I have done some film making in my classes this year. I actually wrote a grant for two HD handheld camcorders (Samsung), two tripods, some editing software, green screen kit and some SD cards.
Our district has a strict NO PERSONAL DEVICE policy, so using their own devices wasn't in the cards any way. Even if I had that option, I would just worry about connecting their devices to any school computer - but that's just me.
Personally, I prefer a non "device" camera for actual film making because I think you get better control/quality on things like zoom, especially since most device cameras can only do a digital zoom and not an optical zoom.
You could possibly get away with them doing some of the film acting assignments with the phones though, because if the focus is on the acting, then it should be fine for that purpose.
The thing that I wish I had (I had written into the grant, but couldn't order it....long story, lesson learned) is the external mic. It really is imperative for any sort of medium to long shot, ESPECIALLY if you are going to film outside or in a non-controlled environment with sound. I've filmed many a scene this year only to get to editing and realize that while the shot looked flawless, the sound was terrible.
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Jennifer Simmons
Lexington SC
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-29-2015 11:33
From: Debbie MacKinney
Subject: film equipment
Next year I'm teaching a screenacting/short film semester-long class. Dramatics had an article in 2011 about suggested equipment, but since technology changes so quickly, I thought I would see if there is anything new out there you would recommend.
The budget camera mentioned in the article is the Canon HFR10 with external microphone input for $300. I am also weighing the option of having students use their iphones, since so many of them have this technology these days. If so, thinking of getting a Pico Dolly camera table dolly that you can mount an iphone on.
Any ideas for what would give me the best bang for the buck to start up this class? Thanks!
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Debbie MacKinney
Theatre Teacher, CTE Technical Theater, Troupe 7334 Advisor
Tanque Verde Unified School District
Tucson AZ
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