Documentary Filmmaking : Making A Travel Film - with a Nikon Z9

This was pretty much an unplanned / unscripted spontaneous chat about my documentary filmmaking journey and making a travel feature film on the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Based on a quick recap I had written on my website - SimonBurnCreative.com - I thought I would elaborate a little more as a few people were asking about the filming and gear aspect of the trip. I explain why I chose a Nikon Z9 instead of a cinema camera.
If this didn't address everything, let me know in the comments!
#filmmaking #caminodesantiago #documentaryfilmmaking

[@SimonBurnCreative]

A quick update video, in response to the interest i've been getting about my recent trip. If you're interested to know more, do leave a comment, let me know what you'd like me to cover in a future video.

[@SteveAshPhotos]

Very interesting about using the Optech strap instead of a gimbal.

[@SimonBurnCreative]

Yes, I found if you can hold the camera still enough, the internal stabilisation works well. The strap helps hold the camera still without jerky movements etc.

[@richardmugridge4142]

What a great adventure, can't wait to see the film.

[@SimonBurnCreative]

me neither! 😊

[@andrewlunn]

Sounds great - I'm looking forward to see more content from this trip

[@SimonBurnCreative]

Thanks Andrew! 😊

[@jbairdexp]

A great example of right gear for the job. I was going to suggest the Z8 as a good option but then you made the most excellent point about Z9 batteries. 🙂

[@SimonBurnCreative]

My buddy had a Z8 with him and was helping out, shooting a bit of b-roll. I got to use use it a few times, and I found it was easier to shoot handheld with the Z9 because it's heavier. Weight and gravity do help get more stable footage, apparently. I think the Z9 with a cage and handle is about as heavy as I would want to go though. Cheers Julian! 🙂

[@DGriffGallery]

Great insights, hope you had a fab time 😊👍

[@SimonBurnCreative]

Thanks Dave, it was fabulous! Now for lots of editing... 😊

[@JudyOFarrell]

Thanks for a really interesting video talking about your challenges and how you dealt with them. I'd love to hear your process around creating the documentary. How much is pre- planned or do you pull together a narrative afterwards? And how do you go about creating a compelling story? But thanks again for this video! It was refreshing to hear that even a professional has equipment constraints and your logic behind what you took and used!

[@SimonBurnCreative]

Thanks for the comment. I will make a follow-up video talking about on my production process and pull the narrative together. 🙂

[@JasonBrownafewmomentsl8er]

Thanks for the prebooking accommodation comments. You see so many people give others flack for prebooking saying things like youre not experiencing the freedom of the camino if you prebook . But im with you. If you have to stress about where youre staying and rush all day thats not freedom

[@SimonBurnCreative]

Thanks Jason. I can only base my comments on my own experience. Having walked two Caminos now, I saw a lot of frustration and stress on both, from those without a place to sleep each night. It's my preference to take my time and explore places as I go, and turn up at my next destination when I want, knowing there is a room waiting for me. Each to their own! Buen Camino!

[@neilt]

You were unlucky with the weather. I walked my camino from the 16th April and had sunshine all the way. On the topic of accommodation, yes go with booked rooms. I was able to enjoy my walk knowing that food, a shower, and a comfortable bed were awaiting my arrival. Finally, although I took cameras and even a drone, 95% of my photos were on my phone! Travel really light, that's my advice!

[@SimonBurnCreative]

@@neilt Yes, weather wasn't typical for May. But on the upside I got some moody photos! I trust you had an amazing Camino experience? Hope you'll share the photos you took!

[@neilt]

It was amazing. I exorcised a lot of demons on what turned out to be a very emotional journey. Cancer took my beloved wife some 18 months ago, and this journey helped to close my grief. I want to go back and do another, the Portuguese coastal route looks very interesting. I need to sift through my photos and get them onto the Instagram page I made for this camino.

[@SimonBurnCreative]

@@neilt Oh my goodness, Neil. So sorry for your loss, what you did was the best thing to do. It gets to you, doesn't it. I still haven't figured out how or why, it just does. I want to keep returning. I'll look out for your photos. I know lots of people who did the Frances and then did the Portuguese. It's on my to do list too. 🙂 🙏🏼