Using a video camera

This week we have been learning about how to correctly use the cameras.

We started off by learning how to set up the tripod, including bubbling, setting the height and securing the camera. To bubble the tripod we had to adjust the levels and make sure the bubble in the spirit level was in the centre of the selected circle. Using a tripod has benefits including creating a steady shot and also keeping it very still. However you can also work the camera from handheld, with is beneficial when wanting to create a unstable view for the audience.

We then learnt about the different functions and options of the camera. We first learnt about the time code, how film is measured in hours, minutes, seconds, and then how many frames have been shot in a 25^th of a second. We then learnt to white balance by placing a white piece of paper a few inches in front of the camera to set the colours for the shot. Aperture settings taught us how much light was getting into the camera, the bigger the hole the more light will enter meaning it will become more exposed, the smaller the hole means the less light making it under exposed. We learnt to focus by zooming in on the shot fully and then focussing by twisting the focus wheel until it was clear and focused before we zoomed out to the shot we wanted.

Then we moved onto basic filming skills such as camera shot types. We learnt about the differences of close ups, long shots, medium long shots. We also learnt about the rule of thirds and how to place a shot into the rule. When having a close up of a person you need to include head space and make sure the spaces in the shot are equal. We need to remember continuity to make a cut between shots look seamless and flowing. Like if your hair is behind your ear in, in one shot and then not in the next it will look stilted.

In our practice shot we made many mistakes by crossing the 180’ rule. We didn’t think about this whilst filming so when we came to look at our takes the sequence was stilted and confusing. Our close ups were also shot from the side and not directly on. When we come to shooting again we will remember to set up the 180’ rule and not cross it by making sure that each actor is on the right side of the camera. We will also re-place our camera for the close ups.

 

We were also taught some film making terminology:

STAND BY / STANDING BY - readys everyone into position for the take. The AD calls STAND BY and the response tells them that everyone is prepped

 TURN OVER / TURNING OVER (Roll film/Rolling etc) The director tells the camera operator to start filming - a few seconds of film is then run as the camera gets up to speed - this is often referred to as LEAD IN. Once done the Camera operator will respond TURNING OVER or ROLLING (etc) to indicate being up to speed

 ACTION! - Cue for the actors to perform the take, and the crew to do their jobs. It is good practice for the Director to let the film run on a further few seconds after the take is completed before cutting - this is referred to as LEAD OUT

 CUT! - Cue for the camera to stop running film. Industry practice expects that the camera operator does not CUT before being told

The move from taking still camera shots to using a video camera was fairly simple but the setting up of the camera and tripod was a little confusing at first as there was so much to do. Setting up a still camera is different as you only need to hold it with your hand for most shots whereas for the video camera you need to put it on a tripod for most shots. They are similar in the way they both have aperture and focus.