ON THE SET

 

Brief account of learning how to handle a camera, terminology to use on set and a good practice in editing 
In today's lesson (Thursday 17^th September) we explored the process behind setting up the camera and tripod, and how to use them. We used Canon cameras and Manfrotto tripods.

Camera and Tripods: In groups of 3 or 4, we passed one camera around, and set the tripod up in the middle.We made sure that we each had an opportunity to practice handling the camera, and to inset the battery and memorycard. We then gently

slotted in the camera into the tripod and tightened it, to make sure it was secure.

It was important that we ensured that the bubble was centred meaning that the camera was balanced and level. We then had a chance to explore the camera, learning how to focus, zoom in and adjust exposure. We were told the terms to use when handling and passing around cameras, for example when you pass the cameras over to another person you should say ‘yours’ and ‘mine’, so it is clear who has control and who is responsible for not dropping it.

On Set: In the filming industry terminology like ‘Standby’ is used by the director before starting to film to ensure that every one is ready. If they are, they reply with ‘Standing by’, this clear communication ensures that filming can be as efficient as possible.
When the director shouts ‘rolling’ it is a command for everyone on set to be quiet until they shout ‘action’, which signifies for the actors to begin. The last ‘cut’ signifies the end of the shoot and ‘strike the kit’ means the film crew should pack away, put camera batteries on charge and ensure the footage is uploaded.  
 
180 Degree rule: A cinematography guideline that states two characters in a scene should maintain the same left/right relationship to one another. When the camera passed over the invisible axis that connects the two subjects, it is referred to as crossing the line and the shot becomes a reverse angle.
 
 
White Balance (WB): The process of removing unrealistic colour casts, so that objects which appear white in person are rendered white in the photo. Proper camera white balance has to consider the "colour temperature" of a light source, which refers to the warmth or coolness of white light. 
To adjust the white balance, select ‘WB’ on the camera, so that little pictures representing 
difference colour tones that are used in different lights which come up. This will give a more realistic effect.
 

Good practice in editing: We are using Final Cut Pro and iMovie on the iMacs in the media studio. When uploading our footage, we should create folders called ‘bins’ to put the shots, unedited footage from cameras are called ‘rushes’.