Episode 15 - DIY Camera Dolly and Death Comes for Ryan [Discussion]

[xfuuey]

Today's episode shows one of the many available DIY designs for making your own track dolly, then a quick tip on audio.

Watch or download this episode now (http://revision3.com/filmriot/diydolly)

[willobe]

First off just like to say i love this show, very well shot and always makes me laugh. BEST SHOW ON Rev3 imo.

But i just thought i would point out that the continuity was a bit off (Like it matters i just like to catch these things lol)

First one is Josh and Brunos clothing in the dolly tests are different then go back for the rest of the shots. Ill forgive the first scene where Josh had a plain black shirt and Bruno had a button up cuz maybe Josh got some food on his shirt and had to change and Bruno put on a t-shirt since his chest wasn't sexy like he thought.

Second after your safety tip when you are in the car you had the old "Car out of thin air" trick

Third is your quick tip had to take place after the dolly making cuz "Fart Huffer" didnt find out about his money until right before you made the dolly and Josh was out getting starbucks But your hand was fine and Bruno's hand was fine as well in his little clip.

So if the story goes you filmed lunch, dolly making, Then took a break and changed your shirt. Shot quick tip, then remember you didn't give a safety tip so then changed Back to your blue shirt Shot safety tip, car scene, ending then your fine just need to explain the time change a little better in the storyline (NO you really don't lol just being a stickler). But if your safety tip was directly after your dolly test (like it was shown) then car scene then quick tip, then ending, Then your hands like to fix themselves and then fall apart again and you like to change shirts . (pretty sure you were going for a single time line and not a jump around one)

I know none of it matters i just saw it and was like "hah that's funny". But again i love your show and i'm sure you had other shows where similar things happen i just saw it in this one.

Keep up the great work, and keep the jokes coming. BTW i think the little girl steals the show when she is on

[kzap]

Another great episode, the first new one I've seen since I got back from my holiday.

Just a quick questions:
What do you guys use for recording sound, I found out after my first film that using the sound off my MiniDV camera was a bad idea.
I have loads of microphones but none of my cameras have a mic input.
I end up either using the audio (from the camera) of the close up or recording in Audacity onto my Eeepc (latop). Then it takes a while in the edit to sync it all up again.
Is that what you do?

I'm guessing most high end camera have a mic input. I'm starting a media course next week (Woo!) so I will be able to book out their profisinal cameras. (Double-Woo!)

[ryanconnolly]

Another great episode, the first new one I've seen since I got back from my holiday.

Just a quick questions:
What do you guys use for recording sound, I found out after my first film that using the sound off my MiniDV camera was a bad idea.
I have loads of microphones but none of my cameras have a mic input.
I end up either using the audio (from the camera) of the close up or recording in Audacity onto my Eeepc (latop). Then it takes a while in the edit to sync it all up again.
Is that what you do?

I'm guessing most high end camera have a mic input. I'm starting a media course next week (Woo!) so I will be able to book out their profisinal cameras. (Double-Woo!)

All of my cameras have mic inputs. Check out facebook.com/filmriot - I posted a listing of all my gear in the discussion section.

[kzap]

All of my cameras have mic inputs. Check out facebook.com/filmriot - I posted a listing of all my gear in the discussion section.
That's good, hopefully the ones I get to use for my media course will too.
I need to upgrade my gear, I'm still using low-end, home consumer cameras, if only I had the money (or just any money).

[must_comment]

That's good, hopefully the ones I get to use for my media course will too.
I need to upgrade my gear, I'm still using low-end, home consumer cameras, if only I had the money (or just any money).

If you have a laptop you can record directly into the laptop while you're onset and sync it later, for better audio.

A lot of consumer cameras have mic inputs, they just cost a couple hundred more than the others.

Also you may want to consider buying a cheap audio deck.

[must_comment]

You guys really came into your own on this one, playing with your established characters, seamlessly blending information with entertainment, and keeping the story running throughout. Well done. Best one yet, and I hope you do continue the story on the next one.

[kzap]

If you have a laptop you can record directly into the laptop while you're onset and sync it later, for better audio.
That's what I do it's just a little hard to set-up with a one man crew, I did learn the perfect tip for syncing at work experience:
In editing leave the audio from the camera in then put the audio from the mic underneath and adjust it until there is no echo, then delete the audio from camera. Perfect syncing.

It's so obvious and most people are probably thinking "well duh!" but I just never thought about it before.


A lot of consumer cameras have mic inputs, they just cost a couple hundred more than the others.
Yea that is something I will have to ask when buying my next camera, my first video camera was a present and the second was on such a good offer at the time I brought it even though it wasn't perfect.

Also you may want to consider buying a cheap audio deck.
That's a good idea, my church actually have a couple that they only use on Sundays, so I'm sure I could borrow them.
Does anyone know of any MP3 players with microphone ports???
I know it's a long shot but I've seen loads with built in microphones, it would be perfect if there was one with a microphone input that I could just leave connected to the mic 24/7 and download the audio when I capture the footage.

[guytheninja]

All of my cameras have mic inputs. Check out facebook.com/filmriot - I posted a listing of all my gear in the discussion section.

I actually have a question about camera setups in general. I noticed on the DIY Dolly shots that the Azimuth and Elevation of the camera were manually (by hand) changed as the dolly moved on the track. This wasn't very noticeable when the camera was approaching the subject at the end of the track, but it was more noticeable when the subject was to the side of the track.

I'm just curious about this. Is it possible to find a camera that automatically follows a point in space (like someone's head for example) with complete smoothness? Because if I tried to change the Azimuth and Elevation by hand the audience would think an earthquake was occurring in the shot :D.

