Quick Tip: Explain The Why, Not Just The What

Over the years, it has become very clear to me that simply explaining the nuts and bolts of a shot to someone - a dolly grip or a 1st AC - is nowhere near as valuable as also explaining the concept behind what we are trying to achieve. By telling my dolly grip where A and B are, the camera will be in the right positions when I need them to be. However, by explaining the reason for the move, they will not only understand how the camera needs to move, but WHY it needs to move, and it will result in better storytelling.

You could tell your dolly grip that you want to start moving on a specific line and they will likely do just that. But a better way is to explain why you want to move on that line: “He starts that line and he starts to get agitated so I want to start this move as the agitation ramps up.” Now your partner in crime knows that if the scene plays slightly differently they are not only listening for a specific line but waiting to tie in an emotional beat. This allows them to be part of the storytelling rather than just technicians who move from A to B.

On the same note, I will often describe a specific focus pull as something along the lines of “let this line slowly take the focus to the guy across the room.” This gives the focus puller the intention of the shot and what we are trying to achieve as storytellers.

By giving more than just nuts and bolts directions to those you are working with, you not only bring others into the storytelling process, you also invest in them an ownership which, over time, will make your team even better.