Tools of Creation: CANON 1014XL-S (Super 8mm Film Camera)

This is my CANON 1014XL-S camera — one of the best super 8mm film cameras ever produced — with accessories and old film stock. This camera first came to market in 1979.  I still get a kick seeing myself on black and white grainy film.

Canon 1014XL-SCanon 1014XL-SCanon 1014XL-SCanon 1014XL-SCanon 1014XL-SCanon 1014XL-SCanon 1014XL-S

My friends and I often discuss: Is there a future for shooting movies on film?

I think the more important question is: Are the right tools being used to tell the best story possible?

No doubt filmmakers today have many tools at their disposal to realize their vision.  And there is no doubt, the digital world has revolutionized independent film making forever.  Personally I think filmmakers should utilize any method which best fits their vision and of course, their budget.

Would Lawrence of Arabia be an enduring epic if shot on 16mm film instead of 70mm?   Would The Blair Witch Project be as effective and creepy if shot in super hi-def using a RED digital camera?   Or would the blunt and edgy humor of Clerks be softened if filmed in color instead of black & white?

All require further discussions, but my point is ART, whatever the form, is a product of its time and a true artist will find a way to share his/her vision which connects to the audience.  Who cares what camera was used, what film stock it was shot on or what bit-rate was used to capture the video.

Tell your story the best way you can!

I do have to admit, shooting on film teaches you to be prepared and to shoot wisely.   Each foot of film costs money to develop and process.  Younger generations growing up in this digital world will lose this discipline and expect to be instantly gratified.  (I’m at that age where I can say such things.)   Yes, shooting on film teaches you patience and preparedness.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever heard about making movies, besides don’t make a movie with your own money, is: if a problem exists during pre-production, it will exist during production. There is no substitute for being prepared, regardless if you shoot on film or in digital.  (In future posts I’ll share more of my production experience with you.  Stay tuned…)

Happy film making!

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Copyright © 2011 by Rob Dragan

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