The Basics of Filming

Prerequisites

• The first place to start with filming is ensuring you have the proper prerequisites. The first tool you'll need is a camera, preferably one of high-definition quality. As video camera microphones are low quality, you need an external one. Unidirectional microphones are generally the cheapest. Alternatively, cardioid and shotgun microphones can also be purchased for higher quality (at higher costs). Omnidirectional microphones are useful as they pick up lots of noise, although background noise might cause a problem. A tripod will also come in handy to avoid camera shaking.

Frames and Sequences

• For the most part, as an amateur you'll want to focus on keeping shots simple, avoiding zooming and panning. Take care to frame the shot well, ideally focusing the center of the shot on the subject. Most shots will be put together in a sequence, which requires a change of view -- usually from far away to closer shots. To keep shots believable, always look out for continuity, making sure that the small details are the same from shot to shot.

Types of Shots

• Wide shots often make up an opening sequence as they help to set scenes well for the audience. A sequence will often take a wide shot into a medium shot, taking the audience closer to the subject, but further away than a closeup, which is used to express emotion. For medium-range shots, angles are often altered. They can shift from eye-level angles to floor or aerial angles. Shots don't necessarily have to be an accumulation of shots creating a sequence; instead, as the director, use the zoom. Although the zoom might be tempting, overuse is common, therefore it should be used sparingly.

Lighting

• Lighting plays as critical a role in shooting good scenes as anything else. Most scenes are setup with a "key" light. This particular light should be placed at a 30-degree side angle to the subject of focus, as well as at a 30-degree aerial angle. A "fill" light is used as a lesser lighting source, helping to neutralize the light on subjects. Fill lights are generally placed around eye level and should face roughly 30 degrees in the opposite direction to the original key light. If you want to keep it professional, also include a "backlight," which is another aerial light; however, this one should be to the back of the subject, helping him to stand out from the background.