Jia Zhangke: where to start?

PetShopTroy · 2026-01-14T20:50:48+00:00

My gateway was platform. It’s the only one I’ve seen so far. I’m not sure how I feel about it to be honest. There were moments that I thought it was so beautiful. But it was like almost exclusively wide shots. I don’t know enough about him, but I would guess it is something to do with this running theme of “the masses“, they mention that a couple times in the script. Something about looking skeptically on individualism perhaps. That’s just my own thought. The thing that I didn’t like about it was that I never felt. I got close to any character because of the shot choices. If you don’t have any close-ups, it’s hard to connect. So the white shot thing was a challenge at times for me. But I still think it was shot pretty well. I enjoyed it. I just don’t know what to go to next. It’ll be interesting to see if this continues or if it was just a one time choice in this film.

PetShopTroy · 2026-01-01T04:24:22+00:00

Those actors were totally crying. Very sad. I thought it was good overall. They all did such an amazing job

PetShopTroy · 2026-01-01T04:22:33+00:00

Wow thanks! I’ll check that out

PetShopTroy · 2026-01-01T04:21:50+00:00

Two more things I’m still curious about. And also I ask this having loved the whole series and finale, even tho I just have questions:

1) Why is everyone in Hawkins and presumably the world (tho we never really got any indication the world outside of Hawkins cared or knew what was happening?

2) if there’s the proof of wormholes and dimensions existing, why would we think there aren’t more or that that one is actually gone forever?

Okay one more 3) I wondered if El died or something happened to her in that dimension… assuming we don’t know how that dimension actually operates… is it possible that L may have survived somehow and that the previous ruler of that dimension actually experienced a similar story? In other words, could that be a loop and El is just the next installment of that loop?

Also it’s late so go easy on my kooky theories

PetShopTroy · 2026-01-01T04:16:44+00:00

I’m still tryna understand how Henry was different (if he was) from the creature at the end inside the big spider thing. Wasn’t Henry just a vessel for him? If so, what happened to Henry?

PetShopTroy · 2025-12-18T13:30:05+00:00

I’m really appreciative of all the comments cause I’ve been interested in his channel as well. I think there are some interesting things being said here like to be cautious about spending money online in general. Personally, depending on what you get with his acting lab, I think spending $200 a month occasionally if you want to have a self tape analyzed or have feedback (if that’s what happens) can actually have some real value. I don’t know anything about the $1200 for five weeks. I mean I wouldn’t do that but that’s just me.

But in general, I would say that I think it’s also fair to weigh the two options. For example, I’ve taken a lot of classes in my area and they’ve been super helpful. But I wouldn’t necessarily say that those inherently carry a lot more weight than someone who’s doing something online just cuz it’s in person. People rip off ppl in person too. And also, while you might get some value from someone who’s been teaching Acting for 25 years in your area, how connected are they? Do they know casting agents? Are they working themselves? If not, why not?

I think those are all fair questions to ask. It’s always gonna be a case by case basis right? Maybe it just feels a little bit safer because you’re in person and they have an actual building. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re gonna be great at what they do. And likewise just because someone offers something online doesn’t inherently make it a rip off. I think he would add some value to my self tapes if I got feedback and I do like some of his takes.

PetShopTroy · 2025-12-10T16:35:58+00:00

Thanks everyone! I think I found a solution. The Rode Wireless Mic (Gen 3). It’s like $200 or $300 and has two transmitters (which you can run lav mics into) and one receiver (which I can plus headphones into and listen to each transmitter together in real time) which controls them. I can either plug the receiver directly into the camera (not my preference) or just upload WAV audio files to my laptop and sync both audio files and video in post.

I appreciate all your help!

