Tips When Shooting

1. Identify Each Take-At the start of each take identify each shot with a voice over and the clapper board E.g. Shot 3 Take 1. When you come to select you shot, you'll be able to recognise it as your take.
2. Always shoot at least two takes of each shot-Do this even if your first take seems to be OK
3. Always log each take as you go-Choose someone to take respnsibility for continuity. Notes need to be maed for every shot, so when you finish you have a record of your shots.
4. Always use a tripod-Unless you have a aparticular reason for not doing so E.g. creating a particular effect
5. Leave lead in space around each shot-Once the camera has started rolling film for 5seconds before any significant action happens. At the end of you action of sequence, leave the camera running for a firther 5seconds. This will mae it easier for you to edit.
6. Avoid zooms-Don't over use the zoom. Restrict it to establishing shots where you ned to start off either with a long shot and then zoom into a particular detail of with an extreme close up and then soom our to a long shot. Too much zooming can make for a very unstable picture and makes the viewer feel alienated.
7. Use automatic focus rather then the manual focus-This will ame the camera operator's job easier everythime you change cameras position.
8. Remember always to shoot more than what you need-Remember to record cutaways, eastablishing shots etc. Film action that is important in the scene. You don't have to use them, but its worth having just in case.
9. Smooth and steady shots-Any camera movement should be done smoothly and steadily, to allow the audience to follow the pact of the sequence. Remember to always adjust the spirit level everytime you move the camera.