FMTV322 Advanced Directing Planning your shots for editing

01
Always plan a COVER shot for risky or elaborate shots in case
you run short on time. Don’t assume that the shot you have
planned will work out the way you hope it will.

02
Cover all key action with at least THREE angles.
This will ensure that you always have the choice of more than
one angle to cut to. Don’t leave yourself only one alternative.

03
Don't cross the axis unless you plan for it. Crossing the
axis will result in a sequence that is awkward or confusing,
forcing you to cut around an angle you had planned to use.

04
Over lap the action. Start your shots well BEFORE the
action you intend to use, and continue the shot well AFTER
the action is completed. This gives you greater flexibility to
intercut shots and adjust pacing.

05
Always plan to shoot plenty of REACTION SHOTS.
These shots build DRAMATIC INTENSITY and identification
with the characters.

06
CUTAWAYS and ESTABLISHING SHOTS are the
LAST shots you should skip on your shoot day. They are
quick to shoot and extremely useful in editing.

07
Plan for TRANSITIONS in and out of scenes. This
can provide necessary BREATHING ROOM between scenes
and help create MOOD and ATMOSPHERE.

08
Being WELL PREPARED will help you to better
IMPROVISE and PROBLEM SOLVE .

A. Stevenson