Gary Dunkel
Job: Independent Filmmaker
www.www.hdproguide.com/network/profile-69
HD WORKFLOW:
Okay so back in the day (a few months ago) when I used Final Cut Pro 7, I would have to convert all of the footage to the codec Apple Pro Res 422 using a program called MPEG Streamclip first in order to make the footage more edit friendly. By doing that there’s less rendering time. However, since upgrading to Final Cut Pro X, I no longer need to convert the footage. All of the rendering is done in the background. It’s great! Now I just import all of my HD footage into Final Cut Pro X, and I can begin editing right away. It definitely saves you a lot of time. Final Cut Pro X got some bad reviews saying it’s too much like iMovie and it kind of is. I’ll admit when I first started using it, I was a bit thrown off because I was so used to Final Cut Pro 7. After a few days of playing around with it, I love it.
HD PROJECTS:
Currently, I have a few comedic sketches that I am writing with my co-writer Jordan Wapner, which we plan to shoot in HD and upload to YouTube and FunnyOrDie. We are also writing several spec scripts including a 30-minute sitcom pilot, an hour-long drama pilot, and a feature film. We are both moving out to Los Angeles as well in October.
TIPS AND TECH:
Shoot to Post Workflow
1. When shooting HD video on an HDSLR make sure that you use a 95MB/s SD card and nothing less. Any card that is slower might run into problems where it stops recording while shooting. The faster cards allow the data to write faster while shooting and they don’t stop recording.
2. If you’re editing on FCP7, download MPEG Streamclip to convert your footage to Apple Pro Res 422 for easier editing, or just download Final Cut Pro X instead.
3. When shooting HD Video, decreasing your DOF (Depth of Field) is important to isolate your subject and allow the audience to focus on what’s important. DOF shots are more pleasing to look at as well from an audience view. It makes the image appear sharper and looks much more film like and professional.
FAVORITE HD CAMERAS:
Currently I’m shooting on a Canon Rebel T2i and I love it. I have also shot with the 5D and 7D, and they are both excellent cameras as well. HDSLRs are great because they’re very lightweight and portable. Sometimes I do a lot of guerilla type shoots and these are fantastic for that. With the right lens they put out amazing footage that I believe can rival any film camera.
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