Sunday, 14 November 2010

Filming a Conversation

In order to shoot a conversation in a film there are a few techniques which are necessary in some cases and add to the effect in others. Any basic conversation shot should follow the 180ยบ degree rule in order to avoid confusion. This requires the camera to remain on one side of a conversation regardless of any action or other techniques being used. On some rare occasions this rule is ignored purposely in order to create an uncertain ambience. A commonly used visual technique is an over the shoulder shot which (as is suggested by its name) is a shot filmed over the shoulder of one character, focusing on another. This technique includes us (the audience) in the action as if we were a separate figure in the feature. A match on action shot is another technique used when shooting conversations. This is when you see an action taking place and then see the same action continuing from another perspective.  Other engaging techniques are made in the physical movement of the camera such as close/extreme close ups, panning shots, mid shots, and long shots.

When shooting conversations directors usually use a full array of cameras meaning that they can film from all angles and use these shots in various sequences to create a more appealing scene.

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