jacob
The idea that it is cheaper to shoot and edit on digital than it was on film is a myth. Large format high resolution digital footage like the RED or ARRI take up huge amounts of storage and also require massive amounts of processing power which cost a lot of money. I also used to think digital was cheaper to shoot than film but than I worked in a post house and realized digital can get really pricey really fast.
I couldn't appreciate your insight more. Each time I get to edit the sound is the first thing I try and get an idea of. Maybe its my background as a musician i'm not sure. But every time I edit I never feel like any of the emotion is completely there until I get to start adding in sound. That's when it all comes to life for me.
Ryan that is a great question. As a DP who now works with a few different directors who have different styles i'd say to your question, it all depends on the director. Some directors are extremely actor focused all they care about is a good performance and relating that performance well. They may storyboard the scene but, outside of that they trust the DP to work his magic. However, some directors are very hands on. They may go as far to choose the focal lengths on the lens and will often be very specific about their framing. Most directors would tell you that their job is really about getting a performance out of the actors but, they are using the camera and everything else to support those performances. So as often is the answer with film it depends.
Brainfarm is seriously innovative when it comes to their technology and their art. A lot of people won't appreciate this cause they don't follow action sports but this is some amazing work. Its funny because they were the reason I got into filmmaking too.
My highschool's film program used to have a Canon xf100 with one of these adapters right before DSLRs came on the market. We thought it was amazing shot two entire features on it and seriously I still have some of that footge on my hard drives because it is just so unique. The footage may not have been the "best" but it sure did have character to it.
As a professional still shooter and AC I fully disagree with you. A huge part of photography at times can be choosing to "buck" or remove yourself from how you would traditionally shoot a subject to get a new and interesting look using your settings. As cool as this is it takes away from creative control.