Lots of POV

There is a script that I was just given to look at that involves a lot of POV shots.

Including :

-shots where we see his hands searching for things
-shots where he is eating & drinking
-shots of him getting beaten up
-shots of him getting kidnapped

Just wondering if anyone can spread some wisdom on how to best achieve this type of technique.

Choreography? with the actor - or me as an actor using my hands, etc. Camera choice? (I'm thinking 235 if we go 35mm, or SR3 if we go 16mm) Lens choice (should I go wider than "normal" to accommodate the hands in shot?)

And references :

The film that comes to mind automatically for POV of this similar style is Being John Malcovich

Thanks,

Darryl Augustine
Toronto, Canada

Darryl Augustine wrote :

> Camera choice? (I’m thinking 235 if we go 35mm, or SR3 if we go >16mm) Lens choice (should I go wider than "normal" to accommodate >the hands in shot?)

The 235 is a great camera for that kind of shots but it’s quite noisy if dialogue is involved at the same time. If 16mm is the format, I believe the Aaton A-Minima is the best choice.

Yes, you are going to need wide lenses but nothing rare or superwide...I think a lens like the 24mm (in 35mm format) would work out. Certainly "Being John Malkovich" is a good reference !. What a great film !.

Best regards

Rodrigo Lizana Lamarca
Pixine, Cine Digital y 35mm
www.pixine.cl
Santiago, Chile

Rodrigo Lizana wrote :

>The 235 is a great camera for that kind of shots but it’s quite noisy if >dialogue is involved at the same time. If 16mm is the format, I believe >the Aaton A-Minima is the best choice.

If 35mm, the Moviecam SL is a great camera, though a bit loud in very quiet situations - Aaton XTR is a great choice if you don't want the a-minima w/ 200' loads - For MOS, yes, the 235 would be excellent-

John Babl
DP
Miami

Darryl,

Check out this site http://www.doggicam.com/bodymount.php

Something like that ,it will be very helpful.

All the best

Spyros Zervos
D.o.P
Athens - Greece

>Just wondering if anyone can spread some wisdom on how to best >achieve this type of technique. The film that comes to mind >automatically for POV of this similar style is Being John Malcovich

Darryl ... In the late 1940's Robert Montgomery made a film called "Lady in the Lake" based on the Raymond Chandler novel. It was experimental in that the entire film was shot in subjective POV. It's been a while since I've seen it so I can not say for certain that it would be of any help, but it might be worth checking out. If nothing else, it will give you an evening of noir.

Frank Loose
Director/Cameraman
FilmShows
Atlanta, GA

Hey all,

After the first production meeting with the director and producer, it looks like the shots that are going to be the most difficult for space are those taking place in the backseat and getting into a larger sedan type car as he is being kidnapped. And it is these shots where I would as the operator also become the actor's hands and legs.

So, its looking like there might have to be some sort of rig (home made or factory) that will allow me to let go of the camera and operate with my body if my hand or hands are in the shot.

It's all MOS, but we need a camera with a good video tap. So the 235 or the SR3 seem like the best options at the moment.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Darryl
DP, Toronto

Darryl Augustine wrote :

> There is a script that I was just given to look at that involves a lot of POV >shots.

The people who make the DoggiCam mount have one that mounts ON the actor for POVs. Seems like the way to go.

http://www.doggicam.com/

I have no affiliation with this company and have never used their products.

Steve Hullfish
Verascope Pictures