks from all over the world in the movie. I could provide shots from Hollywood, Orange County and perhaps San Diego. There are others from my area too.

Early on someone mentioned a troll or something that could be printed anywhere in the world and used in the shot from that area.

What you need is something that will be attractive to the general public. I'm sure no one wants to do this and have something no one wants to see.

You need a premise that's Big, Imaginative but Simple. The way you test is to check if it's imaginative and simple by writing the premise in 25 words or less and see if it's still interesting. Try it. This is real and is a test used in Hollywood.

The test to see if it's big enough is to look at the scope, is it world destruction? (Sudden Impact) All men? (Family Man), etc. It's easier to be imaginative if it's robots, time travel, aliens, nuclear bombs, etc.

Here's my proposal. Get the shots of the landmarks from around the world.

Have an alien green screened on top of it so the alien is taped in one spot. It's the alien that needs good color for the best green screen not the background.

An alien views the contradictions of earth. A social satire. Contradictions in personal relationships, governments, and the way we treat nature.

Anyone feel free to come up with a good premise on that. Something like:

Alien Vacation (Satire) An mysterious alien visits earth and is unable to comprehend the hypocrisy and contradictory nature of humans.

It can be a gentle, engaging, quiet film that grabs viewers not through editing, action or shouting, but through that most basic and often forgotten art of cinema, finding a strong story and just letting it tell itself.

Just a thought,
Duke

[bluegrass]

and the alien becomes very puzzled at why a planet of people would sacrifice food to fuel our cars when at the same time they see people starving around the world.

thanks for the summary kafeero.

as i understand it, we won't be able to get many people on board this project until the few that are, come up with a solid story we are going to try and tell. than, should we somehow vote on the story proposals that keefero listed and start moving ahead and seeing who will be attracted to the project.

i hope it's not the case but does everyone feel that chicken warrior is correct and that we are all a bunch of fat cat westerners and the project wouldn't involve the rest of the worlds cultures.

a silent movie could be an alternative. mel brooks did it, until the end. i believe. do you think we can really tell a story without voice. it would be a real challenge. i would want someone to score some music at least.

i like working in the landmark idea no matter what the story is. it's a short sweet way of identifying where some of the scenes take place plus i think it's an inexpensive way of creating a worldwide identity to the story.

[previdman]

The fact that we have many members from all over the world makes it a big advantage that we could put famous landmarks from all over the world in the movie. I could provide shots from Hollywood, Orange County and perhaps San Diego.

Great idea but a different use: Why couldn't we each contribute to a landmark library for exclusive use by HV20 members?

No restrictions on use or ownership issues for members only. We'd each benefit from the other's contributions.

Hell for that matter, how about a members only library of generic cutaways, landscape pans and other stock footage. Again our own library for our own exclusive use. that'd be cool!

But it couldn't be like 1 or 2 members doing all the work, we'd all have to contribute something to make it worthwhile.

Just another thought.

[Duke]

Great idea but a different use: Why couldn't we each contribute to a landmark library for exclusive use by HV20 members?


It would take gigs and gigs of server space, then bandwidth to upload and download. One decent size clip and my bandwidth would be gone for the month. If someone has their own server though... I'd definitely contribute. There are certain clips I need and I'm happy to swap too.

Duke

[bluegrass]

The clip library sounds like a great idea. I'm not sure how it could be secured from anyone using it and how and who would manage it. Maybe Mal can tell us if HV20.com can add a few terabytes of space for this sort of thing with the service provider that hosts this website.

I'd be glad to check to see how much say 5 or 10 terabytes of storage would cost from my service provider. We'd just register a domain name and organize folders were users can ftp files to. Some one with good organization skills could set up a database to help search the library.

I believe it might be difficult to have it open for all of HV20.com users and not be open to the general public.

Any suggestions on how to organize a clip library and how much space might be needed.

Even though I see a lot of merit with having a clip library to use as this project goes forward but I wouldn't want the concept and implementation of it to slow down moving forward with nailing down some details right away such as the story and or movie we're going to make. We have some nice ideas for making a movie, now we need to choose one of them and move forward with developing a script or how ever you start making a movie.

I'm not an Indie so I don't know where we start. I do know one thing - talk is cheap but when you move from talking to committing your own time and effort, the price starts going up.

[vozo]

Here was another thread about creating stock footage using Vimeo as the source location.

http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?t=9505

[previdman]

Not wanting to take away or divert from the momentum of this video project I've started a new thread called "HV20 LIBRARY DISCUSSION" open for further discussion.

http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?p=91834#post91834

Admin, I put it in the Pub but if you feel it should be somewhere else for more exposure, please relocate. Thanks!

[Philafront]

I just wanted to say I'm in on the project from the San Francisco Bay Area. Also, while i like the ideas of making this a profound project (i.e global food prices etc.) i think making a comedic short all together would be a good (and fun) way of trying this out before we dive into a serious project that may crash and burn. Someone pointed out that though there are 10,000 members on this forum, only 6 entered in the HD shorts and only a few hundred voted. A simple, easy, fun project would be a good way to get a feel for how likely the HV20 community would be both willing, and capable of producing a serious international video; lets aim high but not get ahead of ourselves in regards to what we can actually achieve.

[bluegrass]

Philafront - I believe you what you said is wise. In the fast pace world we live in, it's difficult to get people to commit to do anything that take them a little out of their comfort zone. "KIS" should apply on a first project like this.

