My 18 rules of film making. - Page 4

MarkOneMusic · #31 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 08:41 AM

On the subject of zooms...

I agree that they don't have a place in most movies.

But you do see them occasionally when people are trying to get that documentary feel.

One that springs to mind is where zoom is used is in the FX shots in Battlestar Galactica.(Along with refocusing - all virtual of course and done in post, but it does make it look like a hand-held was used by someone in a spacesuit, rather than just a CGI render)

GDR · #32 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 10:22 AM

To add about zooms,

I will sometimes use a SLOW zoom to draw someone in on a particular subject or item I want them them to focus on. I will also try and add movement with the zoom if handheld.

Alternatively I will sometimes use a reveal shot, where I start close and zoom out slowly to reveal the subject.

When I get on the dance floor or any rave party I will use crash zooms etc and generally most of the rules I have broken.

Interesting to see different peoples opinions on this. I agree it can be tacky, and I have got it wrong on many occasions myself, but I personally would not right off the zoom completely.

Cheers

GDR

Mark W · #33 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 05:27 AM

Indeed - my zoom rule was a reaction to the zoom in -out -in -out - in -out trap that people often fall into - that and trying to film handheld at the long end of the lens.

Marc Peters · #34 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 06:29 AM

Originally Posted by Mark W

Indeed - my zoom rule was a reaction to the zoom in -out -in -out - in -out trap that people often fall into - that and trying to film handheld at the long end of the lens.

In the same way that youc can't break the rules until you know what they are, it's not until you learn how not to zoom, that you can zoom. Rules are there to be broken, but they can only be broken effectively if you're aware of the consequences.

Nice thread you've started here Mark. Possibly the best yet...

Mark W · #35 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 06:53 PM

Thanks Marc.

GDR · #36 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 07:02 PM

I was wondering how many of us have got home to view our footage and find we are filming our feet!

that annoying red record button was still running, or pressed the pause button after a scene, only to find you have put the camera in record mode, and not filmed anything prior to that at all.

I have been guilty of this a few times

Not sure how to incorporate this as a rule! any ideas

Cheers,

GDR

Mark W · #37 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 07:42 PM

I think i have only recently stopped doing that far too often.

n. BEEP rec? Make sure.

The Guru · #38 (**permalink**) 03-28-2008, 04:02 PM

It's really easy to get "out of phase" like that when you're doing vox-pops or quick stop/start filming. I've sort-of got into the habit of checking the tally-light in the viewfinder but if some of the crew are asking questions, the producer is inexperienced and the soundie isn't even wearing headphones, you find yourself worrying about them when things get a bit hectic, and it's easy to forget your own check-list.

Good point though, I'm thinking about my own ten commandments and that will come into them, probably along the lines of:

"Concentrate on your own job. Let the others cock-up on their own" or suchlike.

BritishEye · #39 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 08:18 PM

25. If you've got a film with a narrative, film the hardest bit first.

guitarfaces · #40 (**permalink**) 04-15-2008, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by nick1346

# The best effects/enhancements are those the audience never sees.

This is SO critical! I know I've done a good job with an effect (be it audio, visual, whatever) when the audience doesn't react at all - as though it was exactly what they were expecting. Great rule here!

EDIT: Finished reading the thread, and Stuart's posts. I'd like to agree - this is a great convo and has evoked a lot of positive discussion! One of the many reason I love this board.
Also - Stuart advocates zoom, heavy manual control and lack of start/middle/end in storylines, implies a LOT of knowledge and can't show us his work; good job guys, you just scared off the senior editor for LOST.