DWF Pro Member and general all around great guy Jason Groupp is feeling generous today. He’s decided to share with us all his secret fusion sauce recipie!
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- STEADY THAT CAMERA! Despite anything you say, shaky video doesn’t make it more “artsy”.
- Think of the video you shoot as a “placeholder” for your stills. Remember, it’s still about the photographs, so the video is just keeping your interest.
- Don’t use vertical shots! It just doesn’t work! That black on the sides just rips you out of the film.
- Leave some extra room in your pics for movement in you images. This will make it easier to move in and out of your video.
- Using continuous lighting makes it easier to switch back and forth.
- Interviews. How much more personal (and fun!) is it when you add interviews?
Here’s a list of gear I’ve added to my repetoire without busting my budget:
Manfrotto fluid video monopod – This has been my favorite monopod yet, and with the quick release plate, you can easily pull it off. By 2 or 3 release plates.
Zacuto Z-finder – There are cheaper ones. Hoodman makes one too, but as far as I’m concerned, this is the only one worth purchasing.
Fusion Sound Recording:
The 5DMII microphone sucks. Don’t bother, if you want anything decent, you must record it separately.
Zoom H4N – This is the easiest way to record decent sound. Leave yourself about 4 hours to read the manual. 
Sennheiser EW122-p G3 Lavalier mic – You can use these mics and record into the H4N, OR to the 5D.
HOWEVER – if you do that….. YOU MUST get one of these:
juicedlink CX231 Audio mixer and Preamplifier – This seems to be the new favorite.
OR this new Beachtek adapter. The old one has been discontinued, and to be honest, I don’t think really ever worked.
You can also go with a hot-shoe mounted microphone -
Rode Stereo Mic- I like this one, and it’s not too expensive, but again, you must use the beachtek or juicedlink adapter, otherwise you’ll just get crappy audio.
Fusion Lighting:
I prefer to use LED lights, as it mixes well with daylight.
Litepanels – Micro – This is the most popular, and a very handy light.
I just discovered these bad boys, and they are pretty cheap.
Rosco LitePad (3×12″) – Make sure you buy the battery pack to go with it.
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4 Comments at "Jason Groupp’s Latest FUsioN Film"
Hey Jason, what software are you using to edit/create the video? Great stuff!
Thanks David! Would you believe Imovie?
It’s a great program, but you need to work within it’s limitations. Final Cut is in our future though…..
[...] you liked that you might also like our article by Jason Group who shares his HD DSLR setup as well. Back [...]
Awesome fusion movie Jason!
My question is related with the music. Do you use regular songs ?
How do you handle a particular request from the couple when they want a copyrighted song ? Just use it ? Do you have to request a permit ? I have no clue about it.
Thanks you!
Juan
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