Any ideas?

Anyone?

[hepabst]

Pandemic laughing disease? "They died laughing!". ???

[electro]

Pandemic laughing disease? "They died laughing!". ???

I think that would be funny for something short, to make sure we know what we're getting into. (as many others have mentioned)

[VideJo]

Got another idea . . .
With the European Soccer Championships closing in . . .
You should see how silly the Dutch can get! Complete streets covered in Orange (also the surname of the Royal Family) Bars loaded with fans gazing at giant screens. And when (not if) the Dutch become the champs again, a tour through the canals of Amsterdam!
Can we not do something like that for more countries? Superbowl? The Ashes? Rugby? Sailing? Just analize the sillyness of your countrymen in them days!

[Dodgy Nick]

Aww, we just missed the Chelsea fans kicking off in London, and Rangers fans kicking off in Manchester...

But there'll be plenty of opportunities still. This will be hard to script though, you kind of have to run with what you've got. Not sure how that will work, unless in a documentary fashion with a VO.

[VideJo]

I'll think about it.

Edit 25/05/08 (for USA: 05/25/08): Thinking finished.
Not so difficult, I think. Like all phases in all films.
1) Let the audience (of the film) know where they are, what it will be about and so on,
2) Show the preparations before the event,
3) Show the event and show the reactions of the public (of the event),
4) If applicable, show the greaf and sorrow, if a match was lost.

[VideJo]

This thread has been without a continuation for two full days.
Is that proof, that this project is a bit too far fetched for the members here?

[electro]

I'm sorry I just can't do this anymore.



Is that proof, that this project is a bit too far fetched for the members here?
2 words buddy, f u c k OFF.
It's assholes like you that f u c k fun project ideas like this up for everyone.
Your limited comprehension (and those like you) stunt(s) the growth of this whole planet.

Film-making is hard enough w/o people like you, which I've been dealing with my whole life. Forget it all.\
I just can't take it anymore

[hepabst]

This project requires a very simple premise. Something basic that we all have access too. We all need to be able to shoot it in a reasonable amount of time and most importantly have fun with it.

Big_O, I don't think your ego will allow you to do something simple and basic i.e. comedy. Wasn't it you that wanted to quit if the project was a comedy? What you were really saying, IMO, was if the project wasn't Earth changing you would have nothing to do with it.

It's unfortunate that we lost our EP but I certainly understand why he doesn't want to work with you.

By the way, there was a national holiday in the USA this past weekend. I sorry we didn't give you the attention you need but I, for one, was cooking hamburgers with my family.

[cjcook]

Not too far from truth, how about an HV20/30 "disease" where people become totally obsessed with their camera, accessories, DIY projects, "tricks", etc. to the detriment of their real world responsibilities (falling asleep at work, missing deadlines, etc because of all night editing - ignoring the wife and family - getting into debt for upgrades - that sort of stuff). Of course I can understand if this is hitting too close to home for some, like myself

[Dodgy Nick]

cjcook - ha ha! that's a great idea, it definitely resonates with me as you've pretty much described my obsession to a t...

C'mon guys, lets keep it civil, no personal attacks ok?
FWIW, this weekend was a bank holiday weekend in the UK as well.

hepabst, you seem to have a passion for this project and a level head on your shoulders, how bout running with it?

[VideJo]

I could have expected the response I got . . .
Let me try to explain my attitude. I have great expectations of this project, taking the total world as an audience. My strong point is creating ideas. And that is the status of this project on the moment. I expected far more response than we got so far and thus I got somewhat frustrated, when things seemed to slow down. So I thought: lets get some people a bit angry. I succeeded in that, but far too good. Sorry for that. :hv20-smilie119:

[hepabst]

This project requires team work and unity of purpose. Let's agree that from this point forward, no matter how long it takes to develope this project, that we stay positive and respectful.

S.W. - I'm on my day job at the moment so I can't comment in detail, but I will consider it and comment further later tonight.

[hepabst]

Here's how I see it.

To go beyond the current state of this project we will have to start working as a team, group, collective etc... We will have to set some tests or conditions that a story idea will have to meet before we even start working on it. Some of the questions we will have to ask. But not limited to the following:

1. Can it be shot with our hv20's?
2. Does it have a common theme that all locations have access too?
3. Is it technically simple enough that even a novice will be able to participate?

Once an idea meets the initial requirements we start to explore the idea as a group. Bring all our creative energies together to work on a treatment and Log-line for the idea. I believe it is important that we do this with no less than three starting ideas. So the end result is three treatments with Log-lines. If the stories look promising at this point we will move to create a script.

We need to see if we can actually work together for a common goal so we now need to start working.

I think we should start with "cjcook's" idea. Each of you think about how this idea pertains to you. Please everyone, it is important that we resist the negative feelings and thinking that may arise. Stay positive and keep it fun then bring it back here to this thread.

There is much that we will learn about us as a group and most importantly as a group we'll understand our project and what it will take to do it before we ever turn our cameras on.

