Do you plan every single shot?
- Thread starter iamWZA
- Start date
PaPa
Major Contributor
You are going to get widely different opinions depending on people's work ethic.
Myself, depending on what type of project I'm shooting, and sometimes scene dependent, I will sometimes storyboard, or make a shot list, or just show up on set and figure out my shot list as I block the scene with the actors.
For example, I could understand creating a shot/storyboard when you have clients. I PA'd on a music video two days ago and due to the fact that the client was on set, one would want to assure them of exactly what is being done. And the best way to do that is to give them the confidence of some type of constructive order.
For my last web series, I had 2 episodes ( 1 really ) where I had a cast of 5 with a crew of 6. We had very little time, and a TON of coverage to do, so that day specifically I made sure to do storyboards, make a shot list, figure out which lines I needed in what shots and made sure we shot it in the most efficient manner possible.
Generally speaking, for most of my work, I like to have creative freedom and discover my shots as the blocking takes place. Show up on set, grab the gear, unload it, put everything on sticks and ready to go. Then grab the script, grab the actors, figure out blocking. Once blocking is done, during rehearsal, I observe sometimes with a directors viewfinder, or just make notes of key moments. Then, i'll grab some paper and jot down what shots I'd like to get. For me, that is the most creatively freeing experience and one I feel is the least limiting.
but to each their own! I would assume as projects get larger and bigger in budget, with more effects, makeup, set effects, that one would like to have a shot list and storyboards to better communicate to each department what is needed/expected from them.
Happy filmmaking!
Myself, depending on what type of project I'm shooting, and sometimes scene dependent, I will sometimes storyboard, or make a shot list, or just show up on set and figure out my shot list as I block the scene with the actors.
For example, I could understand creating a shot/storyboard when you have clients. I PA'd on a music video two days ago and due to the fact that the client was on set, one would want to assure them of exactly what is being done. And the best way to do that is to give them the confidence of some type of constructive order.
For my last web series, I had 2 episodes ( 1 really ) where I had a cast of 5 with a crew of 6. We had very little time, and a TON of coverage to do, so that day specifically I made sure to do storyboards, make a shot list, figure out which lines I needed in what shots and made sure we shot it in the most efficient manner possible.
Generally speaking, for most of my work, I like to have creative freedom and discover my shots as the blocking takes place. Show up on set, grab the gear, unload it, put everything on sticks and ready to go. Then grab the script, grab the actors, figure out blocking. Once blocking is done, during rehearsal, I observe sometimes with a directors viewfinder, or just make notes of key moments. Then, i'll grab some paper and jot down what shots I'd like to get. For me, that is the most creatively freeing experience and one I feel is the least limiting.
but to each their own! I would assume as projects get larger and bigger in budget, with more effects, makeup, set effects, that one would like to have a shot list and storyboards to better communicate to each department what is needed/expected from them.
Happy filmmaking!
maranfilms
Veteran
I usually have either a shot list on paper, or in my head depending. But then I usually start having ideas flood my head when actually shooting. Sometimes I'm able to get the extra coverage, then there's the times when time or budget prevents me from getting the added shots. Then there's times I block a scene while shooting, and hate what I thought would look good. In those situations I redue the scene differently, or at least block and shoot it different. There's no real answer to the question, everyone works differently, I would have to say budget and time constraints dictate the situation more than vision when it comes to the deciding factor more often than not.
maranfilms
Veteran
Without a doubt, I couldn't imagine setting up without at least having an idea as to what your trying to capture. That would be a huge waste of time and money. I can see a scene here or there where you might go with the flow, but certainly not an entire production.
jghenderson
Well-known member
Depends on the philosophy behind the project. If it's a simple philosophy of recording whats there, then a shot list isn't necessary in my opinion, except to make sure you get enough coverage and don't forget something. However if you take a more visual approach to the medium, then a detailed shot list would be helpful, necessary even.
hscully
Veteran
Firstly, I agree pretty much with what PaPa said. He's got a great web series, if you want to see the result of his planning, I recommend it.
