I'm going to be the Video Commissioner for my high school and I need some professional advice?

Question

And ACTION!

First of all, I have to frequently travel and tape on the go. Besides extra batteries and tape, what else should I pack in my cc bag.

I also have a $500 budget to buy anything for my video needs. I already have a decent camcorder (with two batteries), editing system (apple iMovie '08 & Final Cut Express), and an unlimited supply of tapes, CD's, and DVD's. What else should I buy to improve the quality of my productions or make my job easier?

And finally, I want to do some Green Screen special FX and I would be welcome to any tips and advice to make it effective.

If you have a favorite reference or product website(s), please include them in the source area. Thanks for any advice you can give!

And CUT!

Answer 1

*** Any filmmaker without a tripod or monopod should have their equipment taken away

Having said that ... The following types of items are NECESSARY for any filmmaker or film crew that must be prepared to be lightweight, mobile, and flexible for filming multiple situations and requirements:

15 Foot 4pin - 6pin, IEEE-1394 Firewire Cable http://firefold.com/Products/15-Foot-4pi... and 6 Foot USB 2.0 Plug type A to mini USB Plug type B 5 pin Cable - Black http://firefold.com/Products/6-Foot-USB-... - in case you don't already have them and want some flexibility

Audio-Technica ATR288W Wireless Microphone System (Includes ATR35s, ATR20) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006H... - allows flexibility by including both a lapel mic (for single person situations) and a handheld omnidirectional mic (for use with more than one person during a mobile interview)

T-109 IC-Controlled 10-Bay Smart 9V NIMH, NICD Universal Battery Charger with 10 Nimh 9V 250mAh Rechargeable Batteries http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ALY... - to power the wireless mics for 2-4 days

JVCC GAFF-RB Gaffers Tape (Royal Blue): 2 in. x 60 yds. (Royal Blue) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QDR... - If you don't already know why you should have this kind of tape, use it and you will soon find out.  Its color is also useable with chroma key blue (bluescreen)

Bescor KLK-65XT, VS 65 Video Light & MM 7 Battery, 75 Minute Run Time http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CE... - to keep your subjects lit and identifiable.  Be sure to understand how to power it correctly and set the correct bulb (carry multiple spares).  Provides 75 minutes of 50 watt light with included battery, and 100 watts of light when pugged into 110v

Iomega Desktop Hard Drive 500 GB Hi-Speed USB 2.0 External Hard Drive - 33654 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HI9... - you must have a place to capture, edit, and render your video

Philips SHS390/37 Behind-The-Head Headphone http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G31... - to ensure your audio is high quality

The following items are RECOMMENDED but not absolutely necessary - most of these items can be replaced by some sort of economic substitute

Large Movie Clapboard (Movie Slide 11 x 12) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SHR... - since you obviously want to direct (may be replaced by a large write and wipe board similar to those used on doors)

Westcott 301 Photo Basics 40-Inch 5-in-1 Reflector http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NFI... - to get the right light to where you need it (use bright white foam core poster board as an economical substitute if you need reflectors in giant sizes.  depending upon the brand, you can spray a very fine layer of silver or gold spray paint to increase reflectivity.  use fine mists of black or gray spray paint to dull or diffuse the reflector)

* Chroma Key (green screen)

Chroma Key (Green Screen) - Photogenic Chameleon Chroma Key, Reversable 57" x 77" Green / Blue

Collapsible Disc Background, with Bag http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E8X... - compact lightweight, portable, comes in both chromas, and works with your FCE.  Always use strong lighting with Chroma Key - be sure to use the 100 watt setting is using the light listed above

The best Chroma Key product for mobile use is the CKL-100Kit .  You can find it at B&H Photo and Video http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/1871/...

Answer 2

I could probably give you some advice if I knew what a "Video Commissioner" was expected to do.  I notice you've not mentioned lighting (very important for chromakey) or sound.  Two batteries is good, but what about a charger?  Low tech but invaluable - buy a pencil and paper get in the habit of logging your shots and making notes!

<edit>

That's quite a brief!  Two things that need to be included in your bag are a tripod and an external mic - they're expensive items, but almost anything's better than nothing.   I guess you need to be squeeky clean on the legal side, so please be aware that you can't include copyrighted music without a synchronisation license - and they're almost impossible to get!  Have a look at freeplaymusic for royalty free music that you can use without any problems.