Podcast: Filmmaker / Musician / Composer SCHNÜDLBUG

When Canadian filmmaker and musician Schnudlbug was making his short film Roach, part of the end goal was to produce a 3D film with very specific visual and sonic palettes, and a limited edition VHS release.

In our lengthy conversation via Libsyn and other fine streaming services, we touch upon the making of his film, which draws upon both cinematic influences and a background rich in practical skills, including editing, visual effects, sound design, and composing music with a special affection for noise. Also discussed is sourcing the physical elements to create a VHS release, and the thrill of presenting the film to audiences after meticulous production & post-production stages.

A visual version is also available on Big Head Amusements’ YouTube channel, featuring voice-triggered visuals. Used in the all-analog chain is a Hung Chang OS-620 oscilloscope, a JVC GR-60U VHS-C camcorder with rotting capacitors, and a Showtime Video Ventures Model 7100 Video Color Processor and Model VV-270P Image Enhancer. Footage was recorded to DVD-R, captured in Final Cut Pro 7, and layered and reoriented in Adobe Premiere. Besides adjusting contrast to remove the graticule and boosting colour intensity, no digital plugins or filters were applied to the final file that was rendered at 1080p.

Coming next week is the first vintage gear to be reviewed at BHA+ – a 1992 Sony VX3 Hi8 camcorder. In Part One: From Consumer to Prosumer, I’ll provide an intro to the VX3, as well as some backstory to my first Hi8 camcorder, Sony’s V801; and in Part Two: 3CCD, Baby! I’ll provided a detailed overview of camcorder formats and the blurred divisions between consumer and prosumer gear. Part 2 will be supported by montages of test footage that shows off the VX3 in daylight, dusk, and nighttime environments.

Visit schnoodle VIDEO for his Instagram posts, to view Roach, and info on his multimedia services and exclusive interviews with musicians & composers. Schnudlbug’s music is available via schnudlbug on bandcamp.

Thanks for reading,

Mark R. Hasan
Publisher, BHA+ / Big Head Amusements