Dutch Angles

I'm producing a tv series right now (an action adventure reality show) and asked for shooting advice from the editor so I can include all the shots she would like to see, one of the things she mentioned was dutch. I like them if they are used correctly and for the right content. She knows what she is talking about and has produced a lot of network tv. Would I rule them out, NO WAY. DP's and photographers might get tired of seeing them but I don't think the normal audience does at all if they are used at the right time.
 
And don't ya just hate how more and more editors are becoming backseat directors? I know, that's a diferent thread.

But a producer just relayed a message to me from an editor wanting shallow depth of field on our next shoot. Sheesh! Okay, I'll stop.
 
I'm wanting the best possible outcome so I MUST include all suggestions and if they don't work in post we don't have to use them but at least we will have the content. I said editor but she is a producer, editor, writer, director. You have to go into a production being aware of all possiblities and my field shot list is getting long but it'll be worth it. I have seen big time hollywood directors ask people off the street for advice and actually use it in a feature film. You never know.
 
In Enemy of the State they flip back and forth, I couldn't figure out WHY they were doing that but they do it back to back and it doesn't bother me at all.
 
Kholi said:
In Enemy of the State they flip back and forth, I couldn't figure out WHY they were doing that but they do it back to back and it doesn't bother me at all.
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I loved that movie! Didn't really notice because at the time I watched it I wasn't into camera's and angels or photography.

Do you guy's think you ruin yourselfs from being in the business and watching movies? Ever analize so much you forget about the content?
 
ChipG said:
I loved that movie! Didn't really notice because at the time I watched it I wasn't into camera's and angels or photography.

Do you guy's think you ruin yourselfs from being in the business and watching movies? Ever analize so much you forget about the content?
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Yuuup. That's the thing. Have to learn how to separate yourself or it'll just eat you up and hold you back.

It took me a bit of time to learn how to do it, but I can turn it off like water now.
 
Kholi,

When I first came here All I heard about was P2 and 4:2:2 footage and noise.... UUGHH!

I ruined myself thinking about it and buying the wrong camera's for my purpose.

Makes you forget about the content.

I'll be using my 7 year old nieces $80 video camera for a few shots because it's a look I need and will work for 20 sec of content.

BTW I got new reading glasses and want you to check them for noise and flare, you'd never put these on your camera so I'm wondering why my eye doctor would sell them to me. I'll call you Monday :)
 
I've only used them a few times, and I do like them. It depends on what I'm shooting I guess. Especially if the shot has lots of vertical lines in it like walls or windows, dutch tilt can add a great look. Overuse can get annoying though, I agree.

Can someone further explain "proper use" of dutch tilt?

window.jpg
 
Anyone watch THE THIRD MAN recently? Dutch angles all over the place, sometimes seemingly at random, and it works great. Although I remember hearing a story about WC Fields (I think) watching the movie and then sending the director, Carol Reed, a bubble level along with a note that said something to the effect of "Maybe you can use this on your next film."

I think that a big problem with a dutch angle is that if it doesn't work exactly right, it completely takes you out of the movie. If an actor is a little wooden or if the focus is a little soft, it seems like it's easier to get over it, but when there's suddenly this big crooked shot, you can start asking yourself why the director would do that, and it becomes an intellectual exercise rather than an emotional ride. Sometimes directors want the audience to be responding intellectually, but I imagine most of the time the emotional response is what they're looking for.

I dislike dutch angles most when they are serving as some sort of shorthand for what the audience is supposed to be thinking at a given time. It's the old "Show, don't tell" thing: rather than showing us through the action of the scene that something is screwy, the director is essentially just giving us a cue that has nothing to do with what is actually going on in the world of the film. It's as if the director paused the film, came onscreen, said "Pay attention now, because something is off here," and then walked offscreen and resumed the film.
 
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the use of dutches in fear and loathing worked for me. so did the lighting, and mr. depp of course. no homo.
 
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