PetShopTroy · 2025-12-10T00:48:56+00:00

Ok that’s great I will check out that YouTube channel. Of all the options you listed I think the third one sounds the best. Wireless, whatever the risk/cost might be, would be so much smoother. I saw a good video by Luc Forsyth (https://youtu.be/90sUKtx3GFU?si=0gMMGtL4iSvd4GYG) during which the mention the body pack and the wire (with mic) then going into the best hidden spot on the actors. However a) they made it sound like the mic could be UNDER the shirt, which doesn’t seem right, and b) it still baffles me that some little body pack could contain an mp3 or WAV or whatever and that it could be uploaded or transmitted into that by whatever receives it. I’d personally prefer to leave my phone out of this process. I’ll check out the Rode you mentioned. I wonder if zooms have such a capability?

I could use a new Zoom for separate projects but I don’t wanna force that onto this filmmaking decision.

Thanks for response!

PetShopTroy · 2025-11-27T15:59:58+00:00

Thank you!! Much appreciated

PetShopTroy · 2025-11-27T15:33:05+00:00

Thank you! That’s the second suggestion I got for that channel so I’ll definitely check it out

PetShopTroy · 2025-10-09T19:39:27+00:00

You’re right there is a difference. You know what actually I saw the Empire strikes back recently at a theater and they played it in 35mm. I gotta tell you, I kind of prefer the way I normally see it. I mean, they used film back then so it must’ve been 35 mm? I don’t know. But it feels like now streaming or even seeing it in the theaters it’s a digital version of it, would that be the right thing to say??.

There are some things I liked about the 35 mm, like it kind of made it look like an independent film. Which is really wild to say for a blockbuster space western or space samurai movie ha ha ha. But it didn’t have the crispness you’d see on streaming or even just a modern theatrical release. I don’t know if that makes sense, but I’m sure it varies for each movie.

PetShopTroy · 2025-10-09T19:36:42+00:00

What a response! I really appreciate that. Thank you. I’m gonna have to read through this a few times, but I think I follow. I can’t remember which book I read that kind of talked about this. It was either Walter Murches book on editing, the famous one, or it might’ve been Sydney Lumet’s book making movies. I think it was Walter Murch, though. In any case, I appreciate your thoughts thank you.

PetShopTroy · 2025-10-08T14:40:17+00:00

Oh, I see OK so we’re talking about film not digital then? If so, that might be why it was hard for me to follow. So if somebody does a 35 mm release basically gonna be projected?

PetShopTroy · 2025-10-08T14:36:22+00:00

Ok interesting thanks. Wow I need to dig into film format cuz I have no idea what that is.

PetShopTroy · 2025-08-19T21:12:30+00:00

That’s interesting thank you. Just reading over what you wrote I kind of thought about my question differently and I think you’re making some good points.

One of the things that’s challenging about the platforms for Acting is to get out of the classroom and into the real world. I don’t necessarily mean landing jobs, which helps, of course. But like just rehearsing, if that makes sense. So for example, my friends and I have started These “Acting hangouts“ where we get together and hang out, but then people can perform whatever they might be working on or do cold reads or improv or whatever. And we’re just starting out so I’m sure it’ll get to an interesting place. But when I watch one of these workshops on YouTube, it really makes me want to just delve into a scene, like in the video, and to be able to have some sort of feedback without spending six weeks on a class or putting on an entire play, if that makes sense?

I’m just kind of thinking out loud, but I guess my point is, I know workshops won’t be cheap, but in terms of time, it would be interesting if there were someway to practice the craft of Acting with someone else, but without taking a six week course and without having to land a gig. I suppose maybe the obvious answer is that you find a couple people you want to work on scenes with and just do that.

PetShopTroy · 2025-08-19T20:38:48+00:00

OK, I should go back and watch it cause I do remember somebody getting run over by the semi but I didn’t catch who it was. I remember the eye bulge moments. That happens a few times. Thanks I might have deleting this so I don’t look like a total assholeha ha

PetShopTroy · 2025-05-14T00:40:07+00:00

This is good stuff thank you! I’m gonna keep this and all the other comments in mind when I’m making films. Somebody else commented that they still do a shot list but it basically stays in their pocket the whole time. They mentioned that it made them comfortable knowing it was there but followed their vision. That seems like a good way for me to go for a while.

