Cheap Ass
My father died last night. I got the news right after last night's memorial service for former Orion and Magnolia exec Jay Peckos at the Landmark Cinemas. I'm mentioning this because a touching photo montage (one of those computer-driven deals with a music soundtrack) was shown at the Peckos tribute, and I'd like to create the same kind of presentation for my dad's memorial service, which will be held in Southbury, Connecticut, next month.
Except I want to mix in some video clips with the stills. To edit this together on my laptop I'll first need to transfer some 8mm videocassettes to disc, but I don't want to pay the rates charged by pirates who do this sort of thing for a living. If anyone knows of a cheaper backdoor way to go, please advise. Sorry but I hate paying retail. Can't hurt to ask.
Posted by Jeffrey Wells on June 20, 2008 at 5:54 PM
comment #1
JBrooks
says ...
Yikes, Wells, it's been a rough couple months for your family. My condolences.
Posted by JBrooks
at June 20, 2008 6:16 PM
comment #2
D.Z.
says ...
Sorry, man. R.I.P.
Posted by D.Z.
at June 20, 2008 6:20 PM
comment #3
scooterzz
says ...
wells -- sorry for your loss...best wishes to you and yours
(wish i could help on the films but i dumped all my 8mm stuff ages ago)
Posted by scooterzz
at June 20, 2008 6:27 PM
comment #4
craigfinn
says ...
Sincere condolences, Jeff.
What kind of camcorder do you have? Some can export the video through a firewire port.
Posted by craigfinn
at June 20, 2008 6:32 PM
comment #5
marychan
says ...
I'm sorry for your fatrher's death.....
RIP for your father.....
Posted by marychan
at June 20, 2008 6:33 PM
comment #6
Reedyb
says ...
I'm sorry for your loss.
If you have a projector or can get one cheap at a pawn shop, you can show the 8mm on a sheet and shoot it with your camcorder.
It will look better than you think. Just be sure to turn off auto-focus on your camcorder.
Posted by Reedyb
at June 20, 2008 6:39 PM
comment #7
medicineman151
says ...
My condolences to you and your family.
Posted by medicineman151
at June 20, 2008 6:40 PM
comment #8
dkmabuse
says ...
Deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family in this tragic loss.
Posted by dkmabuse
at June 20, 2008 6:57 PM
comment #9
Gaydos
says ...
condolences, jeff, to you and yours...
Posted by Gaydos
at June 20, 2008 6:58 PM
comment #10
Edward
says ...
Jeff: My condolences. Hard to know what to say at a time like this.
Posted by Edward
at June 20, 2008 6:58 PM
comment #11
romeoisbleeding
says ...
You have had a rough year. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. I am sorry. no clue on the tech stuff. When my Dad passed away I made a cd of all of his favorite music .. mostly old standards and big band stuff. I made covers with a vintage photo of him and gave one to all who came to the service. Everyone thought is was fitting since music was a big love in his life. Just an idea. Again.. sorry for your loss.
Posted by romeoisbleeding
at June 20, 2008 7:02 PM
comment #12
Edward
says ...
As Reedyb said - The sheet or a shower curtain is a pretty good option.
Posted by Edward
at June 20, 2008 7:02 PM
comment #13
The Bandsaw Vigilante
says ...
Same here -- my thoughts are with you.
My father passed away a couple of years ago, and my family sprang for a company specializing in producing "tribute" videos on a 24-hour turnaround.
The results were great, quite moving, and even better than I was expecting. Still, sorry for your loss...take all the time you need, 'kay?
Posted by The Bandsaw Vigilante
at June 20, 2008 7:03 PM
comment #14
Geoff
says ...
You seem like a genuine man when it comes to these things. I'm sorry for your loss, but I know you'll pull through.
Posted by Geoff
at June 20, 2008 7:10 PM
comment #15
supertaster
says ...
This is your best bet for cheap and fast ... assuming you have a video recorder that burns directly to DVD, just replace the camcorder shown in the picture with it...
http://static.photo.net/attachments/bboard/00E/00EfSB-27195184.jpg
My condolences.
Posted by supertaster
at June 20, 2008 7:13 PM
comment #16
BurmaShave
says ...