[VideJo]

Her we go.
Picking up cjcook's suggestion.
1) If you would try and film your rig, so to say to show what has cost that disatrous sum of money, you would need a second camera to do that. Take note, that your HV20 (-30) is in the rig . . .
Thinking of a solution . . . shoot it with a dv cam and feed the signal to the HV20. Would it then become a HDV signal? Maybe, but probably with less resolution.
2) Everyone will be able to participate in this theme.
3) Simple theme and it will probably not scare off many.
4) How about naration? By one personand added in post?
5) If spoken word will be present on the footage, should it be in English, as this is the language of this forum or would undertitling be better (to emphasize the International platform)?

[bluegrass]

Also remember that stills can be implemented into a movie such as Burns did. In addition many still cameras can be used to shoot short video sequences, albeit, they are usually a much lower resolution. In shooting our goodies with various cameras, we are going to come up with a hodge podge of different looking formats but that will be the editors and directors job to blend them together in a positive manner.

Here is my A.D.D.(attention deficit disorder) kicking in. Do any of you other artistic minded people have that problem. I say we can all start shooting some clips right away that could potentially be welded together to make this short comedy/drama documentary. Actually this project could have the potential of getting our spouses or some family member involved helping us by getting our cameras on a tripod and teaching them how to man them as they capture us with our goodies (addiction). Heck, tell them the truth; you're working on an International movie project with people from all over the world and would love for them to help you with it. Try being innovative as you shoot or take photos, creating something that could potentially have a great story behind them. You folks that have already made some movies; give us some ideas on scenes and how to shoot them. I'm thinking for the most part, don't worry a whole lot about audio - the spoken word or background. The directors can work in narration. I wouldn't rule out a good comment or something captured on the video but I wouldn't make it such a high priority it bogs you down and prevents you from otherwise capturing some of the story we are telling.

I see shots of camera store fronts, looking at the camcorders all lined up at Best Buy- raising or need for a fix to our addicion, the UPS truck pulled up in front of your house, picking up packages off your front porch, opening them, assembling them, wifes looking at us opening our toys, etc as shots that work for this idea. There are probably as many different angles to this story as there are contributers, from a lot of the family being involved in our hobby to grumblings about it. How do these scenerios play out in different parts of the world. What are the contrasts and similarities. Humororus and serious stories from around the globe of how one little camcorder affects our lives.

I hate to come across being a typical American in what I'm about to say, but because it is a more universal language, I think it should be done in English. I think there certainly would be opportunities to use other languages with captions in some of it though.

[VideJo]

Now I get to think of it, initiated by the options bluegraas just added . . .
I am retired. So I am without a job. Most of the time. But on special occasions, my last employer calls on me to use me in some project, that could use my expertise. It happened again yesterday. So when I came back home, my wife heared me talk about the amount of hours I expect to make and within a second she calculated up the total and told me, that this project could fund my next (bigger) HDV camcorder. Nice plot, is'nt it?
GRIN

[vozo]

Can we keep an updated list of who is still in? And what roles they are willing to play?

An idea I just came up with...

Scene: My kitchen table, me on one end... Surrounded by my HV20 and accessories, Lenses.

Other end, my family, each holding a fork, gathered around a single plate, one pea on it... Grimaces of hunger pains, loathing...

I like the idea, let's get started...

Our next project can be world changing... Once we have a core team, mechanism for sharing the video, and know who is willing to contribute.

[hepabst]

We're off to a good start.

While you're thinking and expanding this idea. Please give some thought to a "one liner" or rather know as the Log-line. A 25 word or less statement/summary about the story. Remember at this point nothing has to be perfect and nothing you come up with is wrong. Let your creativity flow free. Then bring it to this thread. We'll find the pieces and put this puzzle together.

Who is still in? is a great question.

[bluegrass]

I'm in.

[cjcook]

I'm in.

[Dodgy Nick]

I'm still here! :hv20-smilie77:

[VideJo]

Me to

[hepabst]

Glad you're all still here. Here is a working Log-line for us to ponder.

"The advent of consumer HD camcorders unleashes a disease of obsession and addiction that anyone with a camcorder can be a famous filmmaker, few survive."

[hepabst]

Some thoughts I had today.

We will need some "glue" a story to tie our locations together. Something like a Center for Disease Control that get wind of this new disease. We follow their discovery and progress trying to understand the disease and what to do about it.

The movie opens with a scene from western NY. An out of control man is hold up in his basement. The wife calls 911 and the police come and she explains that he's threatening to kill himself and anyone else if they try and take his camcorder away from him. The paramedics show up and they rush him, take the camera, and put him in a straight jacket. He ends up in the psycho-ward at the local hospital. (During this intro scene we can roll front credits). Then cut to our CDC office and dialogue begins...

Now we use our CDC office as central hub to cut to our other locations and their local stories as they develop. In between we show scene of the "before" some one is infected, news casts, papers tell of this new disease. Many end up in hospitals.

One becomes famous and one recovers in a 12-step program, "Video Anonymous" but most carry on giving up their life for their camcorder...

It's a Mockumentary/Drama/Story.

[bluegrass]

good show hep. the minds or startin' dream a little.

ok directors, give us some direction. you know my personality, i'm ready to start the cameras rollin'. action! what do we need to set the scene for hep's beginning? i'm ripped and rollin'.

sorry guys, but i'm headin' to nashville in the morning. i'll be shootin' an all night private pickin' party saturday-sunday. i might set up a third camera on the stage (front porch) pointing to the yard where the audience including me will be taping. maybe we can use a few seconds to show an example of how bizaerk i've gotten' with my camcorders.

hep. keep the juices comin' man. we can make this work.

i'm feelin' no pain and i'm gonna stop the gain with some restrain by shootin' cine mode and clippin' one of my own lights on the porch somewhere.

