So I haven't posted a thread on Filming Magic in a while! So I decided that today, on this boring Sunday would be the day!
Now that I am close to wrapping principal photography on my short film, some things have crossed my path while shooting that I thought could work great in filming magic and give your film a little more stylistic effect. I'm going to go over a few of the basics in cinematography to add a little subtle flare to play on the viewer's subconscious. Keep in mind that this is made to be used for live performances.
The people watching your videos are part of your audience too, so you can't forget about them. Now we don't want you to focus on your camera during filming, but there are things that your videographer/cameraman can do to enhance the video.
In film, angles are used to create different moods just like lighting is. The moods range from showing the character in a vulnerable or powerful position, to distant from the audience and closer with other characters. All of these techniques can be applied to your magic, depending on your patter. I'm not going to delve into patter because there are plenty of other threads on patter that you can learn from. The great thing about using these techniques is that you will not have to worry about the camera, that will be the cameraman's job!
Some of the most basic angle principles in film are the vulnerable and powerful angles. Many times in a film when you see the camera at a low angle looking up at the character it insinuates a position of power and strength in the character. It's almost as if he/she is towering over the audience. The same thing can be applied for positions of vulnerability when using a high angle looking down on the character. It's as if the audience is tower over the character. Audiences don't pick up on these tricks used by filmmakers right away. They are made to play on the audience's subconscious. So they are instilled deep, deep down in the audiences mind to have them understand the filmmaker's message.
Now, let's say the patter of a magicians involves him in a position of power or vulnerability, you can get your cameraman to use these tricks used by filmmakers to play on the audience's subconscious. It's not something you see used often in magic but it could add some more "flare" to your video if you try out those techniques.
Close ups are always a wonderful tool in film to show emotion in the characters. Whether it's happiness, sadness, etc. close ups can instill emotion in the audience as well. Therefore, when filming an audience reaction, close ups can only benefit the video. The same goes for the magician. If their patter involves a sad, emotional story, zoom in or move in on the performers face. It will allow for the magician to connect with the viewers of the video.
These are just a couple of tips to give your videos some extra kick to them. In this day and age people want to show their magic to the world. Therefore you should try and make it the best and do something once never thought possible, connect on an emotional level through internet video. If you have any questions on film, filming magic, editing, etc. just feel free to ask in this thread or by PM. I'm always here to help!
Mitch
Now that I am close to wrapping principal photography on my short film, some things have crossed my path while shooting that I thought could work great in filming magic and give your film a little more stylistic effect. I'm going to go over a few of the basics in cinematography to add a little subtle flare to play on the viewer's subconscious. Keep in mind that this is made to be used for live performances.
The people watching your videos are part of your audience too, so you can't forget about them. Now we don't want you to focus on your camera during filming, but there are things that your videographer/cameraman can do to enhance the video.
In film, angles are used to create different moods just like lighting is. The moods range from showing the character in a vulnerable or powerful position, to distant from the audience and closer with other characters. All of these techniques can be applied to your magic, depending on your patter. I'm not going to delve into patter because there are plenty of other threads on patter that you can learn from. The great thing about using these techniques is that you will not have to worry about the camera, that will be the cameraman's job!
Some of the most basic angle principles in film are the vulnerable and powerful angles. Many times in a film when you see the camera at a low angle looking up at the character it insinuates a position of power and strength in the character. It's almost as if he/she is towering over the audience. The same thing can be applied for positions of vulnerability when using a high angle looking down on the character. It's as if the audience is tower over the character. Audiences don't pick up on these tricks used by filmmakers right away. They are made to play on the audience's subconscious. So they are instilled deep, deep down in the audiences mind to have them understand the filmmaker's message.
Now, let's say the patter of a magicians involves him in a position of power or vulnerability, you can get your cameraman to use these tricks used by filmmakers to play on the audience's subconscious. It's not something you see used often in magic but it could add some more "flare" to your video if you try out those techniques.
Close ups are always a wonderful tool in film to show emotion in the characters. Whether it's happiness, sadness, etc. close ups can instill emotion in the audience as well. Therefore, when filming an audience reaction, close ups can only benefit the video. The same goes for the magician. If their patter involves a sad, emotional story, zoom in or move in on the performers face. It will allow for the magician to connect with the viewers of the video.
These are just a couple of tips to give your videos some extra kick to them. In this day and age people want to show their magic to the world. Therefore you should try and make it the best and do something once never thought possible, connect on an emotional level through internet video. If you have any questions on film, filming magic, editing, etc. just feel free to ask in this thread or by PM. I'm always here to help!
Mitch