Question for Sloane about Filmmaking

Hi Sloane,

You know who Frederico Fellini (spelling??) is I'm sure.

Do you know what type of film he used, was it like 8mm? He's films are always so grainy and dark.

Thanks

C-girl

C-girl,
I beleive he used the standard filmstock for most of his films which is 35mm, but, it IS possible that you saw one of his films shot in 16mm. There's no way he would shoot in 8mm-which is what freshman in college try to use for low costs--it's also the ubiquitous format of those "home movies" our Dad's and Grandad's (Or grandmothers) used back in the 50's and 60's. 8mm is exactly what it is--eight millimeters in width which is tiny and the frames are not sharp so you don't get a sharp look. Also, the 8mm (or "super 8") cameras were not built with the advanced cinemagraphic functions that the bigger cameras have--they are very "basic" and hands-on. You can't play with the f-stop, ASA or create "depth of field" with super 8 cameras. Still though, if you are setting out to make a film that must have that time period peice look to it, say, you want to shoot something to make it look 25 years old, super 8 is the way to go. Advancement in the technologies of cinematography has really made some progress in the past 30 years. Even Kodak has a sharper 35mm film stock called "Kodak Gold".
I like Fellini too but he's one of those filmmakers I need to be in the mood for. His work goes waaaay back to--like Dolce Vita shot in '63 I think?
Anyway, I hope I answered your question.
Cheers,
Sloane

PS....maybe you're thinking of his film: "*8-1/2"??
("Eight and A Half")??

Thanks so much Sloane,

I know this is odd, but the other night I had a dream about a story and it would be a great 'Short'. My dream had the surreal feeling of 'The Virgin Spring' which freaked me out the first time I saw it.

Anyway thanks again for the info. and I will let you know when I get underway.

C-girl