I will be using the 5D MK 2 to shoot our entry to the Dead Can Dance video competition. The reason for using this camera is mainly because I own one and I don’t have the funding to rent or buy a Black Magic, C300, Sony FS100 or even the Red Scarlet but truth be told – not a lot of people have access to that kind of money either. I have always been a great believer that making films is about using what you have available to you. No one, that I can think of starts shooting straight on an Alexa or Red Epic for their first short, music video or full length feature. They started on something a lot smaller and cheaper. The idea that you need a specific camera or a specific tool to start is utter nonsense –  and its a thought that can stop you from doing what you want to do. Making films. If you are serious about it you will find a way.

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I am not saying that I didn’t wish I had the funding to shoot on a better camera, Of course I would! But I choose to work with what I got. I would have shot this on an Iphone if I had to. The biggest thing about being able to shoot this video is not the technical aspects its the people willing to help and this is the most important aspect of any creative art. There will be a time where you idea requires someone who can do it better than you – or simply have the skills you don’t. In my case this started out as a live action music video with people, costumes, hair and make up & on set fly-rigging. I loved the idea but it seamed daunting. I spoke to a few friends about the option for stunt / fly rigging on location and the possibility of using green-screen instead at a studio but when you have no money and zero time it all gets a bit crazy. Without this group of friends who knew about these things I wouldn’t have known where to start and even more important is I wouldn’t have know it was not ideal and moved the music video into using rod puppets.

Taken the decision to use puppets was fairly easy and truly excited (I worked for Jim Henson’s Creature Shop) but this is only possible because I know an excellent puppeteer and puppet maker who is willing to follow me and my crazy ideas, and had the time to do so this is now possible.

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With great collaborations anything is possible! So if you want to make a certain type of film find people who are interested in the same ting, get together and ferment, plot and talk about the things you love and together you can make beautiful art – it takes time, a lot of effort, great leadership, planning and a uncanny sense of when and when not to compromise – but its not impossible and the feeling of collective achievement is the most wonderful experience.

So ask questions!

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Do you really need an expensive camera, Probably not. Do you know anyone who has a camera you could use? Iphone shoots half HD! Do you absolutely need 12 Arri lights, Can you use something instead? An Ikea lamp? LED lights? Most houses has lamps! Is it important to tell you story with a long one-take glide camera over London? Or can you establish where you are with a simple ground shot?

Use social media to find people who can help. use websites like www.shootingpeople.org And under no circumstances should you fall into the pit of the “I need x fancy equipment or it cant be done” pit of despair.

My point is. If you are willing to think with what you have, and then improvise – then down the line if you are successful, you get to use all the fancy toys out there. But for starting out you need to go out and do it and with a small group of like minded people and a strong attitude – you can do anything.

CAMERA GEAR
Canon 5D Mk 2
50 mm 1.4 Sigma
24 -70 mm 2.8 Sigma
70 – 200 mm 2.8 Sigma

Lights
HDV-z96 LED  A great LED light, mounts on the camera, runs of mains or 6 x AA batteries
2- 3 LED lights with magnet/hook – These are bright, runs on 3 x AAA batteries best thing is they are 3.50 £

Until next time.

Jaeger Jensen