[kevinmeyer]

I like the concept behind this but not really the ideas suggested so far. To get this going we have to start working on a concrete idea and start a script...

Not sure if it was suggested in previous posts as I am too lazy to go back and read them all.

But how about doing something like we used to do round the camp fire: One person starts telling a story and then after about 5 minutes stops and some one else continues making up a story from the previous person but makes up their own story. (If I think about it now we might end up with a Quentin Tarintino type disconnected story - which is cool).

This way you get a story that weaves and winds it's way along depending on who's turn it is to tell.

This way everybody get to do the genre/story they want to (someone does a comedy kinda of section, some one else does a horror kind of thing, one person will do a doccy kind of story etc etc).

So everybody does a 10 min video that then all gets put together.

Since we are sacattered all around the world how would the story continue? Maybe it could be a phone call i.e. at the end of the persons segment they pick up the phone dial and say "hello" the next persons segment would start with their phone ringing and picking it up and his story carries on from their...

[VideJo]

Now I am limb on two sides . . .
hep's plot is a nice one, but kevin's is a practical one, that would enable all kinds of stories to come in.
Boths are fine I think.

[hepabst]

The important thing to remember is that we are no where near turning our cameras on. Right now we need to bring concrete story lines to this thread for all of us to look at and decide on.

Kevin and I are "structurally" talking the same thing. Where we differ is how the individual stories are weaved together. And most importantly we do not have those individual stories to review other than my opening scene. So we need all of you to bring stories, not structure, to the table. Stories that you believe you can shoot based on our Log-line which we have not yet agreed on.

Here are things we have not yet agreed on:

1. Log-line
2. Basic story structure. i.e. common theme, or series of shorts put together.
3. Individual stories based on agreed Log-line.
4. Synopsis - overall combined stories i.e. beginning, middle and end.
5. Script so location directors, editors and others can stay on point.

We need to fully understand this project before we spend our time shooting. I know that we all have limited time. Let's use our time wisely.

[hepabst]

If we go the route of a string of shorts from around the world based on a common theme (Log-line), this thread should only be about put the finished shorts together. All editing of the shorts need to be done by the creators of the shorts. I'm not sure if this was the original intent of the I.V.P.

We need to take the topic that we need to agree on and have debate, decide, and then close debate on that item. If we don't use this approach we will never be able to move forward.

I'm going to wait now for your feedback on what I have outlined.

[kafeero]

I'm clocking in late.
I've been busy travelling and I currently have a limited internet access.
I just wanted to let everyone know I am good to go.

[hepabst]

Ok, now that you all have given this a lot of thought let's start making decisions. First order of business is the Log-line. (common theme) Here is the current working Log-line:

"The advent of consumer HD camcorders unleashes a disease of obsession and addiction that anyone with a camcorder can be a famous filmmaker, few survive."

Do you want this as the Log-line? yes or no

If no please say why and make an alternative suggestion.

If you do not respond I will assume you have nothing to say and remain passive during this projects development.

[cjcook]

I like the tag line, but since this is HV20, I think we should make it specific to the HV20/30 - not just HD camcorders. After all, I've had other camcorders but none of them pushed me to obsession like the HV20/30. Who knows, maybe we could get some canon support for the project???

[hepabst]

Very good suggestion "cjcook". Here it is again:

Ok, now that you all have given this a lot of thought let's start making decisions. First order of business is the Log-line. (common theme) Here is the current working Log-line:

"The advent of the Canon HV20/30 camcorders unleashes a disease of obsession and addiction that anyone with a HV20/30 can be a famous filmmaker, few survive."

Do you want this as the Log-line? yes or no

If no please say why and make an alternative suggestion.

If you do not respond I will assume you have nothing to say and remain passive during this projects development.

[vozo]

OK with me... I am passive at this point... Just willing to pitch in.

[bluegrass]

Yes on the tag line. I can show you a picture that shows my obsession. If you just look at my last Canon Elura 100 about 5 inches long sitting on top of my Canon HV30 mounted above my very juicedlink 4 channel audio/mixer adaptor, with the Letus Mini adaptor nounted to the front of the camcorder, and than a 70-200mm lens on the front of the Letus and all mounted on 2 foot Zucuta rails, I think you can see the disease has taken over me. My camcorder went from a 5 inch to 22 inches after purchasing the Canon HV20 & than the 30. If this hobby grows much more, I'll need to add a room on the house.

You think I'm kidding. Just look at the photo I just shot and the fact that here I am at 12:15 in the morning typeing this message and I have to get up at 7:00 to go to work.

Photo shows my old Canon Elura (plain jane DV) sitting on top of my new Letus Mini 35mm adaptor. You can see along with a couple other players, my blu-ray & hd-dvd, players, a HD terestial tuner, a 5 channel HDMI switch, DSL modem, wireless router, and a handful of audio cables for the various players to plug into my sound system, and a corner of my projector screen that I now preview all my HDV20-30 videos I shoot on.

Hey, I'm still missing a follow focus & a matte box. I need to save another $1000 for those accesories. Yes it's getting out of hand. My HV20 was getting lonely so I got it an HV30 for a friend. I don't show my Bruce HD montior. Is there anything else I need to save for?

