Capturing What’s Important
September 14 2009
In some situations it can become difficult to know what to focus on. Especially if there is a lot going on around the shot. It is essential that you stay focused on the story, subject or events in order to be able to sell the feature well. If things do change, quickly decide who is going to be the most interesting subject to follow, either with their own story or who can further the original one.
Deciding who your key subject is, and the story you want to tell while creating your schedule should help you make decisions if things change. Indecision will spoil the scene and you may end up missing something as a result. Having a picture in your head about what the shoot is to achieve and the overall story being told can help you make instant decisions if you have to adapt to a situation. Reminding yourself of the principles of storytelling can help just before a shoot. It can bring to mind what to do if a situation unfolds in front of you.
Deciding in advance who the key character is will help when capturing what’s important. If you have to adapt to an unfolding event, stick with it. The shoot will be ruined if the camera pans back and forth in indecision.
Placing your subjects where you want them and where the light is best is one of the best way of getting all the action. Thinking about how they will interact is also a good trick to know, as you can seat people according to who they are most likely to interact with to create the effect you want. Adding a second or third shot can also help in these situation if there is a lot going on at once. They can all then be edited into a cohesive whole without having to miss anything or to pan too quickly across frame to get whatever is going on.
If you rely on a single shot when there is a lot going on, you aren’t going to capture everything, there will be a lot of panning and the shot won’t be in focus when you arrive there. You will miss things, and it isn’t always possible to repeat the action.
Carrying the camera all the time can make the difference between an okay shoot and a Pulitzer prize if you’re in the right place at the right time. Always be ready to film. Full batteries, plenty of tape and having the camera running just before and after a shoot can also make the difference between a good sequence and a great one.
Applying some thought to these points beforehand will enable the shoot to capture exactly what you want, when you want it. In filmmaking if the shot doesn’t further the story or show something relevant it’s a waste of time. Being prepared and planning the shots and how to deal with situations should they unfold will ensure that the whole shoot goes well and nothing is missed.
