Learning from the masters

[twister!]

I watched the DVD extras on Peter Weir's 'Dead Poets Society' at the weekend. There was one in which the cinematographer showed and explained some of the lighting set-ups (inc diagrams). It was an excellent insight - like a lesson in cinematography.

Based on the fact that a lot of DVD extras consist merely of the grinning cast and crew talking about how great it was to work with each other - pathetic. What do people here think are the best DVDs they've seen for actually LEARNING something of the film-making process?

Another I thought was very good was the audio commentary by Sam Mendes and the late great Conrad Hall on American Beauty - they actually discuss how (and why) shots were composed and lit.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ June 09, 2003 06:38 AM: Message edited by: Justin (formerly Twister) ]</font>

[untamed_aggression]

Of course, the El Mariachi/Desperado double disc is truly awesome, and apparently Spy Kids 2 is from the same "go out and make it yourself" school.

The region 1 limited edition of Peter Jackson's debut Bad Taste has a BRILLIANT documentary, shot at the time, in which Jackson shows off his workshop, how he did effects, his home made steadicam, generally EVERYTHING. You see this doc, you'll believe you can do anything.

An Evening with Kevin Smith is also a good disc, with great behind the scenes stories about Hollywood mechanics. Also reveals a good way to raise cash is head.

Also recommended for the commentaries are Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Evil Dead 1, Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead. Low budget horror is always a good source of guerrila tactics.

That's all I can think of at the moment. I'll get back to ya. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[deanl]

Hey there.

I agree with the above. Although I wouldnt bother with the Bad Taste dvd untill a decent SE comes out.

Erm... The T2 dvd has a great feature called the Data bank that has hours and hourse worth of info on every single aspect of filmmaking from writing the script to how they pan and scan for video. That in its;ef is a great learning tool. Following has a great commentary talking about making a movie for very little money (for 5 grand). Mad Max has great track talking about how they did the stunts and set up all the camera rigs on the cars. Tom Savini gives a lot of gore tips and tricks on the Dawn Of The Dead dvd.

Check out the Hamster Factor doc on the 12 Monkeys dvd.That's a *******. Also take a look at the Full Tilt Boogie doc.

All the decent ILM making of docs give a lot of good info on special effecs.

Despin out.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ June 09, 2003 09:44 AM: Message edited by: Despin ]</font>

[Paul Mack]

Just add two DVD jewels that don't get much of a mention on filmmaking forums...

Three Kings- Although the movie is fantastic, David O. Russell's video journal on the pre-production phase is woth the price itself. Expecially why John Travolta won't sign on for the lead...the production design featurettes are great also.

Legends of the Fall-It's a really cheap buy right now and although I think its a sappy film and Ed Zwick really should have thought twice before doing this movie, John Toll's commentary is wonderful! Like Conrad Hall's commentary on American Beauty (mentioned earlier) he looks at every scene he shot and how he shot it. Very useful especially since most deal with vast outdoor spaces.

Later,
Paul

[Yammeryammeryammer]

You've gotta be more specific about the film-making process you are referring to. Like the 'From Dusk till Dawn' Audio Commentary talks a lot about the writing of the characters and development through the shooting, but never really talks about shot composition, except maybe the mention of a few flamebars or shots in door ways being references to earlier films. And the 'Evil Dead 2' commentary has a lot of explanation of Sam Raimi's hokey camera tricks and things, but then does spend a lot of time joking around. Fun to watch.

[belovedmonster]

you guys are making me really jealous here! Sounds like im missing out on some great stuff here by not having a DVD player.

I would get one cept the disks are too expensive. ?15+ a film is just a realistic thing for a poor student like myself.

[Yammeryammeryammer]

I used to think that to. Seeing as how I am a student that works for himself... sorta. "Works" is a loose term. Anyway, a descent DVD player can be like $130 Canadian now a days... which is what? Like $95 or so US. And as far as the discs go I buy a lot of ones that are 'previously enjoyed' from like a Blockbuster or some other major chain. If you find the right store, they don't put any sticers or junk on them, and it isn't like a DVD can wear out like a tape. These are around $15 Canadian a piece... which is like $10 or $12 US, that is resonable. And then you save some money and if you hunt around you should be able to find some other flicks at some reasonable price...

[bully_the_kid]

i agree with Reynor for the DVDs commentaries and obviously the Ten Minute Film School with Rodroguez.

But if you really want an ispiration pick up THE MAKING OF SHINING by Vivian Kubrcik. It tells you everything you need to know about shooting.

Also Brett Ratner's Video Diary in RED DRAGON DVD and David Russel's one.

The secret is picuk the best from every suggestions the masters give to you...

[SoulJacker]

?Brett Ratner? and ?inspirational? mentioned in the same thread?

Surely not...

[Paul Mack]

Brett Ratner is a decent director, and if anything he inspires me that if someone has decent
talent they can make it in Hollywood. The fact that he can direct Chris Tucker has my undying respect.

But it also helps if Russell Simmons hands you a career on silver platter.

Later,
Paul