Question for all RED project seekeers.

Date: 2009-11-21, 8:49PM PST

What compels so many people who have no/almost no budget that their project needs/deserves the Red Cam and prime lenses? If this was pre-red would they have been asking for 35mm? What about HPX-170's? EX-1 or 3? Or, god forbid, an HVX-200A HD P2 camcorder? It truly escapes me. They have no money to pay anyone, yet they seem to be able to afford the Red rental ($50-80k cost for full RED setup/lenses) . And all of these projects have very successful people attached or working on them, yet no $$$ for anyone. Do these people realize the quality of the other cameras or is it just to be able to talk about the project meriting Red technology? And what about post production using the RED workflow. Are you able to find people who actually do this for nothing? Not ripping on anyone, looking for answers really, its truly amazing if this is possible. Make a movie on RED with no money. Its a complete head scratcher to me. Completely.

Compensation: work with famous people, eat and get a dvd. i guess this is all to it?

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RE: Question for all RED project seekeers.

Date: 2009-11-21, 10:20PM PST

I completely agree!

I’m tired of seeing producers and directors on here asking for the RED. Ask any cinematographer that’s used one. The RED is crap! It over heats, it does not respond well to low lighting, and its colors and contrast is off. Hire a DP, tell them your project and budget and have them recommend a camera that’s best for your film. Your low-budget,short,indy film isn’t going to be any better shot on an over hyped camera. It’s all about the story you tell.

Compensation: food stamps

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Re: Question for all RED project seekers.

Date: 2009-11-21, 10:50PM PST

I too agree.

If your project isn't destined for theatrical distribution on the big screen, then there's no need for 4k resolution or Red's raw format.

Even many mainstream big budget films are shot 1080p, not 4k (e.g. Public Enemies, 2012, Avatar, etc.).

I've seen projects destined for the internet shot on a Red!

I dare say an EX1 with a 35mm adapter looks slightly better than a Red to my eye.

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re: Question for all RED seekers (Hollywood)

Date: 2009-11-21, 11:14PM PST

The RED is a great camera, with a few limitations. When used within its parameters, it can create beautiful images. That being said, it is one tool amidst many others that should be used when and if it fits the story, creative vision, and, obviously, the budget. Most new film makers want to shoot on RED because they hear that they can get them cheap, and that they will look as good as film, since their movie will go theatrical. The truth is that the RED isn't cheap (over $60k for a shootable package), it doesn't have the latitude and feel of film, and , most importantly, the odds are very much against their first (second, or third) film going theatrical. If they would just approach things realistically, they can shoot on virtually any of the amazing HD cameras that can be had for under $10,000 (Sony EX3 1080p Cinealta, as example), at a price point that makes sense for their budget and the rental of the gear (anywhere from $200 to $400 per day, complete package). With the addition of a 35mm lens adaptor, I would bet money that a well lit scene shot on an EX3 and a well lit scene shot on RED would be indistinguishable to the human eye. It's great to dream big... that is what Hollywood is all about. But at some point, you have to fit your dream into your fiscal reality and make the best of it.

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RE: Question for all RED project seekeers

Date: 2009-11-22, 12:46AM PST

I have just worked on a series of commercials (national campaign) for a big chain store.

Their budget was HUGE. All the toys (Skorpio heads, Musco trucks, Russian camera car !

They used 5 cameras at the same time. Did they use the RED?

Of course not, they used the Panasonic HPX3000 !!!

I really think its funny when producers and directors wants to use the Red, just because they heard somewhere that its the "best" camera around.