The breakdowns are back this week as we look at a recent commercial that I shot and go over all of the tools and techniques that went in to getting the shots.
The goal of these episodes is to get you fast tracked in to exactly what I wanted to know when I was starting out which is: "What lights and what camera techniques did you use to get X frame?"
There are a number of other factors besides these things that go in to getting a shot and I have ignored those in the past because there is only so much time to get the info across in an semi-entertaining way but as the group of listeners grows in experience and knowledge it feels like the time is right to expand further on these scenarios.
So that is exactly what I will be doing this week over on Patreon for all of the supporters.
If you want to hear more about what goes in to jobs like this definitely head over to the Patreon link below and check it out.
Enjoy!
A Cinematography System: The Playbook Approach - Volume II
The latest course went live last week and I couldn't be more excited to get this content out in to the world and start getting feedback on the system.
The course continues the exploration of my own system for blocking and coverage that I call the BODVO system. I use it on every single scene I shoot but I haven't shared it in great detail here on the podcast because it can get so complex.
This particular course is Volume II and it centers on the most common scenario which is the Office Scenario. The name office has nothing to do with the physical location of the scene but rather the orientation of the characters relative to one another.
Once you see the system, you can't unsee it.
Nothing has improved my cinematography more than leaning in to this methodology and so far the feedback has been nothing short of amazing.
If you want to learn more about the course and the BODVO system you can check it out here:
Patreon Podcast - Going Deeper
As I said in the introduction above the Patreon content this week is a new one. I am going to experiment with taking a depper look at the content from this week's commercial and try and put together a few more pieces of the puzzle to help explain the results.
I have been looking to find ways to expand the knowledge opportunities and vary the content and I think this might be just the ticket.
If you want to hear the podcast or check out any of the past content you can find it all by clicking the link below:
The Spot - Lighting the Space
Shot #1 - The Wide
The Shot
Our main hero talent sits at the table while the two male characters enter from frame right. This wide was a handheld version of the entire action that could be used to fill in any gaps in coverage.
The Lighting
We used a 12k HMI to act as ambient level for the windows frame left. To add some direction to the background we used a 4x4 mirror outside to throw on to the shelves behind the seated lady.
Inside is negative fill running down frame right and then the Area 48 Source 4 style LED blasting into the roof to control the ambient level. Out the back pointing in through the windows is a 4k HMI.
The Result
Shot #2 - The Push In
The Shot
A slow push in as the talent delivers the key lines for the ad.
The Lighting
We had the exact same set up as before but we added a Skypanel S-60 in a softbox to help wrap the light around from the 12k key light.
On the dark side is a smaller Skypanel S-30 to act as a back edge for the talent. The neg is moved closer to be able to control the levels.
The Result
Shot #3 - The B Cam
The Shot
Same as above but from the B CAM.
The Lighting
Same as above.
The Result
Shot #4 - The Over
The Shot
The over the shoulder reverse of the action. We played out the whole scene from this angle to cover the various interactions between the 3 characters.
The Lighting
Same set up as before for the windows and the ambient but we switched the direction of the S-60 and also added 2x 4k HMIs down the back to act as level for the background as the talent exits frame.
The Result
Shot #5 - The Long Single
The Shot
Same scene as above but from the B CAM.
The Lighting
Same as above but you can see the effect of the 2 x 4ks more in the deep background.
The Result
Shot #6 - The Exit
The Shot
The continuation of shot #4.
The Lighting
Same as shot #4.
The Result
