how can i convert film to dv?

[dtgs1980]

i'm soon gonna be shooting a short film on super 8, but, as it's my first time using film, i want to edit on a computer first, before cutting the actual reel. i guess to edit on something like premiere, it'd be best to convert the footage to dv. does anyone know the best way to do this? a friend told me a way which was to simply project the film, and video the projection, but is this the best way? won't the quality be really crap?
thanks
dan
---------------------------------------------
"there are two kinds of people in the world my friend... those with loaded guns, and those who dig... you dig"

------------------
dan

[deanl]

Hey there.

If you want to cut on dv first so you can get it right then do your final edit by actualy splicing your film. Just do what your friend said. Project your rushes a peice of white card keep it small and in focus then line up your camera and shoot them on dv. It doesnt have to be perfect. Now just keep cutting untill you have exactly what you want as a final edit then go back and start cutting and gluing your actual film together. Dont bother paying for a dv transfer if you want the final movie on super 8 anyway.

But if you want the final movie on VHS and want to show it to your frinds and pass copies around. Pay for a transfer of all your best shots to dv and do all the editing and mastering digitaly.

Despin out.

------------------
"Ive got bad feeling about this."

[tim.callaghan]

If quality of picture is paramount you can get in touch with my good self. I can offer you a service that will be far better quality than the above mentioned method. It obviously will cost, cheaper than a rank transfer, but similar to other film to VHS tranfers, and being on DV means you can edit straight away with better quality.

If all you need is a rough guide to what your film looks like, then go with the above mentioned method though.

Be careful with your sound though. If you are recording externally (ie they don't make sound fil anymore) then make sure your camera is crystal synced, or make your shots very short. One good thing about the servie I offer, is that it is not digitized to tape while the projector is running, it actually takes every frame of celluloid, scans it, and then passes to the next one, so you have a perfect transfer.

Good choice with S8 by the way, it is a brilliant format. Try to stick to K40 as it is the less grainy and try out some 200T to see if you like it (but you will have to get a print, or master on video).

What camera do you have?

Anyway, get in touch, you may want to ask a few more questions or just have a chat.

Tim

------------------

[eddie]

Hi Tim

Im interested. What facilities/equipment to you provide/have?
How much does it cost?

I have a 25min black and white super8 film Id like to transfer, and am working on another (likely to be colour) in the next few months.

Both shot at 18fps (eek!) and Ill be looking for a cheap, flicker free good quality transfer.

Cheers

------------------

[dtgs1980]

tim...
you're conversion thing sounds very good. i'd definitely be interested. don't have the camera at the moment, (i'll tell you the make as soon as i know) but i reckon i'll be shooting on quite high speed film, cos the shoot is at night. how much would it cost for 30 minute of black-and-white film?
thanks again
dan
---------------------------------------------
"i thought i was havin trouble with my adding... it's alright now"

------------------
dan

[eddie]

is it a 'workprinter' you have....???

------------------

[tim.callaghan]

Hi Eddie,

Yes it is a Work Printer that I have. I got it iported from the states so I could use it for my self, and provide a film to DV service for people as you can only get cheap transfers to VHS.

A lot of people don't want to buy the unit them selves, and some don't have a 3 chipper camcorder, and some don't want the hassle of having to set it all up and nurse it so it's right.

This is a very very new service, and as it is so new I'm offering basically a free service for the first of my clients so a) I get to see it working glitch free b) I'm sure those who have it will spread the word c) I'm kinda nice like that

Dan,

The transfer really is good. The speed of the film won't matter so much, just make sure it's exposed right and you are laughing. If you have got your film to me before the end of March it will be absolutely free, except the cost of postage, packaging and materials, but my time is gratis. In April the service goes live and my prices will then be effective. 30 minutes of footage at 24fps is roughly 600ft of film or 12 reels of film. The 1st 400ft will cost ?50 and then ?40 per 400ft afterwards. In comparison of that price Jessops charge ?36/400ft flat out rate and the Widescreen centre ?39.50 for your 1st 400 and ?35.00 after that. Both of these shoot off the screen with a timed projector to avoid a percentage of the flicker, and is recorded in real time. I'm a little more expensive, because I record frame for frame which captures about 6 frames per second, ie 1 reel at 2 1/2 minutes will take 10 minutes to transfer.

Extra costs are applicable too, as if you send me 50 loose reels of K40, I'll have to charge for the time spent changing or joining them for you (this may be something you want or not???), but it will cost ?2.50 per join which is cheaper than other places you may find. I can if you so desire, put the individual reels onto a larger spool from 400ft to 2000ft in a can.

I will be offering discounts to students, but haven't come up with the price plan for that, probably something in the region of a 30% dicount. And I'll be discounting big orders, like if you are producing a feaure, or just happen to have 10hrs of K40 stuck in your loft?? who knows.

So tell me what you hink folks and if you are interested give us a shout [email protected]

Tim

PS - Been swooning over my new iMac and iBook all day today - they are so cool

------------------

[dtgs1980]

yeh, i'm definitely interested... i'll get in contact with you as soon as it's ready.
thanks again
dan

------------------
dan

[cash]

to tim.callaghan

i am doing a super 8 short and would like to talk to you about it, i tried to email you but i got the email back saying failed, do u have another email address?


------------------

[tim.callaghan]

Hi,

Sorry if anybody has had any troubles with sending mails.

If [email protected] does not work, try [email protected], or if any of you use messenger service do a search on the first mail address I put.

Cheers

Tim Callaghan

------------------