Monday 24 January 2011

Introduction to Camera skills : 2

Tripod:
  • Pull out the three legs of the Tripod, making sure they are evenly spread out and fasten. To ensure the tripod is straight, make sure the bubble is in the middle of the circle. Also corrugated surfaces will make the tripod out of place, best results a smooth hard floor.
  • For the best filming results, use a tripod which is great for panning, tilting smoothly or zooming in and out. This will make your shots less shaky (unless that is what you intend to do.
  • When you have finished using the tripod, unfasten and fold the legs upwards and place it inside its bag so that it can be easily transported and protected.
  • When filming, make sure the tripod is not visible, as it can ruin scenes.
  • You can extend the tripod to capture high angles, but make sure the camera is on properly as it may fall and even hurt someone below.
Camera:
  • When adjusting the camera onto the tripod, make sure it slides on backwards and makes a click. This signals that the camera is in place.  If you fail to do so, the camera may fall and would be damage.
  • If the camera is placed on the tripod properly, the camera shots will not be straight.
  • Make sure your fingers hands do not touch the lens as it may disrupt/damage it. To prevent this close the camera lens with the switch button by the side.
  • If the camera seems to be blurry, whilst turning the focus wheel, focus the camera on something with lines or letters/numbers to bring the camera into focus again. 
  • A camera bag will be provided so that our camera is protected and it also makes it easy to transport it when filming.
Camera shot tips:
  • To get ECU, CUs it is best the person or object you are focusing on is clearly visible, there is nothing worse than seeing the top of someone’s head chopped off.
  • To get an establishing shot of a vast landscape, position the camera in a space that is free of obstacles, which would be perfect to capture a nice shot, smoothly zooming/in out.
  • Make sure the object/person uses up at least 2/3 of the camera screen.
  • If you opt to not use the tripod but handheld, make sure you use the handle for security and so that it does not drop.
  • Also make sure there are no things in the way that might allow you to fall.
Extras:
  • If you are filming on a day that is raining. (This is not advisable, you can postpone the date) use an umbrella that will shelter the camera away and prevent it from getting damaged.
  • For that action thrilling effect, you may want your Camera to 'Chase' your actor/ress, but how would you do that if the camera is on a tripod. No problem.  Use the Tripod wheels that will be able useful for tracking.
  • Although the camera provided does have a built-in microphone, you can use an extra to get quality dialogue.
  • We will be provided with memory cards will be kept in a case with our numbers on them.  We need to make sure they have been put back after they have been used and that some are not missing.
  • The battery life lasts for a maximum 2 hours, so we should ask for a spare when we go out filming.
Other things to remember:
  • We have been told that there are places that are restricted from filming, especially the mise en scene used in some scenes. Filming in Trafalgar square and carrying weapons such as knifes are not permitted in the public.  These scenes can be carried out at home/garden. Even toy weapons are not allowed, so we need to take this into consideration.
  • Filming Graffiti is also not allowed, unless you have permission from the borough you are filming in.
  • We will have to fill out a production schedule, so cameras have to be returned on time so that other groups will be able to film.

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