ACADEMY
SECONDARY SHOTS
7 Just move it! As we’re shooting movies, it’s good to think about movement. If the camera is locked down and there’s some movement in the frame, that’s usually a positive. Conversely, stillness can work to create tension, as the viewer is waiting for something to happen. But if there is no action and you’re not shooting a still scene for effect, shifting the camera can be a great idea. Try panning or tilting. Or using a slider, especially when revealing something important. A jib can work well, too. 8 Reallymove it! Transporting the camera a short distance is good, but you can think bigger! Use a drone, or an FPV drone for a unique angle. Try mounting your camera – or a small action cam– to a car, motorbike or bicycle. This can give a great POV shot – but always consider safety first!
9 Tracking tips
Big film crews have dollies on tracks, huge Russian Arm camera stabilisers, cameras on zip wires, motorbikes with platforms controlled remotely, extending arm cranes, or even someone on a Segway or skateboard, rolling alongside the subject for ‘tracking’ shots. With a motorised gimbal, you have access to a hugely mobile camera that takes the shakes out of your footage. Walk behind or in front of your subject, use it like a dolly, or place it on the end of a monopod for very low or high shots. Another consideration is mounting it to your own vehicle using a commercial mounting kit – and only drive on private land with permission! 10 Camera tricks There’s a time and place for a focus pull, and B-roll is usually where it works well. While lots of people use slow motion, consider very low frame rates for some blurry motion. Try a time-lapse or motion lapse, if you have the luxury of the right kit and time to do it. If your gimbal has the Inception -style 360° roll function, try a shot with it. It might work, it might not. Or, put your gimbal on a tripod and control it remotely, moving it during the shot. If you don’t try, you’ll never know!
8
9
7
“Have a skateboard rolling alongside for tracking shots”
SMOKING BARREL For an unusual look, try the Inception-style shot by holding your gimbal horizontally and spinning the camera through 360°. It won’t work for every film, but can add something a bit different when used at the right time
10
18
PRO MOVIEMAKER
Powered by FlippingBook