The Second Camera Workshop

On 21^st of September our class had another practical with the Black Magic cameras and equipment.

 This time we were introduced to the 180 degree rule. It is a cinematography guideline that states that two characters or objects in a scene should maintain the same left/right relationship to one another. Crossing of the line results in passing over the invisible axis connecting the two subjects and the shot becoming a reverse angle. This is usually disorientating and distracting for the audience, so it is recommended to avoid crossing it. However, there are many cases when the line can be intentionally crossed to achieve a desired effect.

The order in which shots are filmed is from wide to close. It is faster to set up a wider take and use

it for adjustment of the closer shots afterwards. Each take the actions of the actors, whether they are in or out of the frame, must be the same. This is called continuity and is essential for avoiding mistakes. Neglect of this rule can lead to multiple visual and sound inaccuracies.

There are several call outs used on a set in purpose of orientating the crew when the filming is about to begin. The first one is "Picture's up!", it indicates that you are getting ready to shoot. During rehearsals a common call would be  "Rehearsal's up!". Then it is "Roll sound!" and "Sound speeds!" to start the recording and quiet down the cast. The director would then call "Stand by!", "Camera rolling!" and "Action!", expecting to get a response from the cameramen after the first two shouts, such as "Standing by" and "Rolling". "Action" signals the actors to start performing. When the scene is done the director calls "Cut!" indicating the end of filming.

Actors often require marks in the acting area made with tape or other unnoticeable materials to specify their positioning. Correct placing is essential to keep up with the rule of continuity and achieve a pleasant series of shots. Marks also ease the actors' tasks by reducing the amount of information they have to remember.

Two simple, frequently made mistakes which result in not getting enough footage are starting to shoot too soon and ending too early. These lost few seconds can make a difference in editing and overall effect of the shot. The solution is to follow "Camera Roll!" call and start filming before the call for action, and keep it working after the scene until declaring cut.

It is advised to avoid watching of the footage back on the set, because it consumes the time arranged for shooting. Playing of the records attracts actors and the rest of the crew to see their work; this brings everyone out of their positions and results in disorganization. It takes a while to rearrange the members and get ready to continue.

In the end we were asked to film three or four scenes to practice with our new knowledge and create some footage for the next lesson on editing. It supposed to be a simple action which we recorded four times in four different zoom levels. 

We started from a long shot of Oriana, then took a mid-shot of her and ended on a close up of her hands.