Back Pocket Movie Making

Derrick Story demonstrated how to make short movies using a digital still camera, Quick Time Pro and an Apple iPOD - based on the assumption that most of these items would already be in the possession of storytellers it was a cheap way of making short web based movies.
he recommended the a small new Contax camera which captured movies 30fps at 640x480 px. Demonstrated a number of ways of keeping the camera still. e.g Ultrapod 2, Pillow Pod (bean bag), velcro straps and gaffer tape. He recommended Colkin filter holders to allow filters to be used with a compact digital camera on a tripod. Enhancing audio by recording on an iPOD using a plug in mic eg Griffin iTALK or Belkin iPODMIC. It records 16 bit .wav files. The files are added to the QT project using the add command and cut and paste. A double hand clap at the start of the film facilitates lip sync of the soundtrack with the movie.
Derrick has a book called Digital Photography Hacks. He also reommended the Macdev site for free QT Pro scripts and plug ins.

Derrick's rules for Back Pocket movies:

1. Capture the best audio possible
2. More light please
3. Ack! No backlight!
4. Hold your shots steady
5. Vary your angle
6. Keep it moving
7. Smile
8. Edit with vengeance
9. No loitering - 3 minutes of less
10. Avoid lengthy titles


This was a good practical session - lots of useful tips.