Hope it was as painless as it could be, not that it ever makes it better for us who get left behind. So very sorry. Indeed, there are no words.
Posted by BurmaShave
at June 20, 2008 7:13 PM
comment #17
chmoye
says ...
Very sorry for your family's loss, Jeff.
Posted by chmoye
at June 20, 2008 7:16 PM
comment #18
Echo07
says ...
Jeff,
If you do have the 8mm on videocasettes as you said, you can buy a device called Dazzle (made now by pinnacle I believe).
Though average in quality, it is fairly inexpensive ($60 to $100 depending on Mac or PC system). With this device, you should be able to plug any standard AUX cables (red, white, yellow) from your VCR or camcorder straight into this device and then out to your computer. You can then capture the video into a digital format for editing. Definitely not the best method but it should work.
Also, my condolences with your lost. I truly wish you well.
Posted by Echo07
at June 20, 2008 7:18 PM
comment #19
Mgmax, le Corbeau
says ...
Very sorry to hear this. Best wishes to you and your family.
Posted by Mgmax, le Corbeau
at June 20, 2008 7:22 PM
comment #20
Verhoeven02
says ...
My condolences for your loss.
Posted by Verhoeven02
at June 20, 2008 7:27 PM
comment #21
TerryKeefe
says ...
Truly sorry to hear this.
Posted by TerryKeefe
at June 20, 2008 7:29 PM
comment #22
Gil Kruger
says ...
As a longtime reader, I am truly sorry for your loss. Are they definitely 8mm casettes? If by some chance the tapes are "VHS-C" I could clone them to DVD in New York.
Posted by Gil Kruger
at June 20, 2008 7:29 PM
comment #23
EOTW
says ...
Death humbles us all (even Wells).
That's not meant in a bad way either. it's the great equalizer.
Posted by EOTW
at June 20, 2008 7:34 PM
comment #24
petehowell
says ...
My condolences for your loss, Jeff. Tough year
for you and your family.
Posted by petehowell
at June 20, 2008 7:49 PM
comment #25
DarthCorleone
says ...
Oh, man. I am so sorry. Hang in there, o.k.? We're all behind you. My thoughts are with you and your family.
As for the transfer process, I unfortunately have no knowledge, but having recently created something similar using material already in the correct format, I can recommend iMovie as an extremely user-friendly piece of software if you're on a Mac.
Posted by DarthCorleone
at June 20, 2008 7:55 PM
comment #26
Walter Sobchak
says ...
My deepest condolences as well.
The easiest, cheapest way would be to run a firewire or usb 2.0 cable from an 8mm videocamera directly to your computer and into a program like iMovie. Just capture the bits you need and compile accordingly. Good luck.
Posted by Walter Sobchak
at June 20, 2008 7:59 PM
comment #27
mattn
says ...
That's tough. My condolences.
The easiest way is if you have a digital camcorder. It should have a video/audio input jack. Plug the cables from the 8mm video camcorder into the digital camcorder and the usb/firewire (whatever yours uses) from the digital to the computer. Then press play, and record the digital video on the computer. (This is pretty common; you can probably also google to get it.)
This (the tribute, I mean) is a really good thing to do, not just for your Dad's memory but for yourself (at least, I found this to be the case). Make sure you get some pictures of him as a young man, if you can.
Posted by mattn
at June 20, 2008 8:00 PM
comment #28
facls
says ...
Jeff, my condolences to you and your family.
Posted by facls
at June 20, 2008 8:02 PM
comment #29
Sefster
says ...
Jeff, my sympathies.
Posted by Sefster
at June 20, 2008 8:09 PM
comment #30
Rich S.
says ...
I'm terribly sorry, Jeffrey. God speed.
Posted by Rich S.
at June 20, 2008 8:29 PM
comment #31
Detroit Jeff
says ...
Jeff -
I've been reading you since the Mr Showbiz days and have never really commented before, but I just felt like I should write in tonight and convey my sympathies to you and yours. I hope you're hanging in there, all things considered. Sorry for your loss.
Posted by Detroit Jeff
at June 20, 2008 8:37 PM
comment #32
foxnewsisfake
says ...
What can one man really say to another about the loss of his father? Even though we're "strangers," please know that I care and emphatize -- and I wish you only the best.
