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Lessons 1. Preproduction v vp1-0. Opening vp1-1. Five skills vp1-2. Writing vp1-3. Keeping track vp1-4. First impression vp1-5. Successful scouting vp1-6. Words of wisdom vp1-7. Conclusion 2. Production vp2-0. Opening vp2-1. Five production skills vp2-2. Pep talk vp2-3. Lighting vp2-4. Camera vp2-5. Sound vp2-6. Words of wisdom vp2-7. Closing 3. Postproduction vp3-0. Opening vp3-1. Five skills vp3-2. Editing vp3-3. Grading and graphics vp3-4. Sound vp3-5. Speaking vp3-6. Words of wisdom 4. Equipment 4-0. Opening 4-1. Camera 4-2. Tripod 4-3. Sound 4-4. Lighting 4-5. Editing 4-6. Packing 4-7. Closing |
Lessonvp4-2. Tripod
Tripods are highly recommended for any stationary subjects, especially if you need to keep one frame for more than about 15 seconds. If you plan to speak in front of the camera for longer than that buy a tripod. They come in all size budgets and physical sizes. I rarely need to shoot above eye level so I use a tripod slightly shorter. And after adding the tripod head and the camera, stands at about eye level. Tripod head Make sure that your tripod has a ‘fluid head.’ It makes all shots easier to adjust. A fluid head allows for smooth panning and tilting shots. Of course, it is more expensive, and much heavier. And if you are working alone will be impossible. No, I don’t use one. It is for large productions which have things like big budgets, big trucks, and strong assistants to carry the stuff. I rarely tilt up and down, or pan left to right because with smaller lightweight tripods, it can be more jerky. My recommendation, do handheld when following moving subjects. Otherwise, take a few fixed image shots and show one after the other instead of panning or tilting. Quick Release The quick release allows you to mount and remove the camera quickly, a real time-saver. Buy one and add it to your tripod head. Conclusion Virtually all movies are shot on a tripod. A tripod makes for steadier shots and that makes it easier for the viewer to concentrate on your story. Handheld is fine for action. And brief interviews. Don’t do a course lecture with handheld. |