Camera workshop 2

When we on set during filming time, time is very important for us and especially during real film/ TV filming. The order of shots effects the time we are on set. For example we have two cast in this production and we only need Fred for a few scenes, so we would film him first instead of keeping him till the end, therefore we can finish his part and let him go. Then, we would film Freddie as he has more scenes alone. In the end we would film close up of props. If this is real film production set then we would have save more money as both of the cast finishes first.

For romantic film, they would film love scenes first, in case in the future anything happened between the actors. For action films, they would film the action sequences first, as the scene cost more money and many action scenes contain CGI, so as soon as they finished filming they can ask the editor to start edit the action scenes first. Which they have more time to edit those scenes. 

Shot list is very important when we on set, it helps us to organize all the scenes we need to shoot so we don't forget any scenes.

When we shoot a scene we normally start with the wide angle, also call as master shot. The reason we always start with wide shot is because that even though anything happened to the actor or props, we still have a wide shot which contains everything. If we start with mid shot or close up, then when we edit, we might not have enough scenes to edit or the mid shot doesn't contain full messages.

Because we need many different shot and angles so we need to make sure that props and actors are on the same positions every time. This is to make the continuity of the video. For example, in the first shot, the actor used right hand picked up an apple, so the rest of the shots he needs to use the same hand. This is for the impact of the audiences, if there is a mistake effects the continuity of the sequence then audiences would feel less into the film. 

During the time on set, for more organize it is better to have call out. 'Stand by' is call out by the director, so the actor is ready to shoot, at the right position. Following with the crew say 'standing by', which suggest to the camera man that it is good to roll the camera. 

'Roll camera' should call by the director, this is telling the camera man to start record. Following with 'camera rolling' is when the camera man press the record button and the shot has start timing. At this stage the actor shouldn't start their performance, they should wait for the 'Action'. Having few seconds before action is for more footage time for editor. Same as after finish the scene, before the director call out 'cut' the camera should keep rolling.

'Action' call out is when the actors should start their performance, 'cut' is when the shot is over, when every one stop. The actors should stop and the camera should stop filming.

For helping the actors or staff to find the right position of camera, on set we should use stand mark. Having this mark can help the actor to stand on the right position and also for helping the camera to find the right angle, as we normally take many shots for each scene. Stand mark normally tape on the floor or find an object and put it on the floor.

During filming, the screen where we can see the footage should be facing the crew and not look back. This is because it is a waste of time and also not showing to the actors is because after they have watch the footage they might change their position for their own benefits, to make sure they look pretty.

The composition of camera is very important, for the quality of the film and audiences' understanding. 180 degree rules is the most important rule, because during a dialogue, having the camera on one side help the audience to understanding the position of the actors and who are they speaking to. 

Another rule is rule of third, which help with the look of the shot and balance of the shot. Also, help the audience to find the center of interest.