Help with framing a scene with stationary cameras

[RudyPicardo]

Greetings professionals

As indicated in the post, I have some blocking and framing questions regarding a 4-5 page scene. Typically I do scenes with 2-3 talents, but this one has four talents talking to each other. As we're still a small company, we don't have access to any dollies, jibs, or any means to add movement to my shot; even though we can agree that the moving camera is ideal for most situations.

So I'd like any tips on blocking/framing for a scene with four talents, using 2 stationary cameras.

My most sincere thanks in advance.

 

[omar_]

Can you describe or post a picture of the room or location. Where are they meeting? What props are in the room, etc..

Don't be scared to control their positions. For example, 2 on one side- 2 on the other, 1 on one side - 3 on the other, etc. Making the 180 degree rule easier to follow.

I think sometimes just taking a wide shot of them is good too, leaves less complications.

 

[RudyPicardo]

general specifics.

general specifics.

Omar

Thanks for the quick tips. I'm still trying to get a room for the shoot; although I think its a typical classroom or boardroom, leaning more towards the latter setting. In this setting, I think its 1 table with several chairs around it.

A wide angle is always the best place to start, and where I expect to shoot my main shots. I do want to get some close-ups too, but I'm more concerned about either breaking the 180 rule, or not creating a balance when doing cuts to each talent. I like the idea of perhaps keeping 2 of them in the frame to help the viewer.

If you've seen any good movies, where you thought the cinematography for a 4 person scene went well, I wouldn't mind suggestions. AGain remember that I don't have the luxury of a dolly, so I won't be able to get those types of shots that have a better production value.

Thanks Omar for taking the time to respond.

 

[omar_]

I think you have more leeway with more people; it's not as strict. As long as you can establish the relationship of all the people in the room from the beginning viewers can usually follow as long as the camera is not just all over the place with no purpose at all. It's hard to give very specific direction without knowing what's going on in the script, but...

Check out "Syriana," there is a scene in the beginning of the room of many people in a board room and one person speaking and the board members do talk back.
Watch how the camera moves around ....

If I think of any more I'll post them.