We were tasked with making a short film based around the theme of "Exchange", from which we learnt the CRUCIAL Do's and Don'ts of Filming...
DON'T
Zoom whilst Filming
This makes your filming look unprofessional; use an editing program to edit it later without compromising on film quality
This makes your filming look unprofessional; use an editing program to edit it later without compromising on film quality
Look at the Camera
This will totally ruin your take and make the viewer think it is unprofessional - Make sure to look past the camera when you are filming
This will totally ruin your take and make the viewer think it is unprofessional - Make sure to look past the camera when you are filming
Film a Drama
Filming a single continuous shot will make your audience disinterested from the film - The lack of varying camera shots will make the film dull to watch
Filming a single continuous shot will make your audience disinterested from the film - The lack of varying camera shots will make the film dull to watch
Make Your Storyline Overly Complicated
Having a story that includes multiple flashbacks and branching character backstories will confuse your audience when they watch your film - Be sure to keep things simple but interesting
Having a story that includes multiple flashbacks and branching character backstories will confuse your audience when they watch your film - Be sure to keep things simple but interesting
Delete any Footage
Previously unused footage may be useful for a certain scene - The footage may also be somebody else's, so DON'T DELETE IT. EVER!
Previously unused footage may be useful for a certain scene - The footage may also be somebody else's, so DON'T DELETE IT. EVER!
DO
Use a Tripod
Using a tripod will keep your shots steady and level - Only film without a tripod if you require a scarier, handheld first person angle for the scene
Using a tripod will keep your shots steady and level - Only film without a tripod if you require a scarier, handheld first person angle for the scene
Be Careful with Your Framing
When you film, the frame you see on your camera will not always be able to frame what you film - You may have to set up the camera so that it shows a little extra of what you are aiming to film
When you film, the frame you see on your camera will not always be able to frame what you film - You may have to set up the camera so that it shows a little extra of what you are aiming to film
Take Multiple Shots
Using different camera angles and framing when filming will give you the best variety of shots to work with when it comes to editing - Try filming the same scene from a different perspective to see what effects they have on the overall scene
Using different camera angles and framing when filming will give you the best variety of shots to work with when it comes to editing - Try filming the same scene from a different perspective to see what effects they have on the overall scene
Carry out a Risk Assessment
Sometimes you may be using a certain location to film a good shot. This may require a risk assessment if the location is potentially dangerous - You will also need a risk assessment when using certain props in public (such as knives) to show the police if they ask you about why you have a certain prop.
Sometimes you may be using a certain location to film a good shot. This may require a risk assessment if the location is potentially dangerous - You will also need a risk assessment when using certain props in public (such as knives) to show the police if they ask you about why you have a certain prop.
Stick to the Brief
If you stay with the brief when you are filming, you can produce a great film. However, going out on a tangent when you are filming and editing, this can result in your film being completely different from what your brief told you to do. Make sure that you follow the client's requirements, but feel free to put in some of your own ideas if it makes the film better
If you stay with the brief when you are filming, you can produce a great film. However, going out on a tangent when you are filming and editing, this can result in your film being completely different from what your brief told you to do. Make sure that you follow the client's requirements, but feel free to put in some of your own ideas if it makes the film better
Make a Storyboard
By making a storyboard, you will have a basic idea as to what shots to film in what angles. It will also provide you with a basic overview to the dialogue and setting of the scenes you are filming, making the overall production process a lot quicker and easier.
By making a storyboard, you will have a basic idea as to what shots to film in what angles. It will also provide you with a basic overview to the dialogue and setting of the scenes you are filming, making the overall production process a lot quicker and easier.