OT: Preferred Resource / Inspiration mag?

GrenadaV wrote on 1/27/2006, 7:22 PM

Hi all,
I was just wondering what you all use/buy as a mag for both learners and advanced users alike for ideas, inspiration and a general resource etc..

I have bought a copy of Videomaker mag, which seems OK, but wanted to know what you all use/read/prefer etc..based on your experience.

thanks in advance
regards
Rossco

Comments

Spot|DSE wrote on 1/27/2006, 8:35 PM

Studio Mag gets my first vote, EventDV is very close behind. EQ magazine is close behind those two.
But overall, I'm a bigger fan of the DMN newsletters every week, because they have great articles with downloadable tutorials. I learned FCP from Stephen Schleicher using his weekly tutorials.

BrianStanding wrote on 1/27/2006, 9:11 PM

Your subject line says "inspiration" which would lead me away from the technical video-specific publications. My two favorite are:

The Independent, published by the Association of Independent Video and Film. Lots of interviews with (really) indy filmmakers, festival listings, self-distribution tips, on-location war stories, finding funding, the politics of media, etc. Great magazine, great organization. (that reminds me, I have to renew my membership).

Natural History. No, it's not a video magazine, but it is often the source that sparks the ideas about what I'm going to do for my next documentary. Oddly enough, I have yet to do a nature doc. However, the endless tidbits of mind-blowing insights into human behavior and the nature of the universe always gets my brain churning out new ideas.

fldave wrote on 1/27/2006, 9:12 PM

National Geographic here. Like 40 years worth. I'm into nature.

And more technically serious, about 3 years of hands on Vegas, plus a year and a half on this forum and the recommended references/links.

busterkeaton wrote on 1/27/2006, 10:48 PM

If you are into Natural History and National Geographic, Smithsonian is an excellent magazine to check out.

dhill wrote on 1/27/2006, 11:22 PM

Well keyboard mag is first since I'm a keyboardist, but for editing/computer info I love Maximum PC, DV mag., and I also get Videomaker and Camcorder & Computer Video but those last 2 lean a little more towards the hobbyist or beginner.

I learn the most from reading the posts on this forum before I go to bed. Signed up for Creative Cow's newsletter too.

Grazie wrote on 1/28/2006, 12:32 AM

Any Poetry.

GrenadaV wrote on 1/28/2006, 11:34 AM

Thanks all,
very much appreciated and has given me loads to get on with :)

kind regards
Rossco

Orcatek wrote on 1/28/2006, 2:23 PM

I like Post, which you can get for free. http://www.postmagazine.com/me2/default.asp, just follow subscribe link on the side.

Also American Cinematographer.

Also I look at photography magazines, they tend of have good articles that you can relate to video. These I get based on what grabs my interest at the newstand.

DavidMcKnight wrote on 1/28/2006, 2:30 PM

I think it depends on what level you're on, whether any of these will work for you. Me, I sometimes think I've got a handle on things and then I see work by my peers and I realize I have so much more to learn. And then I start learning.

1. For cool things to learn in Vegas that you may have never thought of before, download random veg files from vasst.com. They will lead you into unchartered areas of exploration (they do for me anyway). Heck, just downloading the latest contest veg files has been an eye-opener.

2. For shooting - watch TV and movies with a more analytical eye. Try to figure our how the cameraman is getting those shots, etc. Find videos on the web of the same types of subjects you film and see what other people are doing with them. Go to other videogrpahers sites and view their demos. Not to steal, but to learn. A lot of the forums such as DVInfo have posts by members asking for critiques of their work. That leads into discussions of "how did you get the <fill in the blank> color, balance, movement, effect, etc" - and you again learn something you didn't know.

There there's training tapes, dvd's, etc. but a lot of times these are for technical aspects of the tools - Vegas, camera operation, lighting. If you're doing wedding videography there's some excellent resources by Randy Stubbs among many others that can be very inspiring if you're doing that kind of work. Some of the better wedding video guys write for EventDV as well.

As for magazines, I get Videomaker too and it is hobbyist in many ways. And some of the DV mags are too high-end and broadcast for my taste, but it is ususally good to know about that stuff too. EventDV is just about right.

tbush wrote on 1/28/2006, 7:01 PM

My favorite inspiration is the daily newspaper. Every day when I read the local section, there will seem to be some story that I read, and I say to myself "that would make a good documentary." I cut it out. I have a stack now.....you know, I probably won't live long enough, but if I get to a few, I will be happy.

Tara

GrenadaV wrote on 1/28/2006, 8:16 PM

DavidMcKnight Said:
<Me, I sometimes think I've got a handle on things and then I see work by my peers and I realize I have so much more to learn. And then I start learning>

David, you hit the nail on the head there, gave me a sense of Dejavu ;)

Cheers
Rossco

Jim H wrote on 2/1/2006, 7:03 PM

VideoMaker mag is good for about 6 months if you're new to video. Then you'll start seeing them rehash the same old stuff. Are they still devoting an entire page to "title background" shots? I could never imagine ever using one, but I guess if you're in a pinch (and it's 1985) you might need one... though even in the 80's without access to internet and grahics programs you could still come up with something better than that. Ah, such fond memories.

I get my inspiration from Acid flashbacks... just kidding. I don't have nearly enough of those... just kidding. I have plenty of flashbacks, I just stop listening to them... just kidding. I listen to them all the time... in fact, they're talking to me right now... WILL SOMEONE ANSWER THAT DAMN PHONE!?