Archive for category Reviews

Options for Self Distribution: IndieFlix

Jun 23

Posted by Adam in Reviews | 1 Comment

I’ve always thought self-distribution and self-promotion were a no brainer for DiY and independent filmmakers. Part of the fun of the process is getting to do all the things that are handled by swarms of hired guns in the pro biz.

Yes, some films need a more professional touch, but for a lot of filmmakers, distributing online themselves is a great option. Plus, it’s a lot of fun. You get to see actual money coming in (hopefully) that people paid to see your documentary or your movie. Even if it is $2 at first, that’s $2 that you made from your own filmmaking blood sweat and tears. It’s a cool feeling.

So let’s take a look at some options to go with for self distribution. This post is going to cover one of the big ones: IndieFlix.

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Editing Happiness is a Wacom Tablet

Mar 2

Posted by Adam in Equipment, Reviews | No Comments

I often seems to me like there are two types of editing software users: the key peckers and the touchers.

If you are a key pecker you know who you are. You love editing almost entirely by key commands, and probably started on an Avid system. Key in and out points, key into the timeline – key everything. Key peckers see the video timeline and see something that is manipulated with keystrokes point by point.

But then there are the touchers, and I have to say I’m in this group. These are the ones who see a timeline and want to move it around and re-arrange the elements via a visual interface. The timeline is something fluid, and although there are some key commands involved with the left hand, the right hand is all about the motion.

My question is though: why are all of you touchers still using a mouse?

Wacom Tablet Pen

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Camera Review: Sony HVR-A1U

Feb 12

Posted by Adam in Reviews | 2 Comments

Oh my Sony HVR-A1U, it’s been with me through a lot. I’ve used it in a variety of shooting applications over a period of two years, so here are some thoughts after a long time in the field with this one.

When you are looking for a camera on a budget, like I was, there is a threshold of professional features vs. cost that you inevitably run into. Sometimes its easy to think of a camcorder as a camcorder, but the difference between prices often means a difference in features. Going lower on the price chain means giving up some of those features. When you’re in a situation when you need some of those more pro features for your production, it can get frustrating.

Enter the Sony HVR-A1U. The HVR-A1U is a really interesting little hybrid camcorder that makes it great for DiY productions. For me, it really does a fantastic job of packing in some great features into a little body and a substantially lower price. Let’s take a look at some details.

Sony HVR-A1U Camcorder Front View

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