Second Practical Lesson

Camera Workshop 2

In this workshop we filmed a simple scene of one of us picking up and putting down a water bottle. We started with a wide shot and filmed the whole sequence then we proceded to do a mid shot of the actors face and filmed the whole sequence again. Finally we did a close up of the water bottle and filmed the whole sequence once more. Each time we changed shots we readjusted the camera by zooming all the way in then altered the focus so it was clear. For the mid shot of the actor and the close up of the water bottle we lowered the camera so that it was at the same height as the subject which makes the shot look more professional.

You shoot in wide and then procede to do your desired close up shots because if you shoot in wide then you always have that shot to start with and use as an establishing shot. 

The rule of thirds adds interest to your shot compostion. It is where you separate the shot into nine squares and the rule of thirds is where you place the person or main focus of the shot in three corners of the squares.

Continuity is extremely important because it helps the audience follow the action that is going on in the shot. For example if two people are having a conversation and you cut to a different place or different position without a valid enough reason then it would throw the narrative off.

Following call outs is vital because it ensures the set runs efficiently, saves time and prevents mistakes. The call outs are clear and consise so that everyone understands them and knows what to do. 

Marks are used so that between shots and takes there is a bit of tape on the ground so the actor knows where to stand so the scene continues seamlessly. 

You film before saying action and after cut to ensure no content is lost.

You shouldn't watch footage back on set because it wastes time and can cause the actors to overthink their movements and acting skills.

The 180* rule is when there are two character or two objects or a character and an object and there is an imaginary line between the two of them. The rule is you can't cross that 180* line or else the shot would not be continuous and the character/object would be jumping around in different places with each shot.