Land of Plenty
by Noni Jones

For best cinematography in a film and video production, I would personally have to nominate “Land of Plenty” shot with the Panasonic AG-DVX100 mini-dv camera. Directed by: Wim Wenders, Written by: Scott Derrickson & Michael Meredith. It’s an intelligent digital feature film about a young girl “Lana” played by Academy Award nominee, Michelle Williams in search for her long lost uncle Paul played by John Diehl in hopes to mend their family ties all which takes place shortly after the 9/11 attack on the United States. Oh yeah! Did I mention that Lana’s uncle happens to be a paranoid, Vietnam veteran, vigilante? (say that 3 times fast.)  Uncle Paul has been monitoring all of Los Angeles for two whole years in fear of another jihad attack! Yeah this independent movie is way artsy fartsy, but nevertheless, if it’s not the best, than it’s one of the best uses of the DVX100 cinematography wise in a feature film.

Considering that it’s a mini-dv video production, the use of light, composition, direction, post color correction, and over all clarity of their DVX 100 images are second to none.  There’s hardly any pixilation or artifacting in this puppy which is rare for a digital movie made with the DVX100.  Even after watching it on my interlaced TV I was still convinced it was the best mini-dv movie production yet.  Let me break it down.

From the moment the movie begins they utilize the capability of the DVX 100 by actually using a built in function.  They time lapse a busy Los Angeles intersection!  What a spectacular way to begin your “low budget” flick, wouldn’t you say?  As a viewer you are immediately hypnotized by hundreds of cars streaming head lights and break lights and you totally forget to watch out for pixilation caused during the digital film production process.  I mean… everything is just moving so fast.  Personally I think it’s a brilliant way to disguise the DVX100 image and have the viewer sold on the fact that the digital video production has a film look to it.

TIP:  Your movie’s first image is like a first impression.  Make that impact!  Get what you want to get across to your viewers because this is probably the only time you’ll have their undivided attention!

As the movie moved along, they also incorporated the use of an infrared lens and some undeniably expensive graphics for their intro. It wasn’t too long before I caught on to their unique style of over lighting and bouncing the hell out of the lights on to their subjects. It sure did make for a more cinematic and crisp look… but then again it’s the DVX 100 and we all know that it’s quite a task to smooth out shadows with a 3-chip mini-dv digital camera. Their use of color correction early on in this independent film was a definite thumbs-up.  The colored compositions possessed a disturbing blue-green tint to it, allowing the digital movie to give the scene a look much colder and grittier than you would expect Los Angeles , California to look.

Towards the end of the film production, they shoot several outdoor scenes, surprisingly without any kind of outdoor light diffusion. Surprising for a DVX movie. Their actor’s faces were somewhat blown out and over exposed, like hot orange spots that you just can’t seem to shake no matter what you do in post.

TIP: For any film and video production, it’s a good idea to scout your locations and have the position of the sun work to your advantage.  Use home made outdoor diffusers if you must. Consider another look and feel for your project… If you can’t diffuse, then blow the image out purposely but artistically.  Give your picture that real hot look but don’t forget, the key is to try to stay consistent within the images of your particular scene.

The overall look of the DVX100 was the best I’ve seen yet. There are certain scenes in this production that I just couldn’t believe. Yes it was that good. It was actually this particular DVX 100 project that convinced me to shoot my first feature with the digital cameras I already own… the Panasonic AG-DVX100. Yup that’s right not the 100A, 100B or HDV. I own the first generation originals… just the DVX100. This independent movie production proves that even a movie production in SD (standard definition) can still achieve a quality image without sacrificing the mortgages on our homes. Shall we recap?

Title: Land of Plenty

Director: Wim Wenders

Writers: Scott Derrickson & Michael Meredith

Lead Actors: Michelle Williams (academy award nominee) John Diehl, and Burt Young. By the way I’m a big Rocky fan!! Ehhh Yo!!

Budget: $500,000. a cool half a mil. (Does anyone really shoot low budget anymore?)

Camera: Panasonic DVX100A shot in 24p regular 2:3 or 3:2 pull down.

Overall Score: From a DVX 100 technical standpoint I rate this film 10 out of 10 mini-dv tapes.

Remember stay current with our DVX100 movie technical ratings and updates.  And let those bigger budget productions prove the DVX 100 cameras to the digital filmmaking industry and in the meantime we can utilize the same technology to bring our vision to life and give all film makers, whether it’s film production, video production or film and video production an even playing field. Until next time.

Do YOU have a cheap, low budget, do-it-yourself DVX100 tip or trick that you'd like to contribute?
If so, just email it to us and we'll post it up!

Thanks for helping the grass roots grow!