Shooting
Panasonic AG-DVC30
I shoot my videos in MiniDV format with a small and light Panasonic AG-DVC30 three-chip camera, lauded by reviewers for its great image quality. This is mounted on a SteadiTracker counterweighted monopod (which works like a SteadiCam to stabilize the camera) that allows me to shoot quickly and easily, while also enabling complex motions and tracking shots through spaces and around objects. A typical video shoot, as a rule of thumb, runs one hour for every minute of finished video.
Editing
Final Cut Pro 5
I edit using Final Cut Pro 5.1. Editing takes about one full work week. If the shoot was on a Monday, for example, the video is usually finished by the following Monday. Any special requests for graphics or titles should be specified before the edit begins (basic titles and the addition of client-generated graphics are included). I can also compose a short music clip to go with the video at no extra charge, which adds atmosphere and energy to finished pieces. At the completion of this first cut, clients can give feedback, which is then incorporated into the final edit. I can either meet the client in person for this process, or uploaded a version to my webspace for clients to view on their own Internet-connected computer at their convenience, and receive feedback via phone or e-mail.
Delivery
Quicktime Movie
Included in the cost, the final video can be delivered in two formats (both if you wish):
  • Web-optimized output (typically 320x240, though any size is possible) which clients often choose to be either in Quicktime or Flash Video (FLV) format. Podcast video (MP4) format is also an option.
  • DVD, viewable with any commercial DVD player. For this I also create a basic menu screen.