Somebody asked me - "well why didn't you just get an x1". "Because it cost too much and I would still wind up adding all these accessories".

Talk about a "disease of obsession and addiction ". What do you see below. I didn't come from a photography background either, unless my Kodak Brownie qualifies.

[kafeero]

Would it be better to state that the cameras are Canon or to just state that they are consumer HD cameras? There are a couple of problems with stating that they are Canon. First of all product placement. I am fine with product placement but other people find it offensive. It could also be potentially distracting as it is an important part of the logline.
Also accessibility. I think someone mentioned something on this line before. Many of us do not have multiple HVs.
My advice would be to stick with consumer cameras(not even HD) and shoot with the HVs. I think it is safe to belive that many more of us have an HV20/30 and another consumer camera than two HVs. It would be much easier and more people could participate. And for those worried about loosing the theme of HV20/30, we will be shooting on the HVs, which is what really matters.

[hepabst]

I woke up this morning thinking that there could be a product problem using Canons name. So I think your point is important. I feel we should stay away from create a big commercial for Canon and any other product for that matter.

We have to go back to what started this project the question that someone posed, "What are you doing with your HV20's?". So this is the root of the issue. Question at hand is how do we express this as a group endeaver. Bluegrass started the first answer to the question and now here we are working it out. Our theme is the most important thing we have to nail down so we can move forward and create the story and/or stories.

There are others here, I would like to hear your thoughts on this, please jump in and comment.

[Dodgy Nick]

"The advent of the Canon HV20/30 camcorders unleashes a disease of obsession and addiction that anyone with a HV20/30 can be a famous filmmaker, few survive."

To be perfectly honest, the above log line doesn't fill me with excitement. I feel it's a very inward looking theme which most people in the mainstream will neither understand nor enjoy. This brings you back to the question, who is the audience? Once we understand this, we can pick a suitable theme.

This is just my opinion though, and I'll submit to the majority's view on what the theme should be. I offer no alternatives as I can't think of anything else right now.

[hepabst]

S.W. brings up a great point, who is our audience?

I think our current working Log-line is more suited for a documentary/mocumentary which came from the idea that we document the making of an inner movie as a group with HV20/30's. But it is not a Log-line for a story.

So what are we going to do? - Documentary/mocumentary or story?

[bluegrass]

Some good honest discussions are going on here. This is good and the way it should be. Spoiler, I think your point is well taken but how about making a suggestion for a tag line.

I would have thought there would be some writers lurking in the audience that would have chimed in here with some great tag line ideas. Not that the one we have, couldn't be tweaked a little and still make a good one. Maybe the tag line should encompass more of us - that is folks that have not accessorized like crazy but still have become obsessed in other ways with their camcorder. The other thing that goes along with the development of the tag line is, are we wanting to keep this film mostly comedic, drama, or documentary in nature. I think it's important to establish that in the tone of the tag line, or doen't it matter?

Do we need to define disease, obsession, & addiction as it relates to our camcorders, somewhere in a statement? Does this tag line scroll across the screen near the opening of the film? I'm not sure I know where the "tag" line comes into play. I can envision the film opens up cold (no credits or any clues) just shots of people all over the world opening up their prize or shooting some chicks on the beach, etc, than soon afterwards the tag line starts scrolling. Sorry if I get ahead sometimes, but that's the way my mind thinks. I'm a quirk I know, but aren't a lot of us here a bit quirky?

I say don't be shy or think you would be embarrased with any of your ideas. Throw it out here. I come into this new discussion, cold this morning and I'm at work. Let me think on it & see if I can come up with a contribution.

Are we in agreement to keep all equipment generic? Do we use abbreviations such as HV, Mini, or keep those out of it too?

By the way, ideas and questions or starting to flow here. Can the project manager come up with some suggestions on how best to keep things organized. Do we need to do some polling. Do we need to keep one post here that keeps facts and details in order. That post would be updated as needed and we would all know where it is so that we can review it from time to time.

edit: hep, while I was typing my post, you came up with a similiar question I have somewhere in my post above.

[hepabst]

The Log-line is the documentary or story distilled down to 25 works or less. It does not have to be displayed on screen. It will keep us on track as we develop this project. It will keep us all on the same page. Recently I was given a great example of a Log-line:

The movie:

"Red October"

Log-line:

Russian Naval Officer steals his nuclear submarine and defects to America.

This is somewhat paraphrased but I think you can get the point.

S.W. is correct in saying it has to be exciting and something people would want to see. So who are our "people"?

The log-line is very important.

[bluegrass]

OK. Let's all throw some out for vote as is or modified.

Title: "HV"

"hv owner becomes obsessed and goes on a shooting rampage"

"hv owners become obsessed and go on shooting rampages around the world"

"after meeting together in a secret underground Internet forum, hv owners become obsessed and go on shooting rampages all around the world"

"Agent Bond is called in to stop hv owners of going on shooting rampages around the globe"

"The SS is called in to investigate and decipher secret coded messages being passed back and forth by people with fictious names - "hepabst", "bluegrass", "spoiler warning", "kafeero", "vozo"," jo the big o" and several others that seem to be headed up by someone named "mal" or "lunchbox"." they use an underground forum called "HV" to plan their activities."

[vozo]

bluegrass...

I like your 2nd Log-line. But I have to admit.. The last line makes me laugh!

