Tips from a Cameraman #5

Filming People

To give depth and better 3D:

People shouldn’t be close against wall
Have them turn a bit so items are over their shoulder
Have them gesture without actually looking at whatever it is they're mentioning - if they’re away from wall enough, it works

Have them "repeat" the action several times so you can shoot the same scene as a wide shot, a medium shot, and a tight shot. As these "repeats" are being made, don't have the subject talk, it's easier to do a voice over later. You could separate audio from video if you had to though.

Sample steps for "repeat" shots:

Wide shot – walking and sit down

Repeat – move camera – do action again

Repeat again - move camera to different spot - do action again

Performer Tips

Once camera starts, have them remain still and silently count to 3 slowly before the "action" starts
As the "action" ends, have them remain still and silently count to 3 slowly before the filming ends

(The above two tips will help during the editing process. You might have a student serve as the camera assistant to visually give cues.) Maybe a video
Be still - of course some action is necessary, but if action is not required, stand still, keep hands and arms still, don't be moving head around
Appropriate facial expressions throughout the entire time the camera is on
Appropriate eye focus - don't roll eyes and look off into the distance unless it's part of the "act"
Speak clearly, loudly (not shouting, but perhaps louder than normal voice)
Speak a bit more slowly than normal
Good to have a practice run-through

Filming a Computer Screen
Because of incompatibilities of resolution, refresh rate, and interlacing, it is often difficult to get good shots of computer screens on video.

Avoid Screen Flicker

Screen flicker is undesirable on film.. It occurs with certain cameras combined with certain monitor settings. Tape a brief clip of the screen and see if flicker occurs. If so, try one of these solutions:

Use a different monitor or different camera.
Change the refresh rate in display settings for the monitor.
Use an active matrix screen. Any laptop will suffice (or a newer flat display for desktops). Be sure to film in a darkened room so the colors will be bright.

Try VGA to video output.

The video quality can be better if you don't use a camera; use a VGA to video output directly into the video recorder. These are common devices called scan converters or video encoders. You will need to use a microphone to record your audio narration.

Have Fun!

Return to Teacher Help Pages or Student Resource Pages

Last updated June 23, 2011 ~ Mrs. K. Bradley
kbradley@otsegoknights.org

Tips from a Cameraman #5

Filming People

Performer Tips

Filming a Computer Screen

Have Fun!