Filming a Documentary!

everything you never thought about when making a movie

things to think about:

• the 3 S’s

• field of view

• framing the shot

• camera placement

• b-roll footage

the three S’s

• straight

• steady

• smooth

• hint: use the tripod at ALL times!!!

field of view

• what is most important? – the landscape? – the artwork? – the person?

• make the most important thing the most visible part of the shot

framing the shot

• you decide what the viewer will see—make sure it’s interesting!

• the rule of thirds– divide shot into thirds– examples of the rule of

thirds

camera placement

• think about your point of view!– what does it say about

the role of the viewer?

• vary your camera placement to make your film more interesting

the infamous b-roll

• what exactly IS b-roll footage??– b-roll is the stuff that plays in between the

important parts– it tells the story through action or while

narration is taking place

• example: the artist at work, in between takes, panning across a landscape

4 elements of a documentary

• here are some ways to make your film look professional:– include interviews with group members– use cutaway shots (like still photos)– “chill footage” (kind of like b-roll, just watching

your group members work)– process footage (behind the scenes)

group tasks

• director– you will be the group leader for the day– responsible for making filming decisions– you will complete a director’s log (make notes of the

day’s progress)

• cinematographer– with help from the director, you will be in charge of

operating the camera

• artist– you will be gathering materials, constructing the

piece, interviewing on camera

assessment

• what you will be graded on:– land art

• use of natural materials (must be entirely natural)• sculptural elements: balance, unity, form, line• relationship to environment

– documentary• cinematography (everything in this powerpoint)• editing (how you put everything together

– collaboration• how well does your group work together?• are tasks shared?

good luck, land artists!!!