As far as audience goes, I believe with this Log-line we are targeting like-minded fools who spend hours watching/creating video on Vimeo / You Tube.

This audience may seem to be too narrow for an IVP target, but I think this is a good way for us to start and develop a team, and process that can lead to a second IVP project with a larger world audience (and more HV20ers pitching in).

[hepabst]

Bluegrass... Those are great ideas and yes the last one is very funny.

vozo... I like the idea of not getting to crazy for our first project. We are working out the bugs in our process with this project.

I know more of you have ideas please don't worry how silly they may seem to you. They maybe be the spark we need to light a great fire.

[Philafront]

i also like the "shooting" shooting rampage one...jokingly all becoming crazed murderers and "shooting" everything in site, constantly upgrading our weapons, alienating friends and family in pursuit of our never ending new obsession....

[bluegrass]

obviously the "shooting" is not guns with bullets but when this video finds its way to the Sundance festival with that tag line, it could draw a few viewers in to see "HV", wondering if "HV" was a new gun or something. actually some of the photos i've seen posted, our rigs sometime looks like some sort of high tech weapon. have you seen any of those high tech weapons with laser beams and lights mounted to them in movies. i think i may have seen a camera one time that turned into a gun.

i imagine that the statement about alienating our friends and family does touch on a real issue most of us do deal with in reality. we're just exagerating the truth a little.

[cjcook]

I had the same idea...the wife and kids (or whoever) getting ready to go and the obsessed dad (whoever) "busy" filming everything and trying to adjust lighting, exposure, etc, and making everyone late - something along those lines for one of scenes I have in my head.

I also think that's a great way to show the international cultures - filming actual places and events that are unique to your particular culture and/or location. Also at the dinner table - for instance:

Shot: someone cooking dinner
Dialog: HV Addict - here we have "whoever" preparing nice pot of stew...
Person cooking - can you please put that camera down for a minute and help set the table, etc.

[VideJo]

I can add another funny aspect of our hobby. Something that has happened to me many times.
My filming occurs almost always while traveling. I travel in groups most of the time.
In 2005 we went to Jordan. One of the highlights of Jordan the site of Petra. To get a good overview of the site, you have to climb the rocks. We did that, lead by a well trained former Jordan boxer. We came by many beautiful views and on each view I needed to take some shots. But as I was the only person with a video camera, the rest of the group climbed on. On all of the occasions they had to wait for this slow moving Dutchman with his camera. And as we caught on, they had recovered from the last effort and decided to go on. But I did never recover.
To avoid this, I decided to train myself, walking longer distances and climbing on the way. As I can not be without a modern piece of equipment, I bought myself a GPS to log my trails. And this piece also is addicting . . .
Now I walk around with two things hanging around my neck: A full rig and a GPS. And I keep up the speed, using Nordic Walking Sticks. Now I think I look funny . . .:hv20-smilie81:

[cjcook]

Let me change the topic for the moment as this is something I thought about last night. Should we decide on a standard format such as 24p/25p?

[bluegrass]

Let me change the topic for the moment as this is something I thought about last night. Should we decide on a standard format such as 24p/25p?

we aren't there yet cj, but we definitely will want to decide that. i know if i shoot anything in 24p, someone else will have to edit it. i'm not prepared to do reverse telecine. i may get there with cineform someday if i find it appealing to do so.

where is our exec? we need to establish the steps to take and in what order. i'd do it but i don't know a "gd" thing about producing a real movie. i think we're floundering here because we don't have an over see er telling us we need to do this step and when it should be completed. i don't care if there is 4 of us or 20 of us, counting lurkers. lets get moving or shut this project down.

if some of you want to flounder through it via private emails, attachments and use of some my website space, we can try something together that way but let's stop wasting our time and forum space posting here and not moving in any direction but sideways. That was a good movie but that isn't the direction we need to be moving here.

[hepabst]

I assume I am the acting EP. I am here but I'm at my day job. Which is 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM Monday-Friday EST. It's not always easy for me to respond here during the day.

I understand your frustrations and know that you all are itching to roll tape. But, who is the script writer, director, editor, where are you suppose to send the footage and so on?

Are you saying that I'm the EP, director, DP, editor, Post office box, and distributor? Frankly, I have not considered these issues yet because we don't have a script or even a treatment.

I do not want this project about me, the project is all about all of us.

Edit: I will outline a project tonight composed from the information that we all have shared that I believe we can complete in a reasonable amount of time.

[bluegrass]

thanks hep. i know you work hard and want this project to succeed more than anyone. i'm not sure what role each of us can take, but we can work that out as soon as we have a list of what roles need to be filled and what is required for each role. i'm sure we will all have to accept more than one role on this movie since there don't seem to be that many who are willing to count themselves "IN". I imagine more will volunteer when we have somewhat of a plan worked out.

i understand you can't always be reading and posting while on the job. i'm fortunate that my job is mostly at my desk with the Internet available to me all the time. my job is to keep about 100 users happily running on their computers. somedays it's quiet and somedays it isn't.

i'll be anxiously awating any similance of an operational plan you might be able to come up with. i'm not sure at all what those jobs entail that you mentioned. keep in mind to lower the requirements from what they might encompass for a hollywood production to what they might encompass with what we're dreaming about accomplishing.

scriptwriter: does it require that we have actually written a script for a movie or can several of us start trying to post some samples of what we think might work as a script and than perhaps someone that really knows a bit more can rework it and polish it up. i have no idea. that's why i'm tossing it out. i think most of us have to venture out of our expertise some of the time and try and help the experts if you get my thought here.

