"First Person" Rig..

G

GregPorter

Active member
Anyone have any tutorials, tips, how-to videos or links to a good First person harness?

I really want to test out some first person-style shoots but I have no real way to mount a camera correct without it feeling too hand-held and wobbly/shuffly instead of being a solid movement.

Also, I'd need a wide-ish angle lense too right?
 
Hi, I've looked into snorricams before and I love the effect but I want to give the effect of seeing out of my characters eyes, not having the camera locked to their face to give that kind of dizzy drunken feeling.

Could I just mount the camera facing forward to get the effect I want?


Also, I want to be able to make fast movements and be able to whip around as if the character is turning fast, so I need something sturdy.
 
Hi Greg,

For moving POV shots (like your playing Halo) I'd just use a stabilization
system like Glidecam. The camera operator holds it at eye level and
moves through the shot.

Here's a link to building a "poor man's" steadycam
http://steadycam.org/

The key, in my humble opinion, to making this work is not so much the
camera movement, but the environment's reaction to the camera
movement. So, if you turn to face someone, they acknowlege the
camera and/or look straight into the lens.

Normally this is a no-no, but it adds to the illusion.

If there's no interaction with actors, you can use subtle movements
of the lens (swaying back and forth between two open doors for
example) to give the illusion we're looking through their eyes.

Of course, I've seen people go real crazy and have a PA walk beside
the operator with a sword extended out into the frame. Or add
night vision "goggles" in post.

More food for thought.

Peter
 
Thanks guys!

Also.. Would it be best to get a wide angle lens or something? To give the effect of what real eyes can actually see, as well as being able to see hands/arms or whatever in the first person shot?
 
50mm is consistent with the distance we see with our eyes but 35mm is more commonly used for POV shots as it is wider. Despite the barrel distortion 28mm lenses have been used to emulate the look and is still accepted.
 
Thanks everyone, you've all been a great help. :p

If there's anything else you recommend please feel free to PM me or just post it here! :p
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top