Posted by foxnewsisfake
at June 20, 2008 8:46 PM
comment #33
foxnewsisfake
says ...
empathize...you know.
Posted by foxnewsisfake
at June 20, 2008 8:47 PM
comment #34
lipranzer
says ...
Sorry about your father, Jeff. I know how it is to lose a parent. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posted by lipranzer
at June 20, 2008 8:48 PM
comment #35
cust71
says ...
Condolences, Jeff.
Posted by cust71
at June 20, 2008 8:53 PM
comment #36
cust71
says ...
Condolences, Jeff.
Posted by cust71
at June 20, 2008 8:53 PM
comment #37
The InSneider
says ...
Jeff, you and Jett have my condolences and deepest sympathies. R.I.P.
Posted by The InSneider
at June 20, 2008 8:54 PM
comment #38
qwiggles
says ...
My deepest condolences to you and your family, Jeff.
Posted by qwiggles
at June 20, 2008 8:57 PM
comment #39
Griff
says ...
Jeff: words are inadequate. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by Griff
at June 20, 2008 9:03 PM
comment #40
Richardson
says ...
Sympathy and condolences and regret as to my lack of knowledge regarding tech stuff..
Posted by Richardson
at June 20, 2008 9:15 PM
comment #41
actionman
says ...
Very sorry to hear this, Jeff. My heart goes out to you.
Posted by actionman
at June 20, 2008 9:42 PM
comment #42
David Ehrlich
says ...
sorry, jeff. wish i could help you out.
Posted by David Ehrlich
at June 20, 2008 10:04 PM
comment #43
nemo
says ...
Several years ago my father and brother died within a few weeks of each other. What you're going through is hard, Jeff. Even when you've had difficult times with a close family member, nothing prepares you for this.
Posted by nemo
at June 20, 2008 10:10 PM
comment #44
JVD
says ...
Jeff, my deepest condolences on your loss. The world always seems like a smaller place when you lose someone you love. Hope you and your family are able to find some measure of peace in the coming days.
Posted by JVD
at June 20, 2008 10:19 PM
comment #45
Movie fan09
says ...
Jeff,
my most sincerest condolences.
I know how much of a presence he was in your life.
It's been a rough year for you.
I only wish you the best for the rest of it.
Posted by Movie fan09
at June 20, 2008 10:32 PM
comment #46
Redmond
says ...
Condolences, Jeff.
Posted by Redmond
at June 20, 2008 10:33 PM
comment #47
Gnome de Guerre
says ...
I'm very sorry for your and your family's loss. I wish I could come up with the perfect film quote to ease the moment, but alas. May he rest in peace.
Posted by Gnome de Guerre
at June 20, 2008 11:03 PM
comment #48
ZacharyTF
says ...
Sorry to hear about your dad, Jeff. My condolences on your loss.
Posted by ZacharyTF
at June 20, 2008 11:11 PM
comment #49
caslab
says ...
very sorry to hear. my thoughts are with your family.
Posted by caslab
at June 20, 2008 11:30 PM
comment #50
LADODGERS23
says ...
Sorry for your loss.
Posted by LADODGERS23
at June 21, 2008 12:00 AM
comment #51
Dan Revill
says ...
Sorry to hear about your father Wells.
Posted by Dan Revill
at June 21, 2008 12:30 AM
comment #52
Balerion
says ...
My condolences, Jeff.
Posted by Balerion
at June 21, 2008 12:59 AM
comment #53
UnChien
says ...
Sorry to hear this. My condolences
Posted by UnChien
at June 21, 2008 1:23 AM
comment #54
Spacesheik
says ...
I am sorry for your loss. My condolences, Jeff.
Posted by Spacesheik
at June 21, 2008 3:26 AM
comment #55
Thrudvangar
says ...
Sorry to hear about your father, Jeff.
My condolences to you and yours.
Posted by Thrudvangar
at June 21, 2008 3:32 AM
comment #56
Chicago48
says ...
Jeff, so sorry for you. That's hard man, both of my parents are dead....that's very hard.
Posted by Chicago48
at June 21, 2008 4:02 AM
comment #57
Dublin101
says ...
Sorry for your trouble, Jeff.
