Orchestrating stunts on a film is a two-part problem. First, the performance of the stunt: does it look real? Is your stuntperson capable of not shattering his/her femur while performing the actual stunt? Second, you have to be sure to get enough coverage of that performance to give to your editor. In a recent video tutorial, The Slanted Lens offers some tips on how to prepare, set up, and shoot simple stunts. Hit the jump to find out how to skillfully capture a guy falling down some stairs and then getting smacked in the face by a frisbee.
Almost every movie ever made has some sort of stunt performed in it, whether it's a simple slap in the face, a fall from a 4-story window, or -- Jackie Chan anything. So, learning how to plan, execute, and shoot stunts is more important than some may think.
This tutorial shows us how to set up safety precautions by doing rehearsals of the stunts and using pads to cushion falls. It also goes into great detail on how to get proper coverage of each performance so as to make them look believable and fluid on-screen after post.
Check it out below:
First and foremost, finding a professional to coordinate your action sequences is definitely the ideal. Making sure your cast and crew are safe is one of, if not the, most important responsibilities to have on set, which is probably why The Slanted Lens team brought on a pro to perform the fall down the stairs. For simpler, less dangerous stunts, like the "frisbee to the face" stunt, that may not be necessary.
(Here's a prime example of what not to do when you decide to put an action sequence in your film, even if it is the most exciting driving sequence cinéma vérité has to offer. By the way -- the director was arrested for public endangerment.)
What do you think? Do you have any advice/tips/tricks on shooting stunts? Let us know in the comments.
Link: Shooting Simple Stunts on Set: Video Tutorial -- The Slanted Lens YouTube Channel
[via Filmmaker IQ]
