Gear Review- Kata HB-205 hiker backpack

This blog is on the kata HB-205 hiker camera backpack, which I purchased recently for my last shoot in Uganda.

I did quite alot of research and ended up choosing the kata 205 and am glad I did. It worked really well for the shoot and was the perfect size to fit in the overhead locker on the airplane. I also purchased the trolley wheels that came in handy on the massive journey from New Zealand

to Uganda. My Panasonic AG-HVX-202EN fit perfectly as well as spare batteries, microphones, and camera rain cover. I am sold on having a backpack vs. a shoulder bag as I was able to shoot with the backpack on my back and didn't worry about having to leave it on the ground as a theft temptation. It also looks discreet, and is super comfortable even fully loaded. I highly recommend the Kata HB-205 backpack and definitely feel like I made a good choice.

Photo: The Kata HB-205 hiker backpack in action: Polly Green on location shooting in Uganda- Photo by Will Clark

Client Testimonials

“I just finished watching your Soft Power Health film and I think its great - I really like it and I think you touched on everything that's important for us and did it in a really good and effective way. The filming is also really beautiful! I am excited to watch it again too! I think you did a fantastic job and I am really psyched about the piece.”

– Jessie Stone - Founder Soft Power Health

Film making on a shoestring part 2

This blog is a follow up on film making on a shoestring.

A question got asked about editing.

I recommend using Final Cut Pro as your editing program, and definitely on a MAC.

A really great website that teaches Final Cut Pro along with other creatively orientated programs is:

http://www.lynda.com

I highly recommend this way of learning and it has been invaluable for me, and wish I would have found it years ago!

have fun and good luck!

Filmmaking on a shoestring

I recently got asked if I had any advice on filmmaking on a shoestring and thought it was a good topic to write about here.

I think that the bare essentials in terms of gear are:

• Broadcast quality camera- why bother making a movie and investing all of that time money and energy if you don't have a quality result. You never know who may like your film and you may even be able to onward sell footage after your done shooting.
• Good microphones- sound is essential to a good film. It is imperative that you invest in good mics. I recommend Sennheiser wireless lavelier microphones and also sennheiser shot gun mic. http://www.sennheiser.com
• Tripod- nothing is worse than a shaky shot. (unless that's the look you are after). But using a tripod is key when possible.

I know all of this will add up to a few thousand dollars. If you are dedicated to making your film you will find the money somehow.

I also recommend contacting David Epstein at A2Z technologies http://www.a2ztech.co.nz david@a2ztech.co.nz

he is a very helpful and knowledgeable salesperson who has helped me heaps with my video gear purchases.

Also crucial to your film is a good story line and compelling characters. Not everyone is good on camera so it is important to suss this out ahead of time. If your character isn't believable on camera the audience won't connect with them, and there goes your movie.

I just found out about a good indie film making website http://www.indiegogo.com

I hope this helps! Good Luck!!

Malaria Education and Prevention- Soft Power Health

Professional kayaker Dr. Jessie Stone is educating Ugandans about malaria and helping to prevent it by distributing subsidized mosquito nets. Her grass roots model has reached over 100,000 Ugandans and she has distributed over 30,000 mosquito nets. See how she does it in my latest Soft Power Health video.