b. Leapfrog. This method uses two cameramen alternating in getting into
position.
While one camera is running, the other is moving into position.
When the second camera starts running, the first stops and the cameraman
"leapfrogs" the second cameraman and gets into position. This type of coverage
is useful when covering "key" action.
An example would be a VIP tour where
each stop must be covered.
c. Constant shooting.
Constant shooting coverage is a technique used
when the entire action from start to finish must be covered.
To accomplish
this, you must have two cameras and two cameramen. The first cameraman starts
shooting just before the action starts and continues shooting until he runs out
of film. Approximately one minute before the first cameraman runs out of film,
the second cameraman starts filming the action with the second camera.
He
continues filming until he runs out of film.
In the meantime, the first
cameraman has reloaded his camera and again starts filming just before the
second camera runs out of film. This procedure is followed until the required
action is completely filmed.
An example of this would be a very important
person (VIP) making a speech that lasts 40 minutes and the maximum film load
for your cameras are 400 feet (121.02m). To film the entire speech without any
breaks, each cameraman would reload his camera one time.
On this type of
coverage an additional cameraman is normally used to shoot cut-ins and cut-
aways of crowd reaction which the editor can use to make the film more
interesting.
d. Sectional. Each cameraman is assigned a specific part of an action as
his mission. An example would be a race. One cameraman covers the start, one
the turns, and one the pits.
More than one race or event can be covered in
this manner.
3.
Coordination of effort.
a. The first step in coordination is proper preparation. All members of
a team must be aware of what the mission is and what kind and method of
coverage is desired.
b. Coordination is necessary to obtain proper overlap, avoid duplication
of effort, keep out of each other's field of view, obtain sufficient variety of
scenes and angles, and most important, maintain screen direction.
4.
Aggressive methods.
a. When we say, use aggressive methods to obtain coverage, we don't mean
swing a heavy bat and clear a path to your assignment. What we mean is that
you cannot be timid. You may have to film a subject in the rain. You should
do all you can to keep your camera dry but it does not mean to not get your
feet wet. Cameramen by the very nature of their work must get wet, cold, come
close to heat stroke and get into some very scary situations.
b. We do not say that you should risk your life every time you go out on
a mission.
Cameramen should take advantage of every safety device and
precaution that is available. However, you may have to elbow your way past a
group of 6-foot-4, 250-pound cameramen that are trying to get the
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