[CycleWriter]

All I want to know is...






















Who's playing me?:hv20-smilie84:

[bluegrass]

All I want to know is...























Who's playing me?:hv20-smilie84:


Evel Knievel

[hepabst]

Ok, this is what I have:

First I would like to give us a name:

The IVP Group (hosted by hv20.com)

Project title:

"HV" vol. 1

"HV" is a compilation of movies presented by a host shot with HV20/30's. The movies are based on a common theme produced by members of The IVP Group from around the world.

Common theme:

"hv owners from around the world become obsessed and go on shooting rampages"

The movie opens with the host introducing the IVP Group and the theme of the movies then one by one introduces the different movies from around the world. The movie finishes with a closing statement.

This format is wide open for anyone in the world to participate. They just have to come up with a quality short that is based on the theme. They produce, edited and deliver a finished short. (Folks who think they can't do this, don't panic, read on.) For people who know how to do this they have no problems other than creating an interesting short. The people who don't know how to do it will have to come up with their own story but will get technical support from the group so they will learn and complete their shorts.

This compilation is not a competition. It's individuals at unique locations on the planet working with a common theme and presented as a group.

Technical/Legal stuff:

1. Shorts should be limited to 3 minutes (or there about)
2. It should be shot in 24p. (one of the things that we obsess about) 25p converted to 24p.
3. You MUST have the rights to the music and the performances. (releases presented to the group)
4. A total time for the project to be determined by the amount of participants.
5. Will need someone to shoot the host footage.
6. Will need an editor to put the shorts and host footage together.
7. DVD design, if we choose to package it.


I believe this is our best bet for getting a first project completed. It answers the question "What are you doing with your HV20/30's?" and that's what started this whole thing. Some of our other ideas that require a full script will take a lot of time to develop and can be for future project considerations.

"HV" vol. 1 - is doable NOW!

What do you think?

[cjcook]

I say let's run with it. I do have one possible suggestion for the host portion. Maybe instead of a "host" it's a News reporter with a world map showing where all the "incidents" have occurred. As he name and points to a location on the map, that persons video would be shown.

This may be too much for first effort, and it would depend on how many, and from where all the participants are from. This is also something doesn't have to be decided yet, as the host portion, whatever we use will probably be the last footage added to the project.

[bluegrass]

Let's hit the line of scrimmage.

1. Can I just shoot my footage in 24P than edit it without removing the pulldown?

2. Can I than let the editor do the pulldown removal?

3. Can the short be silent and captioned as needed or should any necessary actors be vocal.

I suggest that someone like hep or anyone with some experience in this kind of thing do the host thing.

[bluegrass]

got your juices flowin cj, that's good. maybe that idea could work. could use a large globe also.

[hepabst]

Let's hit the line of scrimmage.

1. Can I just shoot my footage in 24P than edit it without removing the pulldown?

2. Can I than let the editor do the pulldown removal?

3. Can the short be silent and captioned as needed or should any necessary actors be vocal.

I suggest that someone like hep or anyone with some experience in this kind of thing do the host thing.

Detail for us what you have for editing. Can you edit in 24p? If you can't then shoot in 60i or 30p and your finished short will have to be converted to 24p. removing pulldown seemed daunting to me at first until I learned how to do it. It's an extra step in the process but nothing to worry about now. So telling us about your system will help us show you how to remove pulldown.

Pulldown removal has to be done before you edit your clips into a short.

You can be silent, captions, speaking, anything you want it's your creation. Do the best you can.

Best part about the host/news room approach is that we can wait until we have the shorts done. Then we glue it all together.

[bluegrass]

Thanks hep. The first item on my list than will be shooting a test in 24p mode and learning how to remove the pulldown. If I become too frustrated, I'll let you know and maybe someone here can help steer me in the right direction. I have an 8 day festival coming up starting next Friday so I will be out in the field, literally in a tent for 9 days. Maybe I can get some help running one of my cameras - shooting me a little for this project.

For those of you that have an older DV camcorder, don't forget the option of letting someone shoot a little bit of yourself doing your thing with your HV. I know it would be DV & not HDV 24P. But you never know how useful some of that footage might be. Also another suggestion, have someone take lots of still of you and your hobby. It's possible to work stills into a video project too. There's my two cents. I hope all of you who have some good shooting tips or any suggestions that might help this community project out, chime in. For lack of a better way to do this, I'll make a new post and start with my two tips above. We can just keep adding to this one post.

If only moderators are allowed to edit a post, than I will move your tips, and questions and answers to the correct location and delete your posts. I also started a Q&A post just for this project. Try and keep them short and to the point. I made use of some coloring to make these two posts easier to spot down the road. If you think you might have a better idea, let me know. Let's all be creative here and try and make this a fun and useful collaboration.

[bluegrass]

1. Make use of older DV camcorders if you have one to record some of your obsessions as you touch and play with your new equipment.
2. Have someone take some stills of your obsessions. They can be used in your movie.

