Shot assistance.

[dsk]

Hi all.

I am in need of some professional advice as I am shooting a scene that I'm sure I could easily screw up (since I haven't done it before or had so much on the line)

On Sunday I need to shoot 2 scenes where I need various POV. The main talent will be walking and looking at children playing in a park. A child then will look back and I need POV from the child. I have a similar scene where they walk past eachother and I want to show eye contact, and then the main talent looking (tighter shot) at the child as the child walks away.... then the child turns back to look at the main talent.

I'm sure this is cinematography 101, but since my books from amazon have not yet arrived I am calling on your experiences.


Many Thanks!


Dave

 

[filmelife]

Re: Shot assistance.

Shoot hollywood style.

Get your main shots covering the full action and then go for your POV or CU shots. Make sure the actions are repeated precisely by the actors, so you can cut in on the action. Its good to have a continuity person on this shoot. But if you dont, use your record review before advancing to the next shot. that way you will know if there's jump cuts.

Good luck

 

[J.R. Hudson]

Re: Shot assistance.

The eyeline is key on this one.

 

[Turbulence]

Re: Shot assistance.

Here's a couple tips regarding getting a nice eye line. First decide your framing.

Example: If the Main Talent is on the right side of the frame he should be looking to his left off camera. The same for the child only reversed. The child is in the left side of the frame looking right.

Next think about the positions of each character. Odds are the Main talent is going to be taller than the child. So let the Main character's eye line drop a little lower than usual. Again do the same with the child only have him look up a little higher. Not too much but just enough, just enough to sell it.

Finally shift the framing once the child walks away, have him look back at the Main character. Now if this is an important moment for your film have the main character in the middle of the frame. It will make the shot more effective.

Hope this helps.