I finally made a film I like. I’m not saying this film is perfect, not by any stretch, but what this film represents is a recipe that I can repeat and polish. Two and a half days of shooting time, more or less, and good subject matter. With these two ingredients, I can make a decent film. One day with subpar material is NOT enough for me to make something interesting. I learned this the hard way the week before I made the film you see here.
Also, this is from the series “From the Van with Dan,” which began as a campaign for Blurb and continues as a campaign for Blurb. However, I actually quite like this series myself and plan to continue it during those times I find myself vanning. Also note, this is a subject-driven film, not an artist-driven film. This film is about The Biggest Week in American Birding and NOT a film about me. I have zero desire to do films where I am the centerpiece.
My generation of photographers pointed our cameras out into the world instead of back at ourselves. (Except for the thumbnail, which I can explain.) My goal is to do more of this type of shoot and story only better and more in-depth. Any filmmaker will see the mistakes with footage, color-grading, etc. But as a one-man-band, newbie I feel okay with the rawness. The story and the birds are worthy of more.
Comments 4
Well done. If your film is perfect, you’d stopped making another one. So looking forward to your next imperfect feature. Yes, one camera one lens ? Knew you were jive talking, and birding ? Out there every morning with my e.bird app, its hell lot better than waking up to IG. Love what you do = thanks.
Author
Thanks Edison. This was a fun one.
Some beautiful tonality in that selfie; shows you are more than contrast, lost detail and grain. Shame about the wide angle, though: Brad wouldn’t like that! 😉
I’ve never even attempted to do motion. Before I became a stills shooter I imagined I’d love to work in a film crew, and behind the camera, the natural product of spending so much time at the movies. Sadly, I soon discovered I’d never make a team player; even the idea of having an assistant on set was more than I could take. A bit like having a third party watching in the bedroom. Oh well.
Author
Motion is a nightmare but so challenging it makes it worth the experience.