Need Advice for short film production at DVinfo.net

Silas Barker · September 19th, 2010, 11:30 PM

Ok, I just started filming my first BIG short film. a Multi thousand dollar project with insurance and permits, and 5D and lens, Zacuto, etc....15 minute short film, with 1-6 actors at a time, 2-4 crew.

I have learned a few things with the first 2 days of filming.

1) Everything takes way longer then you think it will
2) The lighting outside changes ALOT

For shooting a scene, it does not seem to work to shoot everything wide, and then do the close ups, because by the time you do the close ups, the lighting is all different. And its not possible to cheat really because the environment is a fixed environment. SUGGESTIONS??!

As far as time for shooting, is there a way to know much much time each shot will take.....is an estimate for about 15 minutes per shot about right, given you do multiple takes?

I am in the middle of this and need help now for the next 5-6 shoots coming up.

Also is it better to reshoot a scene if possible rather then just take extra shots to finish up a half shot scene?

Thanks everyone.

Ken Hull · September 20th, 2010, 07:53 PM

Silas,

Would it be practical to use your 5D to shoot background stills (and even background videos) on location, then go into a studio and shoot the actors in front of a greenscreen? There would probably be just a few shots where actors had to actually be "on location", but most shots could be done at your leisure in a studio. Of course, you need to be sure the light seems to come from the same direction in the studio shot as in the background shot. You can cheat a little bit with matching fill light, but not too much or the audience will notice the difference.

Ken

September 19th, 2010, 11:30 PM	#1
Silas Barker Major Player Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Sacramento, California Posts: 577	Need Advice for short film production Ok, I just started filming my first BIG short film. a Multi thousand dollar project with insurance and permits, and 5D and lens, Zacuto, etc....15 minute short film, with 1-6 actors at a time, 2-4 crew. I have learned a few things with the first 2 days of filming. 1) Everything takes way longer then you think it will 2) The lighting outside changes ALOT For shooting a scene, it does not seem to work to shoot everything wide, and then do the close ups, because by the time you do the close ups, the lighting is all different. And its not possible to cheat really because the environment is a fixed environment. SUGGESTIONS??! As far as time for shooting, is there a way to know much much time each shot will take.....is an estimate for about 15 minutes per shot about right, given you do multiple takes? I am in the middle of this and need help now for the next 5-6 shoots coming up. Also is it better to reshoot a scene if possible rather then just take extra shots to finish up a half shot scene? Thanks everyone.

September 20th, 2010, 07:53 PM	#2
Ken Hull Major Player Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 240	Maybe greenscreen? Silas, Would it be practical to use your 5D to shoot background stills (and even background videos) on location, then go into a studio and shoot the actors in front of a greenscreen? There would probably be just a few shots where actors had to actually be "on location", but most shots could be done at your leisure in a studio. Of course, you need to be sure the light seems to come from the same direction in the studio shot as in the background shot. You can cheat a little bit with matching fill light, but not too much or the audience will notice the difference. Ken Last edited by Ken Hull; September 20th, 2010 at 10:28 PM.