The Musings
My First Reel
Centuries ago, when my hair was still black, my knees didn’t hurt, and I was trying to create a career for myself as a young steadicam operator, I got word that a cinematographer named Adam Kane – who some friends of friends of friends knew – was looking for a Steadicam operator for a feature.
Quick Tip: Cars Move
Quick Tip - Cars Move
You're lining up a shot where a car is going to drive down a street and into frame and the rest of the scene will play out there. The actors rehearse and the crew is given the set. It is likely, and smart, for you to ask that the car be left in its final position so you can set your camera position and start to look for issues.
Operator Tidbits
Camera movement when necessary but, otherwise, try to let actors play the frame, even to extreme frames. Try not to adjust frames during a shot unless the shot requires it. Play the space not the subject.
Blockage is good as is foreground. Dirty frames whenever possible, even if it’s an element in the room and extreme angles as well when it tells the story.