Rehearsing on the Set
Peter D. Marshall
In the last article, I discussed Blocking - the
first part of a four stage process of shooting any scene:
1) Blocking - determining where the actors will
be on the set and the first camera position
2) Lighting - time for the DOP to light the set and position the camera
for the first shot
3) Rehearsing - camera rehearsal of the first set-up with the actors
and crew
4) Shooting - shooting the first scene (then repeat the process)
In this article, we will discuss the Rehearsal
process.
When the DOP has finished lighting, the 1st AD
calls the actors back to the set for the rehearsal. This is when all
the elements of the scene are rehearsed together - actors, camera,
sound, stunts, effects etc.
When the actors arrive, it is important to tell
them of any changes that have happened since the blocking. For example:
in the blocking, an actor might have stopped on the left side of the
window and turned around for his line. But during lighting, the DOP had
to move his mark to the right side of the window.
Because the rehearsal process is for both cast
and crew, the first rehearsal will sometimes be a stop-and-start
rehearsal: a technical run-through with the actors (especially if there
are complicated camera moves.) The actors should walk through their
positions and let the Camera Operator stop them to adjust their end
marks or let the Sound Man find a better position for his mic. Once the
crew is happy about positions and lighting, begin a full rehearsal.
During this first full rehearsal, watch the
camera movement and the placement of the actors in the frame. Are you
getting what you had imagined? Should you tighten up the lens? Should
you delay the dolly in? Should you change the actors positions slightly?
Once you are happy with this rehearsal and the
crew have made their adjustments, begin another rehearsal - and watch
the performances. If this is a TV Series, this will probably be your
last rehearsal, so concentrate on the actors and make your notes.
Unless there is a technical problem, I like to
shoot after the second rehearsal. (I hate great rehearsals - why didn't
we shoot it!) I usually don't give notes to actors during the rehearsal
stage unless it is about movement because cast and crew will only give
100% once the camera starts rolling - and that is the only time you
will see if the shot really works.
The 1st Ad calls for Finals and the "pretty
department" goes to work on the actors. This is also the time any
technical adjustments are made: the camera crew gets final focus marks
and the DOP adjusts his lighting.
During the first take, you watch everything -
camera movement, performances and background action. Does the shot feel
right? are the actors making the right choices? does the dolly move
come at the right time? Very rarely does the first take get printed -
this is your first true rehearsal with cast and crew.
After the first take, make any technical
adjustments and talk to ALL the actors. This is the first time you have
seen them working up-to-speed and it is important that you give them
all some feedback.
Talk with the DOP and the Camera Operator if
you have any concerns about the camera moves or the framing. (The DOP
usually watches the monitor with you and if he sees anything wrong he
will deal with it after each take.) Discuss the extras with the 1st AD
or any line changes with the script supervisor.
If things are going well, the second take will
be your first print. Make a note of where you want changes and focus on
those areas for the third take. If you are shooting a "oner", get at
least two prints for safety. If you are shooting coverage, concentrate
only on the parts of the scene you want corrections.
Once you are happy with the shot, and you have
at least 2 prints, move on to the next shot. Tell the script supervisor
what takes you like or what portions of several takes you like for the
editor.
And the four-part process begins all over again!
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Peter D. Marshall/www.actioncutprint.com
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