The Analog Papers #2

March 25, 2023

I recently ordered two more VHS cameras—I received the Hitachi VM-3100A and the Hitachi VM-5000A, and I was again deflated when I discovered that neither of them work.

The VM-3100A will eject to insert a tape, but then the tape doesn’t roll properly when trying to record. (It’s almost like it can’t make up its mind between trying to roll and trying to rewind...) Also, the zoom function doesn’t work so it’s basically like the lens is stuck at 70mm.

The VM-5000A simply won’t eject, but the footage in the viewfinder looks good, and the zoom function works properly. I feel like this one will be my go-to if I can get it repaired somewhere. I found a local camera shop—I just need to take it in and get it checked out.

I haven’t been as busy as I probably should be lately in getting the story for this film written, but I have to say I’ve been a little discouraged since I seem to be having such a hard time finding a working camera. (I absolutely MUST shoot this movie on VHS for a reason I won’t get into yet.)

My approach to writing this story has been far different than my writing approach has been in the past.

Rather than creating an outline of events in chronological order, I’ve simply been keeping a list of things I want to see happen in the movie. Since, as I mentioned before, I want to keep this movie lighthearted and fun—A summer movie—I’ve just been jotting down all the things that remind me of the best summers from my past.

I feel like that’s how I’m going to keep to my True North—I’m trying to be intentional in creating a story in which the summer itself feels like a main character.

My story will, of course, make narrative sense once it’s written, but I don’t want each scene to necessarily feel loaded to bring about a pre-determined outcome. I don’t want it to feel even the least bit contrived or pre-meditated. My narrative will laze about (not unlike my protagonist), and so maybe, as the writer of this story, I’m not wrong in lazing about a little too much in my writing approach.

When the summer comes, I think I’ll find it far easier to write in the spirit of this concept I have in mind.

I’m working on getting a TV and VCR in my office so I can screen the footage of my camera tests (once I find a camera that works).

I’ve never been more inspired to make a movie than I was while watching life happen through the viewfinder of my VM-5000A. I want so badly to record something on it and play around with cutting the shots together.

I was talking to a friend the other day about how the camera I’m using inspires (or even dictates) the story I want to tell. For instance, the movie ideas I get while playing around with a DLSR are far different than the ideas I get while playing around with a VHS camera.

Hopefully I’ll get a hold of one that works one of these days.