Anyway, I was shooting a scene yesterday with a theater director. She was brilliant with the actors and relied heavily on me to make sure we got good "coverage." We did but it took a lot of time. When I direct I have a very keen notion of what I want to see before I shoot so I storyboard and/or shot list everything. I stay open to what happens on the day but that plan gives me, I would guess 33% more productivity. First because I can shoot based on lighting plots (shooting one wall as Sidney Lumet calls it), wardrobe requirements, etc. Also, if I have some difficult setups like dolly shots I can plan them in, because if I don't, they won't get shot. They are the first to go and it always breaks my heart in edit.
It's hard work. For me, it's all about making our pages and getting great shots and when I have a shooting schedule I know how we're doing, so if something has to go that day, I at least know why. I always try to guess on the setup + 3 takes and schedule them. This way I know when we're falling behind.
When I don't plan, I find myself saying this "Is this shot doing anything for us?" That is, it it telling the story visually. Another problem with not planning is long takes for that actors that you probably won't use. It exhausts everyone. That happened yesterday and it got me saying to myself that things go MUCH better with a solid shot list and shooting schedule. Everyone works, gets breaks, and we make our pages without killing ourselves.
Anyway, I was shooting a scene yesterday with a theater director. She was brilliant with the actors and relied heavily on me to make sure we got good "coverage." We did but it took a lot of time. When I direct I have a very keen notion of what I want to see before I shoot so I storyboard and/or shot list everything. I stay open to what happens on the day but that plan gives me, I would guess 33% more productivity. First because I can shoot based on lighting plots (shooting one wall as Sidney Lumet calls it), wardrobe requirements, etc. Also, if I have some difficult setups like dolly shots I can plan them in, because if I don't, they won't get shot. They are the first to go and it always breaks my heart in edit.
It's hard work. For me, it's all about making our pages and getting great shots and when I have a shooting schedule I know how we're doing, so if something has to go that day, I at least know why. I always try to guess on the setup + 3 takes and schedule them. This way I know when we're falling behind.
When I don't plan, I find myself saying this "Is this shot doing anything for us?" That is, it it telling the story visually. Another problem with not planning is long takes for that actors that you probably won't use. It exhausts everyone. That happened yesterday and it got me saying to myself that things go MUCH better with a solid shot list and shooting schedule. Everyone works, gets breaks, and we make our pages without killing ourselves.
drapeama
Well-known member
I agree with you here. You could have a very specific idea of a scene and when you're on set, you just manage to see things differently, and it can be even better than the one you originally storyboarded. As I've heard in a movie once, and I personally think it can apply to many levels in life: "I think a plan is just a list of things that don't happen."
You can think about a way to shoot a scene and actually feel it differently on the set. Adaptation and having an open mind about it are the best options along preparation (storyboard) I think.
When I write something, I usually see it while I'm writing it. So in a sense, I don't need a storyboard as I already have it in my mind. As I'm usually the cinematographer of my own work (very minimal crew) it doesn't matter, but when working with a couple people, then it's a different game.
Grug
Veteran
I ALWAY construct a complete and detailed shot list before I shoot any project. I'm always too busy on set to be able to safely ensure I get all of my essential coverage just from memory, so I need an itemised list that I can tick off as I go along.
I find the beauty of that system lies in knowing your essential coverage. So long as you get the basic, essential shots you need - everything else is gravy; so I find having my checklist allows me to feel confident of having the bare minimum I'll need (which is huge for relieving stress), and also lets me know when I've got time to shoot additional coverage and get those interesting shots that pop into my head as I'm actually shooting, and seeing the scene unfold in front of me.
The other beauty of detailed shot lists (if you also edit your productions), is that you can give each and every shot a unique number, that makes sitting down to compile your rough cut a simple paint by numbers affair - which I find gets me past the hardest part of editing: laying the first cut down.
I find the beauty of that system lies in knowing your essential coverage. So long as you get the basic, essential shots you need - everything else is gravy; so I find having my checklist allows me to feel confident of having the bare minimum I'll need (which is huge for relieving stress), and also lets me know when I've got time to shoot additional coverage and get those interesting shots that pop into my head as I'm actually shooting, and seeing the scene unfold in front of me.
