SHOOTING GUIDE
Having read this book, you will no doubt have realised that there’s an awful lot to learn. And, during your shoot, it’s sometimes hard to remember what it is you need to remember! In addition, the last thing you need is to have to look through a whole book or camera manual in order to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything, or if you are confused about a particular button on the camera. This Shooting Guide (also available as a PDF document on the DVD, so you can print it out and take it with you) is essentially a quick reference for when you are on a shoot. The assumption here is that you are doing the filming yourself, but it’s equally useful if you are directing and have a cameraperson with you.
This guide is broken down into the following sections:
Guide to Camera Set-Up and Menu Settings
Shooting Checklist
Menus Settings
Kit Lists THE CAMERA SET-UP Most cameras, both professional and semi-professional have a whole set of menus, and often menus-within-menus. If you’ve rented, borrowed or bought a camera, you need to know what the right settings are and, unfortunately, the manuals don’t really come with a ‘Default’ set-up for documentary filmmaking. Below is a quick reference guide to the typical menu set-up you will need for a documentary shoot. Although this section refers specifically to the Sony Z1 camera, most of the settings easily translate to other cameras.
Please note: the assumption here is that you are self-shooting and doing your own sound, and recording in PAL. The menus might be slightly different if you are using a sound recordist (with SQN mixer). Also, if you are using a cameraperson, they may have their own choice of menu set-up. If you are recording in NTSC, then consult your manual to make necessary adjustments.
MANUAL VERSUS AUTO The golden rule here is shoot in manual mode so that as many of your controls as possible are set to manual, including focus, aperture, white balance, gain and shutter speed. There is no substitute for getting to know the camera and adjusting the functions manually. The only exception to this should be when you use the ‘PUSH AUTO’ button as a guide to focusing, and if you are in an emergency situation and you very quickly need to shoot something then – and only then – should you rely on the camera’s automatic mode.
FORMAT The Z1 can record in HDV, DVCam and DV. All formats record onto a mini-DV tape (or DVCam tape, but essentially it’s the same thing). The important thing to remember here is if you are shooting in HDV or DV mode then a 60-minute mini-DV tape will record 60 minutes of footage. If you are in DVCam mode, and using a 60- minute mini-DV tape, then it will only record around 40 minutes. Think carefully before choosing a format to shoot in. HDV is great, but it requires more storage capacity and a high spec editing system.
LCD SCREEN Make sure that the brightness of the LCD is set in the middle, otherwise you will think something is too overlit/underlit, when it might not be. Also, make sure the backlight is on (unless you are filming in very bright light) otherwise the screen will make it look as if everything is underlit. The settings for LCD & Viewfinder are in LCD/VF SET menu.
STATUS CHECK A button on the back of the camera, which enables you to quickly see some of your settings at a glance.
PICTURE PROFILE It’s used to fine-tune specific settings such as colour and contrast. Unless you are very experienced in using this, it’s best to leave it off.
AUTOLOCK This button effectively locks all of your settings apart from focus. Use it when you are worried you might knock some of the buttons and dials (especially shutter speed on the Z1, as it’s the easiest button to knock). However, remember what you have done. If you’re in the middle of filming and nothing seems to work it could be because your AUTOLOCK is on! ZEBRAS I don’t like them because they lead to an over-reliance on the camera when it comes to judging exposure. I would suggest you keep them off, particularly when you first start using the camera. It’s hard enough at this stage to concentrate on all the other things going on on the LCD.
MENU SETTINGS Once you have adjusted the menu settings, the camera will not change them unless you do – a strong argument for being quite guarded about who you lend your camera to. If I have left any of the menu items off, then this means you just need to ignore that function.
CAMERA SET MENU
MENU SETTING RECOMMENDED COMMENTS DEFAULT WB PRESET (OUTDOOR) But, try to always use manual white balance. WB LEVEL (0)
SHOT TRANS (NOT RECOMMENDED) These are in-camera effects, and should be avoided. (You can do all of this in the edit.) COLOUR CORRECT OFF
STEADYSHOT ON Theoretically, you should turn this off when using a tripod, but the world won’t end if you forget. STEADYSHOT TYP STANDARD
PEAKING COLOUR: WHITE LEVEL: HIGH AF ASSIST (OFF)
AE RESPONSE FAST This is the speed of auto- exposure, but try to stay in manual mode. MARKER (OFF)
MARKER SELECT DON’T USE THIS
HANDLE ZOOM H 8; L 2 Sets the speed for using the handle zoom. BARS TYPE TYPE 1
FRAME REC OFF Unless you are wanting to use the camera to do stop- frame animation.
