Tips for shooting great movies (PDF, 559KB)

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TIPS FOR SHOOTING GREAT MOVIES (cont)
12. Shot Variety
When shooting video, get plenty of A-roll (main event shots) and B-roll footage (fill or cut away shots). If a
shooting a sports day story as well as shooting each event, get shots of crowd reaction, the starter’s gun,
preparing for an event, presentations etc.
13. Watch Your Angle
Take your shots from a variety of angles. Experiment by shooting from high and low angles. Try to avoid
shooting all your shots from ‘front on’ and from eye level. Try to get perspective into your shots.
14. Create Some Interest
Try shoots that are different and creative. Experiment by shooting the reflection in a pond or mirror. Shoot
from a moving car. Shoot from inside a dark room the action taking place outside an open door in bright
light. Shoot ‘walking feet’ from ground level. Shoot lots of POV (Point of View Shots).
15. Move It
Moving with the camera while shooting can be very powerful. Follow a conversation taking place; a
person walking; or move towards or away from a subject to create depth. Experiment by moving with
the camera for POV and subjective shots. Use a dolly, wheelchair, skate-board or cushion to steady the
camera while moving. Take care while shooting!
16. Action and Reaction
Where characters are involved action shots should be followed by reaction shots. If shooting a wide action
shot of a person running and he/ she is becoming exhausted, shoot a close up reaction shot of their face
panting.
17. Establish the Setting
An audience needs to connect with where the action (story) is taking place. Use establishing (wide, long)
shots to verify a location. This can also be done with ‘on screen’ text during editing.
18. Connect the Start and Finish
Good stories often connect the beginning and end (either with a location or a statement or question). In
some movies, we see a setting shot that is repeated at the end of the movie as a cap-off. This often works
well in any video, particularly with short stories, commercials or documentaries.
19. Listen
Always wear headphones to monitor audio input level while shooting particularly for ambient and
background sound and conversation shots. Use an external microphone where ever possible.
20. Talk About It
Communication is a key component of a successful production. Discuss in your production team issues
such as shot type, location, framing, genre, mood and message. Also discuss new ideas that may arise.
FILM-MAKING RESOURCE
Created by Kym Nadebaum 2012