The other beauty of detailed shot lists (if you also edit your productions), is that you can give each and every shot a unique number, that makes sitting down to compile your rough cut a simple paint by numbers affair - which I find gets me past the hardest part of editing: laying the first cut down.
iamWZA
Active member
That's exactly how I feel. I want to show up on set and know what I need to get in order to have the bare minimum. As long as I can do that, any shots I get on top of that are a bonus.
If you don't, you're just asking for trouble.
Doesn't mean you can't come up with something spontaneous, but being well-prepared will make that MORE likely rather than less.
Leon Bailey
Well-known member
I write down how I want every single shot and check of as I go...adjust accordingly if I see fit. It doesn't always happen because I forget sometimes lol.
sonofaresiii
Well-known member
care to name a few?
You can't embark on a complex project without a thorough plan and expect to bring in quality results in a reasonable amount of time and budget.
hscully
Veteran
The worst one for me is to get back to edit and find that we don't have a reverse on a particularly terrific shot and so it doesn't cut. So, logistically, the most important reason for me is so that I don't miss important coverage.
Another is to be able to develop a shooting schedule so that I can stay on it and make our pages for the day, knowing if and when we're falling behind, what can go, what I have, and what I can get.
The main reason for me is to implement the shot I have imagined. A picture emerges in my head for all these scenes. I want to get that into the viewer's head. If I just wait to see what I can get on the day, then I have failed to be deliberate and conscientious about my intent.
I always shoot a photo-storyboard with a digital camera ( Panasonic LX7 pocket camera ) at the locations where we will be shooting, with either stand-ins or the actual actors who will be in the film. This gets turned into a PDF document that is then sent to the people that need to see it. This is a very quick technique, and provides you will a good visual guide on what to expect during the actual shoot.
Shooter
Veteran
Nothing by chance! Its all planned shot by shot....
Agency and client expect a full "breakdown", shotlist, storyboard , interpretation and presentation of the script in numerous meetings.
Art department requires detailed info so they can "create" and provide what is required for the shoot...before the shoot day. (Props, sets, sfx, model making etc)
Crew need to bring the equipment to be able to successfully achieve the shots. ( Lights, grip, audio, sfx etc)
Permits need obtaining and the authorities want to know what is planned , where and how long etc...
Efficient time management of expensive resources ... requires planning. eg Shot list and schedule.
Talent / actors need casting and booking appropriate to a script and intention. (incl rehearsal and block thru days)
Director needs a plan of approach.
D.P needs a "visual plan"
All HODs need to know what is planned
.........
The list is endless and varies. Basically...no surprises on the shoot day
If I am the "Director" - which varies for me job to job, I will have done my recce at each location, I will have at least 1 board per location and this may simply show layout and the direction I want to shoot the scene or part thereof with complete additional shot lists.
FWIW as well Im using a lot of iPhone apps that help. Im not fantastic at drawing so often go to the location and mock up some of the scene shots with the people that are with me using Artemis Directors VF app and then throw them through the Cinemek Storyboard app. Makes my life much easier.
EDIT TO ADD: Yes, every shot is planned, however Im open enough on shoot day to spontaneity if I see or the client see an opportunity.
FWIW as well Im using a lot of iPhone apps that help. Im not fantastic at drawing so often go to the location and mock up some of the scene shots with the people that are with me using Artemis Directors VF app and then throw them through the Cinemek Storyboard app. Makes my life much easier.
EDIT TO ADD: Yes, every shot is planned, however Im open enough on shoot day to spontaneity if I see or the client see an opportunity.
hscully
Veteran
I like to work with plots too. Check this out if you haven't already http://www.hollywoodcamerawork.us/sd_index.html
What's great about this thing, besides it runs on an iphone or ipad is that you plot your shots and it generates the list. I used in on this last web series and I love it! It has a lot of features like bringing in photos as story boards and even animating blocking and camera moves. You can output spreadsheets or pdfs of the plots and the shot lists... it's not perfect but it's nice! AND $20.
What's great about this thing, besides it runs on an iphone or ipad is that you plot your shots and it generates the list. I used in on this last web series and I love it! It has a lot of features like bringing in photos as story boards and even animating blocking and camera moves. You can output spreadsheets or pdfs of the plots and the shot lists... it's not perfect but it's nice! AND $20.