IN/OUT RECORD
The setting here depends on whether you are recording in DVCam mode or HDV.
AUDIO SET
MENU SETTING RECOMMENDED COMMENTS DEFAULT AUDIO MONI CH1, CH2 AUDIO OUTPUT 2Vrms
AUDIO MODE FS48k
AUDIO LOCK LOCK MODE This is automatic in DVCam mode. AUDIO LIMIT OFF Depends on the situation. Normally keep off unless very loud (e.g. in a factory). MIC NR OFF INT MIC SELECT OFF XLR SET XLR CH SEL: CH1, CH2 This will mean that a single input of a microphone will record onto both channels. Obviously, change this if you are using two different microphone sources (e.g. shotgun and radio mics). XLR ACG SET SEPARATE
INPUT1 LEVEL MIC (0db)
INPUT 1 WIND OFF
INPUT 2 LEVEL MIC
INPUT 2 TRIM 0db
INPUT 2 WIND OFF
LCD/VF SET MENU SETTING RECOMMENDED COMMENTS DEFAULT LCD COLOUR Way Up
LCD BL LEVEL NORMAL
LCD COLOUR Way Up VF B LIGHT NORMAL VF COLOUR ON VF POWER AUTO
TC/UB SET MENU SETTING RECOMMENDED COMMENTS DEFAULT TC PRESET 00:00:00:00 Adjust the first digit for each new tape you put into the camera. UB PRESET 00:00:00:00 Press reset if it’s not on this setting. TC RUN REC RUN This means that the time code advances only while recording. TC MAKE REGENERATE
OTHER MENU SETTINGS Many of these are obvious – such as world time and language – so I have omitted those.
MENU SETTING RECOMMENDED COMMENTS DEFAULT QUICK REC OFF BEEP OFF Important, so that the camera does not beep every time you start recording. REC LAMP OFF
IRIS DIAL NORMAL Otherwise, direction of dial will be inverted. REMAINING ON Will display remaining tape on LCD. ZOOM DISPLAY BAR To display zoomed position using bar. EXP FOCUS AUTO OFF Releases expanded focus after certain time. DATE REC OFF Make sure it’s off, otherwise the date will be burnt into the picture. 50i/60i SEL 50i For DV PAL CHECKLISTS
BEFORE THE SHOOT Below are just some of the most common issues to keep in mind when preparing for the shoot.
CAMERA AND KIT
Is the lens clean? MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Are the camera batteries powered? MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Do you have spare batteries for the camera? MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Do you have spare batteries for microphones? MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Does your tripod work, and have you definitely got the tripod MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Have you set the right time code? MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Are the lighting conditions right to shoot in? MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Have I checked all my menu settings? MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Am I sure that I am recording in the right format (DVCam, HDV MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Am I clear on the shot list? Have I laid 30 seconds of colour bars down on the tape? MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Finally, have I checked all my equipment is working? MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Health and Safety: Make sure you have done a full risk assessment. Releases. Make sure you bring all relevant release forms.
SOUND
Is the sound going into the camera, and are my levels okay? MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Are my headphones working properly? MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Am I using the right microphone(s) and is it the right distance MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect If using a boom, is it definitely out of shot? MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Have I got at least 30 seconds wild track (or ‘atmos’) for each MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Is the sound clean, avoiding excessive wind/background noise? MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect
CHECKLIST DURING THE SHOOT
Am I sure I know what my film is about, and that all shots and MACROBUTTO Are my crew (if any) also informed enough about the shoot? MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Have I produced a comprehensive call sheet, so that everyone MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect For interviews, do I know all the questions I should be asking? MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Have I got at least 30 seconds wild track (or ‘atmos) for each MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Am I shooting enough cutaways? MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Am I holding my shots for long enough? MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Make sure that if something spontaneous happens, I am free to MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Did I really get that right? Or should I do it again as a second MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Am I shooting for the edit? Holding pans and tilts, avoiding zooms MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect Avoid ‘crossing the line’. MACROBUTTO N HTMLDirect
Remember, the key to shooting well is making sure you are aware, at all times, of the following:
FOCUS APERTURE SHUTTER SPEED WHITE BALANCE SOUND LEVELS IMPORTANT SHOOTING TIPS
Below are a list of general tips that will help you in your shooting, and also help you to make sure that you ‘shoot for the edit’.
