Production
Some tips for when you're
in the thick of it.
Have students practice expressing emotions through voice, face, and body. This video is a good tool for beginning a discussion. It’s important to avoid a monotone delivery, unless the character requires it. With younger children you may want to show this video first to get them talking about feelings and how we show them with our faces.
During filming review what you film each day with your class. As you film shots or scenes keep a written log of the number and time of each shot to help you select your favorites. Keep these in a folder on your computer labeled for each scene. Place the discarded shots in a separate folder; you may need these later when you edit. Be familiar with basic types of shots so that you can film from several angles and movements for variety and mood, and to avoid jump cuts during editing. Also, be sure to ensure continuity in shots filmed over multiple days so that costumes, make up, and set pieces are the same.
When applying latex foam prosthetics you’ll need spirit gum adhesive and spirit gum remover. Watch some YouTube videos on applying and removing prosthetics.
Make sure that your green screen is evenly well-lit. Do not move the camera when filming against green screen unless you are trying to create a floating or flying shot. The other reason to move the camera would be to produce motion tracking shots, which the beginning film maker may want to avoid.
Muslin fabric can be purchased for use as a green screen or buy foam-backed felt, which is better at resisting wrinkles. You can place crew in SecondSkin green bodysuits so that they disappear on green screen for some special effects.
More Helpful Web Links:
Special Effects Makeup and Prosthetics: http://www.fxwarehouse.info/; https://www.mostlydead.com/;
Muslim green screens: http://greenscreenoutlet.com/collections/accessories
Costumes: http://www.halloweencostumes.com/