Traditions & Drones (the initiative post)

Tradition forms the basis of what people expect when seeing a film. This applies to both the structure of the film, and also the techniques used. However, as famous director James Cameron once said – “there is no such thing as an easy shot.” because even a tilt shot requires good direction and camera handling. Commonly used shots include; over-the-shoulder shots, tilt shots, panning shots, zoom shots, tracking shots – sideways, crane shots, track-in shots, over the shoulder track in and Dutch angle shots.

A personal favourite traditional technique of mine is the use of framing and a shallow depth of field to make one character appear dominant within a frame. It is a very dramatic camera technique that can totally alter the audience’s perception of who has power in the scene. Similarly, a low or high angle shot with an up or down pan can imply dominance. These kinds of shots are so relevant to many famous action/horror films. In an article by Virginia Kidd, she states that “The same camera angle that creates an image of strength can create quite an alternate effect.” For example, the camera with a low angle, looking up, can introduce strength, security, and stature. However depending on the “emotional qualities” of the subject, the same angle can serve to intensify horror, fear, or the feeling of being overpowered. Techniques like these operate outside most audience members’ awareness makes them particularly powerful. Production techniques influence us whether we know it or not.

Straying from the traditional, a recent technique I have noticed in both photography and film is the use of drones to capture image/moving image. Drones, otherwise known as UAVs, unmanned aerial vehicles — are not just employed for warfare. Hollywood is eager to draft them into filmmaking because they hold the promise of new creative options, real cost savings and possibly even safer sets. The cheaper cost involves subtracting the need for a $10,000 a day helicopter rental to film overhead shots. Currently, American federal law prohibits the commercial use of unmanned aircraft — in filming or for any other purpose. However, there is already work on a proposed set of rules specifically developed for users of small — less than 55 pounds — aircraft that it expects to complete later this year. These harsh rules have been put into place because there is a major cause for safety concern. Richard Crudo the president of the American Society of Cinematographers and an Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences states that ” people don’t realise that these things are like flying lawn mowers — excessive care must be taken with their use.” In regards to the safety concern, Patrick Smith of Aerial Media Pros says that his company has used drones for low-flying shots. Smith always starts with a safety briefing that includes the actors. They start with informing them “We want to talk and let them know we can get within maybe 10 feet of them, if they want, based on their comfort level. We do a lot of preplanning. I’m constantly scouting so that if something goes wrong, where I can ditch it in a safe position to avoid everyone”. One would think that without the actors, there would be no film, thus it is in everyone’s best interest to make sure this innovative mode of filmmaking is safe.