These Collodion Videos Are Kicking My Ass
Sunday, December 21, 2008 at 6:07 
They really are. This is why I know I could never make movies. This is much, much bigger than I anticipated. One thing after another is going wrong. I think I get prepared and something I didn't think of happens. Today, it was the batteries dying in the wireless microphone system.
I shot all of the intros to every chemical yesterday, two hours of tape, and the battery was dead in the receiver in 90% of it! I didn't know until today when I went to capture the tape. I almost had a breakdown! And today, the battery died in the transmitter halfway through the video on making varnish! I can't get anything finished! Why is all of this happening? It's like bad joojoo is living in this project. It upsets me and makes me sad all at the same time.
It's too bad that I don't have access to a college or university. I could recruit three or four interns that would love to work on this project with me. It's a shame that no one here is interested. I could use the help!
Anyway, I'll do my best to move forward with this project and make it happen. However, I don't see it being completed at the first of the year (as I had originally intended). With any luck, I'll open the web site, send off the master DVD and the book for publication sometime in January. And hopefully, I'll look back on all of this and laugh.
I'm off to go buy some batteries!
Reader Comments (4)
Technology - makes one want to become a Luddite sometimes, doesn't it?! It'll all work out and it will be amazing. You'll see. ;-)
You're right Caron. I have a love/hate (mostly love) with technology. There are some days where I want to turn the damn computer off and never see it again, and sometimes (most days) where I can't wait to fire it up! Technology is part of our life now, just as the mechanized loom was for Mr. Ludd. We have to accept it and embrace it or resolve to be out of touch.
Thanks for the encouraging words. I had a great day today. I got a lot shot and a lot accomplished. I feel human again. It will happen!
Hi Quinn-- I recently found your great forum as I prepare to start wet plate (hopefully soon!). If I was nearby, I'd be happy to help with the project since I have some film and video production experience. Those wireless sets suck up the battery juice and we always replace the batteries at the start of a shooting day--but I guess you've already figured that out. :) Don't feel too bad--even professionals have the same problems sometimes. If there's any way I can help remotely (from DC), let me know. I 'm pretty decent at cleaning up and mixing audio and editing.
--Barry
Hi Barry,
Thanks for the kind words and comments.
I've actually been having some good luck the last few days with the video work. And hopefully, the next few more will be good too. I would welcome your help if you were close. That would be awesome and I appreciate the thought.
There are several hurdles to overcome in this project. The first and second are consistency and continuity. While I know they won't be perfect, I'm giving it my best shot. I have a tendency to over think things like this and demand perfection, but I'm learning to let go. While they won't be "sexy and cool - MTV like", they will be clear, concise and contain everything you need to know to make Collodion photographs.
I was just previewing some of the tape shot yesterday, and I'm very, very happy with them (although the guy in them could be easier on the eyes).
Again, thanks for the offer. I'm hoping for a late January or early February release!
Stay in touch and Happy Holidays! (Hanukah, Christmas, or whatever you might like to celebrate)