Remember the ‘Rule of Thirds’ and always try to frame your shots with this in mind. Make sure your subjects have adequate ‘head room’ at the top of frame. Think about location. Not only does it need to be well lit, but it’s also helpful if location informs the narrative. Try, where possible, to avoid mixing natural and tungsten (artificial) light. Make sure you use a variety of shot sizes, as it will make your video much easier to edit. Be wary of excessive camera movement, as it can be a problem in the edit. Hold shots both before and at the end of tilts and pans. Try to avoid using the zoom: often it looks unprofessional and can create problems when it comes to editing. If you are going to use the zoom, try to avoid using it during important action. Shoot in sequences. Think carefully as to how the footage will look in the edit (using a storyboard if this helps) and make sure your shots cover all the action. Don’t be afraid of taking time to get a shot right – even if this sometimes means doing it again. Avoid using the automatic functions on the camera, unless you really, really have to. Try to avoid a large shooting ratio. Although there is a tendency to just carry on shooting, it will mean you have far too much material when it comes to the edit. Be conservative. Make sure you’re in control of the shoot. This means both crew and contributors know what is expected of them, and how long it’s going to take. Be prepared for problems, and learn to think quickly on your feet. For example, if your headphones stop working, look carefully at your audio levels on the LCD. Think ahead. You need to know what you are going to do next. KIT LISTS
It can sometimes be difficult to make sure you bring everything you need on a shoot, and nothing is more frustrating than travelling hours to your location, only to suddenly find you have left an important piece of kit back at the office or at home. Below is an extensive kit list for a DSR450 camera, including things that you might often forget like lens caps, manuals, cleaning kit, cleaning cassette, filters, top light, camera cases, extra cables and so on. If you are shooting on a small camera (like a Z1) then your list might be a little smaller (e.g. no extra lenses), but this is a useful guide as to EVERYTHING you might need to consider in terms of camera, lighting, sound, tripod and monitor.
DSR450 kit: 1 SONY DSR450WSPL CAMERA 1 SONY ECM-77 PERSONAL CLIP MIC 1 RODE NTG-2 GUN MIC 1 CANON YJ12 X 6.5 B4 IRS W/A LENS 1 VARIOUS 105MM UV CLEAR FILTER 1 SACHTLER DSR500/450 TRIPOD PLA... 1 CINE ENGINEERING SERVICES 1/4"... 1 RYCOTE RADIO MIC RX CAMERA MOUNT 1 RYCOTE 21/22 SMALL SOFTIE 1 SONY DSR/PD/A1 ONBOARD MIC FOAM 1 SONY CCD CAP 1 SONY DSR500/450 RUBBER EYECUP 1 DSR500/450 BACK FOCUS CHART 1 CANON ZOOM BAR 1 CANON ZOOM BAR 1 CANON B4 REAR LENS CAP 1 CANON B4 REAR LENS CAP 1 VARIOUS MINI-DV CLEANING CASSETTE 1 CLEANING KIT 1 DV SOLUTIONS CLEANING CLOTH 1 PORTABRACE DSR450/SPX900 SOFT ... 