[ryanconnolly]

I actually have a question about camera setups in general. I noticed on the DIY Dolly shots that the Azimuth and Elevation of the camera were manually (by hand) changed as the dolly moved on the track. This wasn't very noticeable when the camera was approaching the subject at the end of the track, but it was more noticeable when the subject was to the side of the track.

I'm just curious about this. Is it possible to find a camera that automatically follows a point in space (like someone's head for example) with complete smoothness? Because if I tried to change the Azimuth and Elevation by hand the audience would think an earthquake was occurring in the shot :D.

The elevation was never changed, just the pan and tilt.

There are electric pan/tilt heads that you can control with a remote, but they are expensive and don't have the same quality a human controlled move does. Then there are motion controlled rigs where you type in the move you want into your computer and the system does the rest... However, unless you are insanely rich, this is not an alternative.

Your best bet is to practice until you get it down.

[mrpopular]

Another Great Freakin' Episode. Of course you can't really tease that next week someone will die.. Not very suspenseful seeing has in the past 15 episodes Josh has dies X amount of times lol

[danhauk]

Another Great Freakin' Episode. Of course you can't really tease that next week someone will die.. Not very suspenseful seeing has in the past 15 episodes Josh has dies X amount of times lol

Josh : Film Riot :: Kenny : South Park

[abfitch1819]

We did a dolly like that a long time ago. It's helpful to put in a large eyebolt in the middle of the platform and run a rope from that to the leg intersection of the tripod. Tie that off. That way your camera and tripod are cinched down tight and keeps it from falling off easily. We also made little wood peices with a triangle section cut out and we nailed them to the platform where the feet of the tripod would go. The feet of the tripod would sit in the little cutout--keeping the feet from splaying out or slipping off.

Good tut and I will be at the computer first thing next thursday morning. Really not sure if I want Ryan to die... :-)

[nextgenxbox]

I loved the short film mixed with tips theme. Keep that up. It was very well done. Felt like I was watching a comedy short and then sprinkled in were useful film tips.

Sorry you have to effing die Ryan.

[nav13eh]

was josh actually with megan fox or was it photoshop?

[wouldy0ukindly]

the numbers, they're bad!

[triple110]

<Insert Suck Up Comment Here>

A few of things from my audio engineering experience with little or no budget.

1. Buy good (not monster cable) audio cable or make your own. With a soldering iron you can make pro quality audio cables of specific lengths

2. You can make an adjustable boom for a mic with a mic stand or tripod with 1/2-3/4" PVC schedule 40 pipe, a 2-10 lbs weight, and 2 mic clips. It helps to have been trained by Jerry-rig, he's a masterful teacher of all things.

3. If you have a dedicated audio person and are planning on building up a nice gear selection, consider investing in a nice portable audio recording device like: http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Marantz-PMD660-Hand-held-CompactFlash-Recorder?sku=244008 They are very handy when the camera and mics need to be able to move away from each other or want stereo audio inputs.

Anyone confused about the art of audio engineering I always recommend the Yamaha Sound Reinforcement Handbook ( http://www.amazon.com/Sound-Reinforcement-Handbook-Gary-Davis/dp/0881889008/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252023108&sr=8-2 ). It's one of the best sources of everything audio for beginners and experts.

And a mini rant, the art of audio engineering seems to be a lost art even on the professional production level.

[xfuuey]

was josh actually with megan fox or was it photoshop?

seriously? you couldn't tell? :rolleyes:

(no)

[kzap]

seriously? you couldn't tell? :rolleyes:
I guessed it was, not because it looked photoshoped in anyway (I couldn't see any specs of green or bad cutting) just because I doubt he would be in that place, with that person making that face.
There are two ways to tell if something is a special effect:
1. It looking unrealistic and obviously fake
2. It being unlikely to happen and the most realistic explanation is that it's an effect

That image was a prime example of the latter option.

[cl191]

n00b question here: Why do the audio guy always hold the boom mic up with their hands up like superman?

[ryanconnolly]

n00b question here: Why do the audio guy always hold the boom mic up with their hands up like superman?

To keep the pole out of frame.

[sabasteonshane]

Hello all!

I was thrilled to finally see a DIY guide to making a low cost dolly, it should help in all of my future film endeavors. I do have a question about the Dolly build:

What BEC were the skateboard wheels you used? ABEC 1, 3 , etc. In case you are not familiar with ABEC, it refers to the bearings in the wheel that control how long it spins, if spun off the ground.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skateboard#Bearings


My second question is in reference to Steady Cams, Do you know if there are any DIY for steady cams?

[scottromansky]

Hello all!

My second question is in reference to Steady Cams, Do you know if there are any DIY for steady cams?

I use this one from http://steadycam.org/ its about 14 bucks and really good chep sturdy steady cam. Takes about 30 min to get used to, but once you get the balance down, it looks awesome.

[ryanconnolly]

Hello all!

I was thrilled to finally see a DIY guide to making a low cost dolly, it should help in all of my future film endeavors. I do have a question about the Dolly build:

What BEC were the skateboard wheels you used? ABEC 1, 3 , etc. In case you are not familiar with ABEC, it refers to the bearings in the wheel that control how long it spins, if spun off the ground.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skateboard#Bearings


My second question is in reference to Steady Cams, Do you know if there are any DIY for steady cams?

I'm not sure about the wheels, honestly I just grabbed some. But it would actually be better to use roller blade wheels, I've found over the last week that the skateboard wheels are very noisy... As for the steady cam... Watch tomorrow. :)

[ihavocd]

Where can I find directions to build the dolly you made?