Camera Workshop 1

We had our first practical workshop on Monday 17th of January. Matt taught us the fundamentals of preparing to shoot standard film. Personally, I learnt a lot from Matt's tips & techniques, and I think this will benefit me profoundly within my future of film. 

We were shown crucial equipment, in order to prepare for a shoot. This equipment included a tripod, a camera, a camera battery and Matt showed us settings that contributed to artificial light and outdoor light. I found working with my group comfortable, as we all corresponded to individual critique nicely. We were then asked to place the tripod correctly, to ensure the camera was accessible to it. A key tip for using a tripod correctly: open the tripod, then using your foot, hold down on the surface whilst adjusting the height to maintain stability. 

We were then asked to place the camera on the tripod, the camera we were using was a black magic 4K mini URSA, which is described as 'the world's first high end digital film camera designed to revolutionise workflow on set.' 

We were then asked to insert the camera battery onto the camera, to ensure durability when filming. We were taught the method of sliding the battery onto the camera & were taught to use minimal force. 

Then, we were asked to check the spirit level, this is to balance the tripod and enables stability when filming. Once all the equipment was set up correctly, Matt moved on to teaching us the methods and skills when actually filming. One rule he mentioned, was the 'mine' & 'yours' rule. You use this rule when sharing the camera with a co-worker / member of your assigned production group. When you're giving the camera you say, 'yours' and when you're receiving the camera you say 'mine'. This solidifies that you are taking primary responsibility for the camera and it is now yours.

Matt then discussed the methodology behind 'focusing' and 'zooming'. On this particular camera, the zoom control is located closest to the lens. The focus control is located closest to the camera itself. You zoom by turning the control that glides easily in whatever direction desired until you are pleased with your shot. The exact same method applies to focusing. 

When you are filming a subject matter, (e.g. a person) you should always ensure to zoom in to focus & then zoom out. The reason for doing this, is that when you are filming a human-being. You must ensure that their eyes should be the focal point, in order for the audience to capture the character. 

Matt then showed us the 'white balance' settings within a camera, that contribute to artificial light & outdoor light heavily. If you are filming indoors, naturally an amber ambience will appear on your screen. Purely from the effect the artificiality of the lighting is having on your camera. So, perhaps select a white balance feature that benefits the tones of your location. I would chose the 'fluorescent' feature. 

If I was filming a sequence outside and it was cloudy, I would use the 'cloudy' feature on my white balance settings. So that there is an established tone / ambience within the colour palette of my sequence. Matt taught us how every 6 features of the white balance setting can improve our filmmaking substantially. 

We were then told to 'strike the kit' a term commonly used as a part of filmmaking regulations for years. The term means that you take all the equipment that you've used during the day of filming, and put it back into it's protective covers and boxes where it remains safe for future usage. Mike described striking the kit with a great analogy that helped me remember the meaning, he stated, 'Once the famous actresses withdraw from a day of filming for cocktails and a fancy brunch. The crew remain at the studio, striking the kit as instructed to do so.'