[bluegrass]

Q1 - Can I just shoot my footage in 24P than edit it without removing the pulldown?
A1 - Detail for us what you have for editing. Can you edit in 24p? If you can't then shoot in 60i or 30p and your finished short will have to be converted to 24p. removing pulldown seemed daunting to me at first until I learned how to do it. It's an extra step in the process but nothing to worry about now. So telling us about your system will help us show you how to remove pulldown.

Q2 - Can I than let the editor do the pulldown removal?
A1 - Pulldown removal has to be done before you edit your clips into a short.

Q3 - 3. Can the short be silent and captioned as needed or should any necessary actors be vocal.
A3 - You can be silent, captions, speaking, anything you want it's your creation. Do the best you can.

[bluegrass]

New question: Does everyone have to offer up a completed and edited "approx. 3 minute movie" to the host. What if someone feels they have a pretty good movie but feel it could use a more experienced editors hand in completing it.

I think the most logical answer is, we should all furnish our own completed work, whether we feel it is very professional or not. Every little movie that makes up the big movie will have their own personallity and feel to them. I just don't want people to feel that they are competing with others on this project for the best 3 minute clip but will know that their contribution, will be great for the project no matter what.

When this first "HV" movie is completed, we will have all benefited by new stuff we learn from each others movie. I hope that in the end, we all feel free to discuss each others contribution and discuss how they were accomplished. I personally feel if I have to do any "real" acting in my little clip, it's going to be hillariously terrible.

One more point and I'll shut up. If you know people on this forum that are from all around the globe and you haven't seen them post here, why not drop them a short pm and ask if they might check us out and join in. The more parts of the globe we have movies from, the more interesting this movie will be.

[hepabst]

I'm looking for head count of people who will be contributing?

[bluegrass]

I'm looking for head count of people who will be contributing?

Here!

[cjcook]

aye-aye

[kafeero]

I will be contributing for the project.

[Philafront]

count me in

[hepabst]

Ok, it looks like we have 5 of us so far. Very good!

Remember this is NOT a competition. So take your time and let your talents shine.

[bluegrass]

I'm going to be in the boondocks of Indiana at a music festival for 9 days, starting tomorrow. The last time I was there, they didn't have wireless Internet access that I could use from my tent, so I won't count on being back on here for awhile. I just wanted to throw out a suggestion that we share some shooting ideas for our movies. Not necesarily that we'd all want to create the same scenes but to get our minds thinking of some possibilities on how we might put a video together.

"Remember this is NOT a competition. So take your time and let your talents shine."

No, we defiinitely do not want to compete against each other. That is why I'm suggesting we try and help each other as much as possible for the betterment of the whole and for all of us to learn from this experience.

I assume that we can choose to make our movies appear to be serious, comical or a mix. Did we decide whether we should all include a landmark to help identify our spot on this planet or do we make it optional? Well, I'm not sure how to begin this movie. I will have to do some dreaming about it I guess. One thought I had, since I rarely throw away packaging, I might start out with repacking some of my things and puting them on the front porch of my house. It might be funny to place one or two at a time and than film me opening the front door and getting them only doing this about 4 or 5 times with different packages. I would think these scenes could be done in 10 seconds or less. Than more scenes of me opening them up and assembling them or whatever. I'm already divorced so frankly, I don't have anyone to give me a rash about the new stuff. I guess I could get a friend to act the part of my wife or mistress but I more than likely will have to play a different card than most of you. Anyway, I thought I'd throw out the idea that we could all start sharing some ideas on how we might make our movies. Does everyone know how to ftp and have an ftp application. If so, I could put a folder up on my website and give access to it so we can start sharing some of our clips amongst ourselves. A work in progress so to speak.

I will be doing a lot of shooting in several different environements while I'm at this festival. If I can either setup my second camera some of the time to do what I call "shoot tht shooter", I may come up with a little footage that I could use in the IVP movie. Here are a few scenerios on how I might be doing some shooting. Any suggestions on setups I could work up at this festival for use in the IVP movie would be appreciated. I will more than likely be leaving sometime in the morning though and might not be able to see your suggestions after that.

1. sitting in the audience with either my hv30+letus or my hv20, shooting shows on the stage. It might be funny to get a friend to take a couple stills of me sitting operating both camcorders at my seat.
2. roving with my hv20+dvmultirig around the stage.
3. maybe shooting some at the performers sales tables of them selling CDs & signing autographs. This might be with tripod or with my multirig.
4. doing interviews with fans and performers in a variety of settings.
5. campfire jams at night, using a combination of tripod and multirig setups.
6. walking around shooting misc stuff - camps, $300K camping rigs, scenery, food row, vendors selling shirts, instruments, cds, etc.

I may have a friend that I can give a quick operating lesson with the camera to help "shoot the shooter (me)" some of the time. Others, I'm on my own to possibly point the tripod camera at me shooting something.

[bluegrass]

Hey. I thought Spoiler was in on this and helping with project management. Only 5 of us have mustered in but I know there are some lurkers and others that hopefully would like to get in on the fun.

[Mooose]

I'm in

[kafeero]

I will be shooting a collaborative short film in Uganda this summer so I think for this project I will have someone else shooting me. It would result in a documentary or a "making of".

[hepabst]

Anyone shoot footage yet? I'm still in the thinking stage.

[bluegrass]

I shot over 35 hours of video at Bean Blossom a few weeks ago that I'm still wading through. I'm not sure if I'll have any that can be used for this project or not yet.