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03/25/2005 12:42:22 PM · #1 |
I just signed a contract to be the set photographer for an independent film. I've never done anything like this before. Does anyone have any tips, advice or do's and don'ts?
Also, I'm shooting digital. Is there any extra equipment I'll need besides my camera? What lenses are good for this type of thing? I'm guessing I'll just be using the lighting for the set, so I won't need a flash or extra lighting. Am I right about this?
I'm nervous. :/ |
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03/25/2005 01:11:05 PM · #2 |
I've never shot on a set before, but I've hired photographers to shoot and I do a lot of work choosing photos after a shoot.
First, talk to the director or assistant director to find out what they want. Find out if they want documentation of the "making of" or they want scene shots. Usually they'll want a mix of both. You'll probably be limited to photographing the rehearsals (depending on the type of shoot), so take some time to watch what they're doing so that you'll know the important shots to get.
A mix of 3/4 framed individual shots and then group shots that show the action are always desireable. Set lighting is usually pretty good so you definitely won't need a flash (and it would be distracting and possibly ruin a shot). You might want to bring a flash just in case they want to get some other shots like cast/crew - sometimes a fill flash is helpful for large groups.
Get lots of coverage of the actors - often they'll have kill rights and their contracts will vary depending on whether there are other people in the shot. The more the publicity and key art folks have to work with later on, the better it'll be for the film as a whole.
Have fun and be enthusiastic - cast and crew love it when you're interested in what they're doing but try to stay out of their way. Try to document as much as possible about who you're shooting and what scenes (did they give you a script?).
Have a good time and let us know how it goes!
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03/25/2005 01:13:31 PM · #3 |
Have you seen some of the shots done by Jeff Bridges on the Seabiscuit DVD? I believe he uses what is an old Widelux film camera that has a viewing angle of nearly 180 degrees. The great thing about his photography is that it has a very regal and humble feel about it. The movie sets and actors are not glamorized, but taken in their natural settings. The wide nature of the shots he takes gets people unaware that they are in the shot, which makes for some funny and touching scenes.
Lens wise, I would bring both the widest and longest lenses you own, perhaps two bodies so you don't have to switch. If you don't have two bodies, go buy a cheap film body with as wide angle as you can find (since wider angles on a Dig. Rebel are difficult and expensive). Hell, buy a Widelux.
Edit: //www.photomediagroup.com/archive/2004-spring/bridges.html
Just some ideas.
Message edited by author 2005-03-25 13:27:43. |
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03/26/2005 01:51:19 PM · #4 |
thanks so much to both of you for the advice. It's very helpful!
bledford, those shots by jeff bridges are incredible. I wish I could afford a widelux. |
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