DP: Investigation Post 10/24

 

Work Log

Monday: Learning the crane

Tuesday: Writing Explanation for Crane Usage

Wednesday: Working on Pre-Production Master Sheet Template

Thursday: Working on Pre-Production Master Sheet Template

Friday: Writing Explanations for Master Sheet Template

Investigation

Crane

Here is a quick explanation of how to use a camera crane:

You will need:

The crane

Weights (circular)

Super Clamp

An extended HDMI cord

Monitor with battery

To set up a crane:

https://elkeworks.com/product/_1131785.html

This is an example of what a camera crane could look like.

1. Set up the legs

2. Rest the long end of the crane (where the camera goes) on a stool, table, chair, etc.

3. Screw in the camera on one end of the crane (make sure the crane is still stable, which it should be either way if the crane is resting on something).

4. Place the necessary amount of weights on the opposite end of the crane, the amount will vary on the crane and weight of the camera. Be vary careful with the weight and hold down the long end to make sure the camera does not go flying upwards.

5. Attach the super clamp to one of the legs of the crane

6. Attach the monitor to the clamp

7. Plug the monitor into the battery (or to an outlet)

8. Plug the HDMI cord into the monitor and the camera (make sure weight is still good)

You're now done! Gently (and with control) push down the weighted side of the crane arm and the camera side will be lifted upwards.

Here is a video on how to set up a slightly different camera crane, and what you could do with one!

Pre-Production Master Sheet

This week, I decided to create a template for a master sheet that would help me during the pre-production of any film that I'll ever make. Essentially, I wanted to create a way to organize all the information that I would need in order to be as efficient as possible with the planning and later on carrying out of film productions. With such a master sheet, I can look at all the people and resources I have available and keep track of who/what is needed when and where during film production. This way, me (or other amateur filmmakers) would not have to keep all the information in their memory in order to plan ahead for the filmmaking process. While this description may not truly capture what I've done, I find it easiest to just present what the finished product looks like and go on from there.

This example demonstrates a basic idea of what the master sheet would look like, the specific roles are not set in stone but rather examples that could be added to or subtracted from depending on the film.

The first thing I needed to do was create a list of all the personnel and resources that I would want to include on my master list:

• Actors*
• Production Team* (for instance camera man, sound guy, driver, etc.)
• There could be multiple rows for the same roles, as certain roles could be covered by multiple people based on the day. For instance, there could be one role labeled Camera Guy/Mitchell B and the one underneath it Camera Guy/Jacob A)
• Camera/Tripod
• Camera Slider (and equipment used with it)
• Camera Crane (and equipment used with it)
• Boom Stand/Mic
• Lavalier Mic(s)
• Props*
• Other

*Note: The amount/roles would be specific for each role

Now, with this list of personnel and equipment that I would need during various points, I need to write down all the necessary information relating to them that I would require for planning ahead for my production phase.

• What location they are needed
• Date(s) needed*
• Time of day (based on date(s))
• Notes (extra information to keep in mind)

*Note: The date they are needed would be determined based on locations and personnel/equipment availability