I AM IN LOVE WITH MARK!

I am a big fan of new things. I like change, despite being predictable in my ways.  Considering this is my first post and my official entrance to the blogging world, I figured the most appropriate topic would be the new Canon 5D Mark II DSLR camera. Like my blog, it is a fairly new tool (came out late last year, I believe) and has great promise.  I won’t go into the techie details, since that doesn’t interest me as much as the filmmaking opportunities this camera presents. It is the first SLR camera to shoot full HD Video. It is unbelievably versatile, maneuverable, and discreet. Beautiful quality! Officially amazing!

Last month, I did a camera test with my friend Insung. We tested the new camera for low light and portability on the LA Metro. One of the biggest challenges as a filmmaker is dealing with permitted locations. Permits can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars on top of actual location fees. The city makes a killing off of permits every year. I don’t blame them, but for an Indie filmmaker like myself, I usually don’t have the funds to pay for such locations. During our test shoot on the metro, we had several security guards pass by while we were filming. The SLR camera makes us look like a bunch of tourists taking pictures on the exciting subway. We had no problems at all. If we were filming with the average film camera, we would have obviously been stopped and would have attracted attention from passers-by. The Canon Mark II practically makes the filmmaker “invisible.” Imagine the endless location possibilities! Airport, concert arenas, museums, etc...These are all locations I’ve had to “write out” of my scripts in the past due to budgetary restrictions.

I enjoy making films. I do it for fun and as a means of expression. I don’t necessarily need a big crew or millions of dollars, although money and people are always welcome! I love the idea of picking up a camera and filming wherever and whenever I please. In a city like Los Angeles, there is an abundance of talent gone to waste. Actors, filmmakers, artists are everywhere. There are so many creative souls in this city that are NOT doing creative things. It breaks my heart. It pains me mostly because I am a creative individual myself. If I am not doing something creative, I feel my soul rotting away. It is a part of my livelihood, if you know what I mean? 

In the past, I’ve had most of the elements of filmmaking available to me. Story. Check. Collaborative friends for Crew. Check. Actors. Check. Food. Check. Home made Props. Check. 

The only major problems were unavailable locations and finding a camera that provided the quality I needed to tell my story.

For me, with this camera, there are no more excuses to not make films. With everything now available to me, the filmmaking possibilities are endless.  As with every new relationship, there will be pros and cons. I will continue to post updates on some of my Mark discoveries, but for now…I’ll just hope for true love!