NINE TIPS

for Making a Movie

HERE IS SOME ADVICE I GiVE TO students who have access to video editing equipment. I have added instructions for home moviemakers who must do their editing in the camera.

1) Unless shooting an unpredictable event, start with a tentative script and check off items as you record them. For efficiency, shoot everything needed in a given location without regard to continuity.

2) Use a tripod as often as possible. When hand-holding, brace the elbow of the hand holding the camera against your body. Use the other hand for lens adjustments, or hold the top of the camera for extra steadiness.

3) Avoid shooting when zoomed in if the camera is hand held. Go as close to your subjects as possible (no closer than four feet, however) and use the wide-angle (about 15mm) position. This minimizes evidence of camera movement and gives you maximum depth of field.

4) Avoid backlit subjects as much as possible; the lens on automatic exposure will close down and your subjects will be too dark. A 45 degree light source behind the camera is best. And for exteriors, gray days give better lighting on faces than sunny ones.

5) There are four basic camera moves: lateral from stationary position (PAN), up and down (TILT), movement of the camera (DOLLY), and use of lens to magnify image (ZOOM). Don't pan too much unless you are following a person or an object. If not following something, pan slowly to avoid exaggerated movement.

6) For editing purposes, hold camera positions as long as possible. If you want to pan, begin in stationary position and hold, then pan; when pan is completed, hold in final position. You can then use either end of pan as a single shot. The same principle applies to zooms. When it is considered aesthetically desirable, hold on the subject before zoom and again after zoom. That way, the zoom itself can be cut out and you have two angles on the subject for later use.

7) Always start the camera recording before the key moment you want and let the camera continue for ten seconds after you have what you want. You can cut lead-ins and lead-outs for smooth editing.

8) Remember that sound track and picture are often used separately, as when you illustrate what someone says. But record background sound over action or scenery and avoid talking while you shoot. You need this "presence" to avoid drop-out.

9) Shoot extraneous visual materials for editing purposes. These are called "cutaways" or "seagull shots." In a street locale, shoot storefronts, cars, clocks, license plates, cops. And when you shoot a person talking, get reaction shots of listeners or an interviewer. The latter's questions can be shot separately and inserted where needed.

Passable editing can be done with two VCRs; the original cut is resequenced as it is transferred to the copy. A new gadget selling for $600 produces a more sophisticated result. Filmmakers on a budget can edit in the camera as most camcorders with flying erase heads make clean cuts from shot to shot. You can get effective results by shooting, reviewing, and stopping the tape at the desired point. Don't use a lead-in (as described in step seven), but begin the incoming shot with the desired action, letting it run as long as you wish because you can trim it.