42 posts
I want to make an amateur doco to capture the WA windsurfing lifestyle. The plan is to make it as high a standard as I can, but I'm no professional! I've mucked around with vid cameras a fair bit before, before I've never owned one.
I'm looking for any advice anyone can give me on what to look for when you're buying a vid camera, what you get for your money, what you should think about when planning and filming a windsurfing doco, buying waterproof housings etc.
Any advice appreciated!
QLD
25 posts
Hey Diggers,
I've been taking still shots for years of the guys at my local spot and have always wanted to make the transition to video. Costs are my biggest hurdle though! To get high quality footage that suits modern TV's (HD Widescreen) it can be very expensive, anywhere from $5000 to $13000 for a good camera (check out www.canon.com.au my choice would be the XL2).
Then you'll need a smaller camera for shooting in the surf as well as the housing, around $2000 - $3000 again. What about a computer and editing software? That could cost up to $3000 to $4000 for the computer and about $1500 for decent software. Plus the accessories for the camera: zoom lenses, lens extenders, camera housing, tripod, filters the list goes on
Once you've shot and edited the final product, how many copies would you make? 50 or 500 copies? Would you be prepared to burn that many copies on your computer? Would you package the DVD with a nice cover design and case?
I considered this at one time and figured that I would need $20 000 for equipment (cameras, computer, software, accessories, printing etc)and it would take me a year at least to compile the footage and then edit and produce such a project.
That's what it would take to do it my way anyhow. I'm sure there are ways to reduce costs and time lines etc (2nd hand equipment?). Maybe local businesses would be interested in getting on board through sponsorship/advertising? What about WA Tourism? Would they be interested in supporting such a project through a grant of some sort?
Lots to consider, I'd love to do such a project, good luck!
42 posts
Hey Sideshow
Thanks for your ideas. Man, it could be an expensive exercise! I like your idea of getting some sort of grant - that would give it some legs. I'll look into it. I'm treating it as a long term project (1 year +) so I might as well look at all the options. You could easily use it as a promo vid for interstage and overseas sailors if you did it well...
Stay tuned...
WA
14 posts
Whats your budget for equipment.
I produce videos professionally.
Here is a clip my wife and I threw together for a windsurfing video idea we were playing around with
http://www.inshotproductions.iinet.net.au/windsurfing/Guide%20to%20Windsurfing%20G2W%20Clip.wmv
I hope to put together a wa windsurfing video in the next two to three years. It would be good fun.
One thing you need is a good strong tripod as with windsurfing and surfing you are usually shooting on a long lens to get in on the action so stability becomes a problem. Especially if you have 30knots blowing.
QLD
279 posts
Get some euro contact interested as the thing would sell hotcakes in the euro larger market and they all know about WA.The euro is worth 1.7x so for them it is a school science project.Find a bigger market than oz and you will find help.
Do a quick promo to sell to funding company.Might be an excuse for a trip the Europe.
WA
38 posts
Turnah
I like your clip mate. Very professional. I look fwd to seeing another WA windsurfing vid have you started getting footage?
42 posts
Hey Rustle
Good call on the Euro idea. Talking to Tourism WA, they would back an idea like this only if is had a guaranteed distribution to some sort of mass market. Most likely this would be Europe. Not sure whether I want to chase big distribution channels at this stage - I'd rather have fun making something cool first, and see what sort of response it gets from a simpler distribution through things like Youtube, Current TV, etc. Talking to people here in WA, there's a fair bit of enthusiasm for some sort of WA Windsurfing doco.
Cheers
Diggers
WA
265 posts
There are 4 key elements to capturing really good footage:
Headcam
Jetski
Daredevil sailors
Cameraman with a deathwhish
AB...
NSW
38 posts
It seems to be a trend these days, that some magazines throw in a bonus DVD at the newsstand.
Why not offer a free WA windsurfing videoclip promo to the big european magazines?
Maybe the Govt. tourism people would provide some financial support for that? Some local gear suppliers, schools, hostels etc. may also be able to help, in exchange for a little promotion of their businesses.
WA
4 posts
Diggers,
remember the "summers a breeze" windsurf video? it was pretty much a WA windsurf doco made in the 80's- might give you some ideas. I think i might even still have a copy
JG
42 posts
JG
That would be great. I'll give you a call.
Any other classic windsurf (or surf) movies (not just full on action-style ones)that people recommend? Ideally ones that tell some sort of story.
WA
395 posts
Hi Diggers
I have just about every windsurfing video/dvd released since 1986. there are about 4 good semi doco's that are good for ideas - Angle of attack, Nomotu fiji pwa, raw power, and summers a breeze.
Give me a call if you want a look.
9317 2916
Cheers
Paul
