How to Shoot a Movie Scene

Shooting a movie scene can be very challenging. So many things need to be taken into consideration, and shooting a poor scene can wreak havoc on the movie. Here are some basics to keep in mind when deciding how to direct a scene.

Instructions

1. Different directors approach rehearsals differently, but rehearsals make sure the actors know what to say and where to stand and move. Also, rehearsals make sure the cameraman knows what and how to shoot the scene.

2. Shot composition is crucial. There is a rule of thirds used by all directors which states the human eye is constantly trying to balance a frame. By breaking a frame into nine individual squares, like in Tic Tac Toe, and putting objects into these squares, it will create a pleasing composition that is balanced. Furthermore, avoiding the center square can result in far more pleasing compositions. Be mindful of this idea when arranging objects and actors in a scene.

3. There are three main shots that a director should know: the long shot, the medium shot, and the close-up. The long shot shows the the entire subject, the medium shot shows the subject from the waist up, and the close-up shows the subject from the shoulders up. A scene is generally shot from a long shot first, called the master shot, and gradually moves closer for the other shots.

4. A popular way to shoot a conversation is in shot-reverse. This is where one subject is shot on the far left third of the frame, looking across the frame. Then, the other person in the conversation is shot from the far right frame, looking across the frame. When edited together, it gives the illusion that the two people are speaking to each other.

5. Be careful not to shoot your subjects directly in front of a flat surface, like a wall. Film gives the illusion of three-dimensional space, so make sure the location seems three-dimensional. One popular technique is to make sure that walls behind the subjects appear to be at an angle, to provide a sense of depth to the space. Another thing to do is to put objects in the background, also to provide a sense of depth.

Tips & Warnings

• Do more research into shooting techniques. It is quite complex and more research could prevent making common errors. The most important film education is to watch movies and make movies. Put in a DVD of one of your favorite films and examine how the director uses the techniques listed above. Then get a camera and experiment for yourself.