So I want to have footage of me doing magic, and my friend wants to film me, but he doesn't really know how to film magic. I don't really know how to teach him how so I need tips on how to show him how I want to be filmed.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Cameraman
- Thread starter Aaron.Williams
- Start date
Just figure out the kind of angles you want. Ask him to hold steady or if you want movement, Just walk him through each part. I mean...not the hardest thing to do. Just make it unbearably clear how you want it. I tend to prefer looking down on the cards from about my height and get the angles right for whatever tricks/flourishes you're doing. Experiment
Good luck
Good luck
a good example is to show him some test footage too. Find a few video's with angles you like and would like to use and show him the way others approached it. Its easier to visualize if he has seen it. Thats what i did with my girlfriend. And be patient, if you get frustrated and take it out on them they wont be willing to help you again.... least not till you buy them chocolates and flowers.
I think a basic, full sized Tripod starts at around $30. If you have a camera that will mount on on a tripod then (1) it's worth having anyway and (2) you can use it to more precisely follow jrobarts's advice.
I typically only film my practice. It's amazing to see the difference between getting the magic right and actually performing well.
My advice from not only filming things but recording music is this: Be prepared to record a lot of takes. Your cameraman should be prepared as well.
Show him theory11 trailer vids, or other performance videos that you like. Make sure you tell him to get the audience's reaction after the revelation of your tricks.
for filming magic, i would go with a uni-pod not a tripod, or a neck harness for stability. Much more mobility for panning and moving to new angles than a tripod
Last edited by a moderator:
Here's a couple of ideas for you.
1.) Start with a story board of ideas. Nothing fancy stick figures will do. Just outline the basic idea from start to finish as the camera would see the shot. This will help communicate to the cameraman what your vision for the project is.
2.) Rehearse once or twice with him so he can see the effect your performing, and be ready to anticipate your movements so to keep you in frame. Also gives him a chance to set up the shots so all the action is in frame.
3.) Give him special directions if you want to make sure certain things are caught on film. IE: When the spectator selects a card, go in close and make sure you see on camera what the card is, then pull back to a wide shot of me and the spectator. etc.
4.) Film a test run first before doing anything for a live audience and review the video with your camera man. Give him notes if needed on things that can be done to capture your vision for the project.
5.) Have fun!
1.) Start with a story board of ideas. Nothing fancy stick figures will do. Just outline the basic idea from start to finish as the camera would see the shot. This will help communicate to the cameraman what your vision for the project is.
2.) Rehearse once or twice with him so he can see the effect your performing, and be ready to anticipate your movements so to keep you in frame. Also gives him a chance to set up the shots so all the action is in frame.
3.) Give him special directions if you want to make sure certain things are caught on film. IE: When the spectator selects a card, go in close and make sure you see on camera what the card is, then pull back to a wide shot of me and the spectator. etc.
4.) Film a test run first before doing anything for a live audience and review the video with your camera man. Give him notes if needed on things that can be done to capture your vision for the project.
5.) Have fun!