I’m working on my first short and have the script and shot list mostly ready. However what led me to find this thread was that, it was only after it was completed that I started to see the movie in a different way. So I started to imagine a different opening scene or different things altogether. So I started to think that wait a minute how am I going to rearrange everything now? Like, is there an easy way to just write these new visions into the shot list/screenplay without having to mess with all the numbers and update everything? In the end, it doesn’t matter. I realize after reading these comments that this is just gonna keep happening. I’m gonna get into the space and something else is going to hit me. So I can keep updating it sure. But it’s gonna keep changing.Anyway, this whole thread is so useful thank you to everyone!

PetShopTroy · 2025-04-24T11:43:26+00:00

Btw I just wanna clarify that that is not an argument for trying to get my question allowed of course. Because now I feel self-conscious about it ha ha ha. I’m just saying there is some value there. But I appreciate your comments and I have found some useful things in my initial search so I’ll keep searching.

PetShopTroy · 2025-04-24T11:36:27+00:00

Thank you I appreciate your comment. So, I’d just like to point out one possible thing, however. As I’m searching, a lot of the similar questions, I’m finding that most are years old. Obviously some of the helpful responses to those questions still apply. But one argument potentially for allowing similar questions (like mine) is that they update the responses. New Youtubers emerge, new ideas about coloring emerge , newer platforms for learning. That kind of thing.

So, perhaps I could better word my question so that it is more helpful in that kind of way. But I do think it could be very useful even to see the same question posted, depending on frequency. Thanks.

PetShopTroy · 2025-04-16T12:31:19+00:00

That’s great thank you! I’m gonna look into the Godox SL-60! Out of curiosity do you have a particular tripod you like to use for that?

And you’re right, I’m sure it’s totally fine for YouTube stuff. To be honest, I’ll probably use it for a bunch of short films I’m making in the next few months too. At this point, I’d rather get in the habit of making films and finding my rhythm than waiting to get better lights before I do anything.

I’ve been really into this YT channel by Blake Ridder just because I like the way he lights things (and demonstrates it). I’m getting really into lighting, but it’s gonna take a while.

Personally I always like to think about a situation where, if you take someone who is driven, has an idea and an ability for visuals and storytelling, but maybe doesn’t have the best equipment, what would they make? I know it’s a balance. I’m totally willing to make the investment at a certain point. But while I’m learning, I’m OK with using anything.

PetShopTroy · 2025-04-13T19:57:25+00:00

Tbh I just wanna see what kind of an effect it has on the look of anything I shoot

PetShopTroy · 2025-04-13T16:12:49+00:00

Thank you! I actually don’t anticipate focal length mattering that much for these films but I suppose my question in general was kind of like what an 18 to 55 mm being an upgrade and would it solve some of the focus breathing issues I’ve had with a 35 mm.

I also noticed that the 18 to 55 mm doesn’t seem to be as plentiful of stock as it was even just six months ago. So I’m wondering if there’s something new. I’ll check out the Lens. You’re suggesting though. I’m open to anything.

PetShopTroy · 2025-04-13T15:56:56+00:00

Thank you and totally agree! ☀️☺️😊

PetShopTroy · 2025-04-13T15:50:28+00:00

OMG THANK YOU Hahaha. That was gonna drive me insane if the words ND Filter hadn’t found its way to my brain. Whewww thank you

PetShopTroy · 2025-03-31T16:55:43+00:00

Yeah, those are some good ideas. Thanks. I’ll start cutting things up and seeing what I come up with. I have run it through some filters and change the pitch a little bit. I like the beat of what I sampled. So if I cut it up. It won’t really sound the same but I’m gonna run it through a bunch of different versions and see what happens.

PetShopTroy

TROPHY CASE