i need help with continuity

[ugafan]

i'm shooting a short film. i have two actors, one camera and one microphone. so i set up the lights and film all the lines for one actor. i then set up and film the lines of the other actor. problem is, it doesn't seem like they're actually having a conversation. does anyone have any suggestions on what i can do to make it seem like they're really interacting? any input will be helpful.

 

[Drew Ott]

Start with a wide/master shot so we can understand perspective and get a feel for the room. Also make sure the eye lines match up.

When you film the lines of one actor, is the second actually there?

 

[Mark Harris]

When you say you film the lines for one actor, and then the other, do you mean you have the camera on one while they play the scene, or just have that actor say his lines?

 

[ugafan]

Start with a wide/master shot so we can understand perspective and get a feel for the room.

crap. that means i'll actually have to clean my house. i had just scooted the mess away from the sofa, just outside the shot.

 

[ugafan]

When you say you film the lines for one actor, and then the other, do you mean you have the camera on one while they play the scene, or just have that actor say his lines?

unfortunately since it is just me and another person, the other actor is the cameraman/sound guy when they aren't speaking.

 

[salils]

unfortunately since it is just me and another person, the other actor is the cameraman/sound guy when they aren't speaking.

Set up a lightstand or something and tape a piece of paper with a line on it that represents where your eye line was. Just tell your actor to talk to your light stand.

 

[Noel Evans]

unfortunately since it is just me and another person, the other actor is the cameraman/sound guy when they aren't speaking.

Is it a tripod shot? Just get everything set, mark your positions, roll, go to position and do your lines together. Then change to reverse angle.

But, when you say sound guy you mean boom op also? You may have to mount your boom.

 

[Rick Meyer]

unfortunately since it is just me and another person, the other actor is the cameraman/sound guy when they aren't speaking.

you might be forced to shoot it again and wear his hat while they are acting. you could get the over-the shoulder shot that might help sell it.

 

[Terry_Lasater]

Get with some local talent agencies and ask if they have any new actors/actresses that need a credit or something for their reel who would work one or two days in exchange. Just make sure you feed them... but not after midnight!

 

[Robbie Comeau]

Ugafan,

I'm scared of continuity every time I shoot. But in this case, I think I could handle it without any worries or stress.

Like Drew said, start off with a wide shot showing who's talking.

Then, get your MCU of talent A, and have them both talking (get talent B talking even though she/he isn't on camera) this way the eye's will match up no problem.

Then, get a CU of talent A again, and do it all over.

Next, move to talent B, and get the MCU and CU. So in total, if they don't mess up their lines or laugh, your shooting this 4 times, covering a nice medium shot, and a close up shot of both characters.

The reason why I would get both shots (CU and MCU) is because you have more to handle with in post. Another reason is what if your in a MCU shot, and the continuity went wrong for what ever reason? Well you can always use your second shot, which is the CU to cover that problem.

Hope I could help,

Robbie.

Then