Stressing out.

Robbie Comeau

Robbie Comeau

Como's back. back again
Let me ask you all something,

when you make films, lets say a 6 minute short.

Do you find it easier to shoot it in one small location (lets say your doing a saw type movie and you only have one location)

Or would you rather shoot a movie where there is more than one location, making it so you don't have to film in the same spot.

I'm just stressing out here, worrying. I have a sweet short I can film soon, but It's in one location, and I'm always scared to shoot shorts now, because I am always worried about continuity. Making sure the actors do the same thing, and when I switch angles, every thing is smooth and flowable.

Sorry if I'm not making much sense here, but try to bare with me.
 
I think it's much easier to shoot in one location. Just think of all the gear you have to haul around. You're always going to have to deal with continuity issues, it doesn't matter how many locations you have, unless you're in a location that you can't control (will people be moving stuff around on you?).
 
The story is going to dictate the locations. If it's a good story, that will show through. As you get more experience you can become more adventurous in your storytelling.
 
Getting enough coverage is what will allow your cuts to be smooth. That way in the edit you can hide it when your actors don't do the same thing each take.

One location is easier but if you're shooting something long, it could definitely get tiring after a while. I prefer two or three main locations. What I hate is when you shoot one location or so a day, but the beginning few hours and ending few hours are arranging and rearranging the set.
 
What I meant by more than one location, is that you don't have to look for continuity AS much. Say you shoot for about 1 hour in one location (once editing is done its about a minute in the film) then you go to another location and shoot for another hour. It's just less things you have to look for and what not.
 
Continuity tips -- Singles are easier to cut between than over the shoulder shots. Always have a "doorknob shot", basically an insert of something you can always cut to, like a clock or a doorknob, or a dog. At the end of each actors single, have them look left at something, and then right at something, or up and down if applicable. This can get you out of a continuity jam if looks aren't matching.
 
I agree with Batutta on getting a cut away shot or a "cat in the window" shot, or even..."monkey in the basket"...whatever you wanna call it. Just get b-roll for backup purposes.

Also, I was on a shoot where the script supervisor took Polaroids of the set and actors every time we changed angles. This allowed a visual reference to look at. And speaking of script supervisors, another pair of eyeballs looking specifically for continuity will let you do your job with less worry.

Also, sticking to the 180 degree rule (which of course can be broken for the name of art and all that) will help in keeping your cuts logical and maintain orientation for the audience. Hope your shoot goes well.
 
I was told (by a book) that's it's always good to start with a master (all subjects, the entire scene), so that you always have things to cut away to. But it also makes sense to get some coverage for continuity purposes.

Changing locations won't affect continuity so much. It's easier to shoot one location, but it has more to do with time than anything.

Be sure to take polaroids and record your shots and describe the sides, what side your actors holds the gun, what side he looks when talking to the other subject, etc... make sure the actors pay attention to continuity as well. Don't be afraid to go back into the footage to double check.
 
Scout the location first and then play the movie out in your head scene by scene. This will greatly eliminate continuity issues, but you still have to be careful.
 
bravefire said:
... "cat in the window" shot, ...
Click to expand...

Dov-ism #629.
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Repeatability is one of the most important traits to look for in an actor during casting beside the ability to hit their marks and ability to actually take direction. The less you need to use your cutaways the better you can keep the pacing the way you need your scene.
 
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