Intentional camera movement during shot
 

Films and TV Programs such as NYPD Blue and others have pioneered the use of what appears to be handheld camera use for a fixed position camera shot, the idea presumably being to provide a more dynamic appearance.
A couple of questions about this:
1. are these shots actually handheld or using a tripod with pan/tilt movement?
2. can this effect more easily be produced in post?

thanks
Greg

Greg, I've been on the set of FX Networks's "The Shield" various times, which is a police drama. They shoot almost all shots either handheld or steadicam.....and they often replace a shot that would normally be a dolly shot with steadicam shots.

The handhled work on that show is awesome.....if you haven't watched it ever, check it out.
Not sure if this reply helps any, but atleast you know this show utilizes many handheld shots.

Film folks shoot handheld all the time.

Usually the intention is to give the impression of a bystanders POV. A handheld shot has a more "you're there" feeling...rather than the omniscent viewer feel given by supported, smooth shots.

And no, this sort of thing is not easier in post.

There's been a few shows out there that have used a style called "fishing", where the operator feigns a sort of ADD when it comes to what they're trying to focus on in the frame...and this can be done from a head. The give away that they're doing it from a head is if there's no movement in the roll axis. True handheld stuff almost always has a little bit of roll.

Fishing is also done truly handheld too...watch some Battlestar Galactica to see this technique overused.

Joe, Nate, thanks very much for the info. It seems like many many movies and shows employ this now. I was watching "Curb your Enthusiasm" last night, and it seems almost central to painting the image of authenticity and "fly-on-the-wall" style presentation. Another good reason for me to get a steadicam...