Posted by Dublin101
at June 21, 2008 4:12 AM
comment #58
The Hoyk
says ...
I'm putting in my sorrows here too. My dad means the world to me and I know I'll be a wreck when he's gone, so I got a feeling for what you must be dealing with right now.
Posted by The Hoyk
at June 21, 2008 4:48 AM
comment #59
PerfectTommy
says ...
I was sad to read about your dad, Jeff. You'll be in my prayers today.
Posted by PerfectTommy
at June 21, 2008 5:22 AM
comment #60
bb
says ...
Deepest condolences Jeff.
I lost my father years back and I remember the experience as almost surreal. All the best during this time.
Posted by bb
at June 21, 2008 6:14 AM
comment #61
Caustic712
says ...
Condolences to you and yours, Jeff.
Posted by Caustic712
at June 21, 2008 6:39 AM
comment #62
EDouglas
says ...
Sorry to hear that, Jeffrey. My most heartfelt condolences and don't worry if you need some time off to mourn--everyone will definitely understand.
Posted by EDouglas
at June 21, 2008 7:24 AM
comment #63
TedM
says ...
Condolences to you and your family.
Posted by TedM
at June 21, 2008 7:27 AM
comment #64
lionsfan
says ...
Very sorry to hear about your loss. (Somewhat shocked by the seemingly abrupt way you announced it, as well.) Please do accept my prayers for the repose of your father's soul and my sincere condolences.
Posted by lionsfan
at June 21, 2008 7:29 AM
comment #65
62Lincoln
says ...
It's been a tough year. Condolences.
Posted by 62Lincoln
at June 21, 2008 7:46 AM
comment #66
iamwhoiam
says ...
My condolences to you and your faimly.
Posted by iamwhoiam
at June 21, 2008 7:49 AM
comment #67
scs
says ...
My sincere sympathy and, not that it does or should matter much at this point to you, my sincere admiration for your movingly understated post about your father's death
Posted by scs
at June 21, 2008 8:31 AM
comment #68
George Prager
says ...
Sorry to hear it, Jeff.
Posted by George Prager
at June 21, 2008 8:48 AM
comment #69
buckzollo
says ...
Condolences Wells
Hang in.
Posted by buckzollo
at June 21, 2008 9:04 AM
comment #70
CLERK
says ...
Jeff,
I just signed up through TypePad to let you know how sorry I am for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers, and will continue to be.
Posted by CLERK
at June 21, 2008 9:47 AM
comment #71
The Winchester
says ...
My deepest sympathies to you and yours, Jeff Wells.
I think I may actually still have a Hi8 VCR, but it's in NJ.
Posted by The Winchester
at June 21, 2008 9:52 AM
comment #72
filmfestivalgeek
says ...
Condolences. It's been a rough year for you...I sympathize because I have at least one relative who doesn't seem to have much time left.
To your dad...peace.
Posted by filmfestivalgeek
at June 21, 2008 9:58 AM
comment #73
va
says ...
Ditto on all of the heartfelt comments above, Jeff - very sorry to hear about your loss - can't add anything more than's what's already been written...
Posted by va
at June 21, 2008 10:10 AM
comment #74
va
says ...
Ditto on all of the heartfelt comments above, Jeff - very sorry to hear about your loss - can't add anything more than what's already been written... (corrected a large typo)
Posted by va
at June 21, 2008 10:11 AM
comment #75
sutter kane
says ...
Very sorry about your father, Jeff.
Posted by sutter kane
at June 21, 2008 10:22 AM
comment #76
dangovich
says ...
So sorry, Jeff.
Posted by dangovich
at June 21, 2008 10:33 AM
comment #77
Terry McCarty
says ...
Condolences to you for your loss.
Posted by Terry McCarty
at June 21, 2008 11:32 AM
comment #78
Jazz4111
says ...
Jeff,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I thought the video collage at Jay's memorial was exceptionally moving and really helped everyone present recapture the entire life of an exceptional man. I hope you are successful in doing the same for your father. May he rest in peace.
Posted by Jazz4111
at June 21, 2008 12:33 PM
comment #79
ketut
says ...
Jeff,
We'll be praying for you and your family.
Posted by ketut
at June 23, 2008 6:37 AM