1 PORTABRACE DSR450/SPX900 CASE ... 1 82MM CLEAR FILTER 1 SONY DSR450 MANUAL 1 SONY DSR500/450 ONBOARD GUN MIC 1 SONY DSR500/450 SHOULDER STRAP 1 SONY ECM77 WIND SHIELD 1 SONY ECM77 TIE CLIP 1 IEC C-13 MAINS KETTLE LEAD 1 GENERIC DSR500/450 BATTERIES 1 GENERIC DSR500/450 BATTERIES 1 GENERIC DSR500/450 BATTERIES 1 GENERIC DSR500/450 BATTERIES 1 GENERIC DSR500/450 CHARGERS 1 GENERIC LARGE HEADPHONES 2 GENERIC PELI CASE 1 GENERIC PELI CASE 1 GENERIC SOFTIE/COAT 3 GENERIC XLR LEADS 1 CANON J12 LENS CAP 1 CANON J17E X 7.7 LENS 1 CANON J17 LENS CAP 1 SACHTLER LARGE TRIPOD CASE SACH 1 SONY MEMORY STICK FOR THE DSR450 1 RODE NTG-2 GUN MIC FOAM 1 RODE NTG-2 GUN MIC POUCH 1 PORTABRACE WHITE BALANCE CARD 1 PORTABRACE DSR 450 BLUE CAMERA... 1 VIDEO 18P TRIPOD KIT TEMPLATE 1 SONY VCT-14 TRIPOD MOUNTING PLATE 1 SACHTLER VIDEO 18P TRIPOD PAN BAR 1 SACHTLER VIDEO 18P TRIPOD 1 RYCOTE Z1E MIC MOUNT (CCA) 1 TOP LIGHT WITH BATTERY
Lighting: 1 DEDO DLH1X150 24V SOFT LAMP 3 DEDO DLH4 24V 150W LIGHT 1 ARRI 300W FRESNEL HEAD 1 ARRI 650W FRESNEL HEAD 1 10M COIL 4 SOCKET MAINS EXT CABLE 1 13 AMP FUSE 2 13 AMP FUSE 3 DEDO 150W 24V BULB (BLACK TIP) 1 DEDO 150W 24V BULB (CLEAR) 1 PHOTON BEARD 2 HEAD ARRI LIGHT... 1 2M 4 WAY MAINS SOCKET 1 2M 4 WAY MAINS SOCKET 1 300W 240 VOLT BULB (ARRI) 4 3 AMP FUSE 2 3 AMP FUSE 1 501/PRO5 TRIPOD BAG STRAP 1 501/PRO5 TRIPOD BAG 1 650W 240 VOLT BULB (ARRI) 2 MANFROTTO K-CLAMP 6 LARGE CROCODILE CLIP 6 SMALL CROCODILE CLIP 1 ARRI D700B LAZY ARM 1 DEDO HARD CASE FOR DEDO LIGHTS 1 DEDO SILVERDOME DIFFUSION SHEET 1 DEDO DT24-1E 24V DIMMER (240V ... 1 DEDO DT24-1E 24V DIMMER (240V ... 1 DEDO DT24-1E 24V DIMMER (240V ... 1 DEDO DT24-1E 24V DIMMER (240V ... 1 DEDO MEDIUM SILVER DOME IN POUCH 1 DEDO G-CLAMP BRACKET 3 DEDO GEL + GOBO FRAME 1 LARGE STANDARD GEL SET 1 GENERIC REFLECTOR 1 GENERIC SOCKET SAFETY TESTER 1 GENERIC SOCKET SAFETY TESTER 1 DEDO GRID FOR SILVERDOME (IN P... 3 LARGE LIGHTING STAND 2 MANFROTTO LIGHTING CABLE BOND 2 LIGHTING GLOVE 2 LIGHTING GLOVE 4 DEDO LIGHTING STAND 1 DV SOLUTIONS MINI 1/2 CTB DEDO... 1 DV SOLUTIONS MINI 1/4 CTB DEDO... 1 DV SOLUTIONS MINI FULL CTB DED... 1 DEDO MOUNTING PLATE 1 PORTABRACE ZIPPED BLACK POUCH 1 MANFROTTO LAZY ARM KNOB & SPRING 4 RCD PLUG-IN SAFETY ADAPTOR 3 RCD PLUG-IN SAFETY ADAPTOR 1 VARIOUS REFLECTOR POUCH 1 DV SOLUTIONS FULL CTB GEL FOR ... 1 DV SOLUTIONS 1/2 CTB GEL FOR S... 1 DV SOLUTIONS 1/4 CTB GEL FOR S... 1 VARIOUS SMALL DIFFUSION GELS 2 MANFROTTO SPIGGOT 4 DEDO STIFFENING ROD FOR SILVER...
Monitor: 1 SONY PVM-6041QM 6"CRT MONITOR 1 SONY MINIJACK TO 3X FEMALE PHO... 1 PORTABRACE SOFT CASE FOR 6" MO... 1 BNC FE TO FE BARREL ADAP 1 BNC FE TO PHONO MA ADAP 1 BNC MA TO PHONO FE ADAP 2 BNC TO BNC LEAD 2 IEC C-13 MAINS KETTLE LEAD 1 GENERIC NP1 BATTERY 1 GENERIC NP1 BATTERY 1 GENERIC NP1 BATTERY 1 GENERIC NP1 BATTERY 1 GENERIC NP1 CHARGER 1 GENERIC PELI CASE
1 x MICRON EXPLORER RADIO MIC SET 1 x SONY DUAL RADIO MIC SET + MINIDV STOCK + BATTERIES