On set calls

Set Calls are phrases that are used on a film set to inform all film crew members of what is about to happen on set.

"quiet on set!" is said by the assistant director to ensure that everyone on set is quiet so filming can run smoothly.

"recording!" is said by the camera operator to make everyone aware that the camera is filming.

"3, 2, 1...Action!" is said by the director or assistant director to ensure that everyone is prepared and safe.

"cut!" is said by the director to show they are satisfied with the recording to let others know to stop filming.

If calls are not followed it could result in injuries, unemployment, a waste of time and a waste of money.

Safety on Set

It is important that health and safety rules are followed at all times on set. 

Staying safe on set

1. conduct a location recce

2. create a risk assessment

3. follow the risk assessment on set

4. do not add any activities to your filming that have not been risk assessed.

Emergency procedures

During filming in the college theatre, a light stand is plugged in using an extension lead that runs across the floor. The floor has become damp because someone walked in from outside with wet shoes.

Suddenly, a crew member touches the light switch and receives an electric shock, collapsing to the floor. The light flickers and goes out.

Other crew members are nearby, and the actors are mid-rehearsal when the incident happens.

1. In this scenario, I'd advise cast and crew members to avoid going near the wire or crew member to prevent further injuries. 

2. I would then turn off the electricity by the main switches and call an ambulance for the crew member. 

3. After that, I would gather the rest of the cast and crew members to make sure no one else was injured or affected.

Health and safety is crucial in film production to prevent injuries, ensure legal compliance and maintain a professional industry.

Production equipment

1. get the gimble from the case and attach the legs to the bottom

2. hold down the button on the top of the gimble to attach the camera

3. plug in the wires and the receiver so sound is recorded

4. turn the gimble and camera on

5. once everything is attached, lock the silver locks and unlock the black locks

6. then, check the calibrator to make sure everything is working correctly

7. once everything is in its correct place, recording can start.

A location recce

A location recce is a pre production visit to a filming site to check if it is suitable for a shoot. 

When doing a location recce, you should take note of:

• space on set

• on set risks

• windows and sun positioning

• entrances for characters 

• power outlets 

• furniture available

Shot sizes

A shot size is how much of the setting or subject is displayed within a given frame of a video, photo or animation. 

Different types of camera shots communicate different narrative value and combine with post production to tell the story. 

Shot types

A shot is given a type based on the content that the shot possess. 

Shot angles

Shot angles are the camera shot used to specify where the camera is placed to take a shot. 

The position of the camera in relation to the subjects can affect the way the viewer perceives the scene.

Mise En Scene

my shot:

Lighting: low lighting, subtle spotlight on the main character

Framing and composition: master shot, five person shot, knee level shot, point of view (pov) from the camera of a propped up phone looking towards the five characters in the scene.

Setting and decor: set in a basement or small warehouse or garage. chair in the middle of the scene surrounded by the characters. no windows or doors in frame.

Colour: mainly blues and greys, extra characters have details of red

Costume: four surrounding charatcers wear casual clothes (joggers, jeans, tracksuits, jumpers, no 'nice' clothes), they mainly have short hair but have no face coverings. the main chracter (in the middle, tied up in the chair) wears a dirty suit, dirty dress shoes and his hair is slightly messy (showing he mightve had it styled before this scene)

Props: chair in the centre of the scene, rope that binds the main character to the chair, 4 guns held by the men surrounding the main character, boxes etc in the background making the room look full along with the extra characters.

Performance: the main character (bound to the chair by rope) has a frightened expression, three of the surrounding men have angry expressions while one of them has a doubtful expression (may be having a change of heart), the surrounding men point their guns at the main characters head while one of them shouts in a foreign language.

The 180 Degree rule

The 180-degree rule is a cinematography guideline that states that two characters in a scene should maintain the same left/right relationship to one another. 

The 180 degree rule is important because following the rule will establish orientation, breaking the rule will disorient and signal unease and bending the rule signals a gradual change in the scene.

The rule of thirds

The rule of thirds is a concept in video and film production in which the frame is divided into nine imaginary sections (see image below). This creates reference points which act as guides for framing the image.

The rule of thirds grid is a way to use composition techniques that are in line with what naturally pleasing to the eye and creatively use negative space and to create conversation between the subject and background.

Editing 101