What separates Les Stringer from other film or video outfits?
Experience and vision. We've been shooting film for 20 years and have 30 years experience with broadcast technologies. We've shot everything from photojournalism, to corporate/industrial work, to feature films. We understand the whole process from scripting to editing. The diversity of our experience is an asset because we can visualize concepts to suit your production.

Why should I choose Les Stringer for my production?
Because we deliver a great product. We may surprise you, but it won't be with the bill or ever-expanding production schedules.

My company just needs a video to use within our industry, what's with all this "cinematography" stuff?
Anybody can pick up a video camera, point it in the right direction and press "record." But will the results be memorable? Probably not. Cinematography is an art. We know how to use images and sound to convey your ideas into a memorable product. Individual frames from our productions can stand on their own because we think about every shot. And because we think about every shot, the audience will keep thinking about your production long after the credits roll.

Do I need to hire my own Talent or can you handle that for me?
We can 'turnkey' your production from script and storyboarding to casting, field production and editing. We like clients to be involved if they have the time, but if not, we're comfortable handling the whole process.

It's necessary that our production feature people who don't have acting or "on air" experience. Is this a problem?
Nope, not a problem at all. We've successfully directed plenty of people without acting experience.

What is the difference between film and video?
We dream in film; real life is in video. You should choose the medium for your production with this phrase in mind. Of course, budget considerations may make you feel that you must use video even if you really wanted film. But it is possible to shoot 16mm film economically as long as you can build the production time into your schedule. Also there are certain "tricks of the trade" that can make video appear very much like film.

Should you ever mix film and video?
Mixing the two can work well to produce certain effects, such as a change of time or a dream sequence.

How is "Super" 16 different from ordinary 16mm film?
The frame is wider, but the film is the same size. The frame is expanded into an area that used to be occupied by the sound track. Special lenses are also used for a wider view.

How economically can Super 16 be shot?
Camera cost is a little more, but other than that, it's the same as regular 16mm film.

What about HDTV? How can I be sure my project will be HDTV compatible?
Shooting HDTV can be tricky and expensive. HDTV cameras are very expensive and there really isn't a universal format yet. When shooting, you need to keep in mind the HDTV 16x9 aspect ratio and the 4x3 ratio of standard television. In the future, television stations may broadcast up to 4 channels of 4x3 during the day and one HDTV channel in primetime.

Can you send me a demo reel?
Sure, but let us know what type of project you have in mind. A tape of industrial and corporate footage won't tell you much if you want a commercial.

Are you available to shoot news or sporting events?
No.

What is "non-linear" editing?
Non linear editing is the digital method of post production. The raw video and audio are transferred to a computer hard drive, then the "clips" can be processed and assembled within the digital domain.

Is that better than linear editing?
Non-linear editing allows for quick edits without quality loss. But the process of digitizing the footage takes time. We understand and use both types of editing.

What's the most important aspect of your relationship with your clients?
The most important thing is to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Our goal is to make sure the client feels connected, gets his or her money's worth and is happy with the finished product. It's important for the client to be involved in creative decisions. That is not to say that we will always agree with the client on creative matters. But we will always tell the client what we think is best.