Locked down shots

S

suitelife123

Member
Are there any basic rules or common mistakes to look out for when doing a lot of static shots, I'm referring to characters walking out frame kind of shots. Thanks
 
They're not rules so much as techniques.

For example: Two people face each other in a right angle master. One of the actors says something significant to the second actor. The second actor steps towards the camera forming a nice reaction two shot and then turns to the first actor becoming an over the shoulder. This is blocked with taped marks onthe ground for the actor to hit. Taped marks employ different colors of tape. Each color represents a different actor. Literally each actor must hit their marks and these are also shown on the shooting script so they know at which line the mark they should be at.

All of this is done with the camera locked down. There are literally dozens of blocking techniques that can be used with a static locked down camera. Having the actors move into key positions during a take helps when you don't have the time to always be setting up a dolly.
 
Craig points, Craig.
I would add that all the rules apply when you shoot the classic way :-)
The most important rules are eye level continuity from shot to shot, screen direction, camera right camera left, looking in right direction, exits and entrances correctly done. Oh, and, of course, do proper coverage.
 
you have to remember that the "locked down shot" is not natural to the human eye. Without movement the eye literally cannot see. So go ahead and use them sparingly. But try and make sure they are motivated - don't use them just because you think they look cool

:)
 
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