Representing the Real - Documentary Workshop (Camera & Sound)
General:
Using external sound can be an issue if you are working by yourself, or with a very small crew.
Visuals are very important, you can even create variations in meaning through the visuals. Effecting the way an audience read into the film.
Always ask yourself, “Why am I filming this?”
Before you go out to shoot your visuals, create ‘filters’ for what you want. Think about the tone and moods that you want to create, and keep that list in mind as you are out filming.
Everything has two layers. The information layer, and the emotional layer.
Keep all of your footage organised, with notes if possible. You will be thankful for this when it comes to the edit.
Remember to factor in set-up time.
Leave room for audience interpretation. Don’t reveal too much.
Cinematography:
General:
It is good to have other items in shot to show scale, but they can’t be too distracting.
Shoot with the edit in mind.
When shooting interviews, pay attention to what is going on behind the camera. You don’t want your subject to be distracted, as this will show within the film. Make sure the person being interviewed knows where to look.
Do not rely only on ‘talking head’ style interviews.
Cutaways / b-roll can be used to give extra information as well as to establish emotion and tone.
Look at fiction film and borrow techniques from there.
Think about lighting.
Make use of location.
Rules of Framing:
Your horizontals and verticals should be straight.
Remember the Rule of Thirds.
Be aware of headroom, looking room, and leading room.
Think about what is in the background of shots.
Camera Movements:
Pan - Can be used to break/change the rhythm, and contextualise the location.
Tilt - Similar in use to Pan
Zoom - Useful to reframe quickly. The actual zoom is not often kept in the edit.
Follow - Difficult to keep steady, but very effective if done well. It is useful to use a wide angle, and to be around arms length from your subject.
Panning and Tilting can be difficult due to the framing and focus. Thus it is helpful to find your end frame first so that you know where it is and what the focus needs to be.
Sound:
Not having a huge amount of headroom in your shots allows for closer booming.
Try to set the boom up so that you don’t need to hold it. Interviews can be long, save your arms.
Point the mic down to minimise reverb.
Don’t just use visuals to illustrate spoken word. Use sound too.
Tips For Interviews:
Have some informal conversations with your interviewee to help create a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Don’t talk about anything related to filming/your film during this time.
Make sure there is catering.
Allow the interview to be somewhat free, and follow what you hear. Don’t let it go too off topic though.
Recommendations:
Films:
Don’t F**k With Cats - Mark Lewis
The Pleasure of Being Robbed - Josh Safdie
Touching The Void - Kevin MacDonald
One Day in September - Kevin MacDonald
Marley - Kevin MacDonald
