Top Five Mistakes to Avoid as a Newbie Filmmaker
As a newbie filmmaker, you are prone to make many mistakes. Here are some of them:
Not Paying Attention to Camera Framing
Believe it or not, the primary mistake that many beginner filmmakers make is not paying attention to camera framing. If you are wondering how to avoid this issue, don’t worry, we got your back! Just pay attention to the height of the camera.
This is particularly important for recording presentations and interviews. You want to make sure that the camera is at your eye level. In the case of a slightly higher or below eye level, the shot will feel weird and should be avoided unless you have a good reason for it.
While going lower or higher with a camera can give you a good perspective, make sure that you move the camera low or high in a way that it doesn’t look like a mistake.
Not Focusing on Backgrounds
If you are an aspiring filmmaker, you might be making all the efforts to make your characters or subjects appear good on camera; however, while you are at it, there is a great chance that you might forget about the backgrounds.
For instance, if you strive for perfection while shooting a movie in the attic, you might want to consider attic insulation removal if needed. Besides, make sure that there are no objects behind the characters or subjects that exhibit a weird and unprofessional impression, such as a furniture piece sticking out of someone’s arm or head.
Also, pay attention to the brightness and colours. For instance, if the actor is wearing dark clothes and the background is also dark, the actor or subject is more likely to get lost in the background. That said, if the background is dark, it might be a good idea if the subject would wear bright colours and vice versa.
The same rule applies to background movements. Before you start recording a scene, make sure that there are no distracting objects or elements in the background that do not add to the theme or story. Try to avoid such a situation as it can impact the quality of your film.
We have a pro tip for you: a simple way to make the subject appear bolder and pop out is by working with blue colours in the background as the blue colour appears to contrast the skin tones of the face.
Improper Lighting
When we refer to lighting in filmmaking, we more specifically refer to flat lighting and hotspots. As an aspiring filmmaker, you are more likely to be working with existing lights, such as the outdoors. You might be familiar with the tip of using outdoor lights to your potential benefit.
All you need to do is to draw an invisible line through the subject, parallel to the camera. This mustn’t necessarily be straight behind the subject, but it can also be on the side. And now you will have to ensure that the sun keeps staying on the other side of the invisible line.
Another common lighting mistake that happens during indoor shoots revolves around hotspots. By doing so, you create depth and ensure that your subject(s) don’t have to deal with the sun blinding their eyes. Besides, you can also get some contrast.
The hotspots are usually small spotlights positioned in the ceiling. While shooting indoors, you will have to try to avoid the hotspots shining into the eyes/ face of the subjects. Again, by using the trick of drawing the invisible line, you can place the hotspots in the background. Also, make sure that there is some contrast.
Avoid Locking Yourself in
What do we mean by that? Take the following example: When you are taking a shot of someone tying the laces of their shoes, don’t make the mistake of sitting down and locking the camera in the attempt of taking the perfect shot. The truth is that you haven’t locked the camera, but you have locked yourself in.
When your subject does something unexpected, you are more likely to miss that moment, which will result in a disruptive transition. That said, if you aren’t recording fiction, it is recommended to maintain a flexible posture while taking shots.
Maintain a flexible post that will allow you to smoothly transition your camera from one activity to another.
Don’t Mix Camera Styles
As a newbie filmmaker, you may start filming today by using a tripod or a slider. And, as the shooting day progresses and people start getting tired, you might be pumped to suddenly go handheld as it is faster. However, if the plot doesn’t demand to change the camera style, we don’t recommend changing it. In other words, never do something because you are getting tired – try to maintain your professionalism.