Echoes of Creativity: From Vintage Gear to AI Frontiers
Welcome to the second episode of The Foolcast, where hosts Dylan Newstead and Josh Zed pull back the curtain on their journeys through filmmaking and digital media. In this engaging discussion, they traverse the landscape of video production, photography, and the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence in creative workflows. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring filmmakers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the ever-evolving world of content creation.
The Evolution of Filmmaking Tools: From VCRs to 17K Cameras
Join Dylan and Josh Zed as they reminisce about their early days in filmmaking, from recording TV audio on tape recorders and “crash editing” with VCRs to the excitement of getting their first DSLRs like the Canon 7D and T3i. They dive into the capabilities of their current gear, including the Blackmagic 6K Pro, Sony A6500, and the compact yet powerful Ricoh GR3. The conversation highlights their experiences with various accessories like Steadicams, DJI drones (Spark, Mini 4 Pro), and the enduring appeal of vintage lenses such as Canon FD and Helios. They even touch on the future of camera technology, from 17K sensors to advancements in autofocus systems like DJI’s LiDAR.
The Art of Manipulation: Photography, Video, and AI
The hosts explore the controversial topic of photo manipulation in the age of AI. They discuss where the line is drawn between a “photograph” and “art” when tools like Photoshop’s Generative Fill can completely alter an image, from replacing skies to adding entire structures. This leads to a broader conversation about video manipulation using AI and CGI, showcasing how filmmakers can now transform environments with unprecedented ease. They share personal anecdotes of using AI for creative projects, including faking exotic locations for a film.
The Creative Grind: From Skits to Feature Films
Dylan and JoshZ offer an intimate look into their creative process, from developing short comedy skits like “Handgun” and “Six Word Skits” to tackling more ambitious feature film projects. They touch on the importance of post-production, sharing their experiences with DaVinci Resolve (and why they prefer it over Adobe Premiere), visual effects work, and the challenges of sound editing and color grading. The discussion also delves into the practicalities of low-budget filmmaking, securing IMDb credits, and navigating the industry as a freelancer.