I’m often asked how to make sequences flow. How to join one shot to the next and make it seem natural and interesting. In order to try and answer that question I’ve jotted down six thoughts that, if followed, will really help any aspiring film maker. In this business you never stop learning and I’m sure in five years from now I will have many new thoughts on the subject. For now though this is the best I can do. I would have liked to write ten tips but I ran out after six Any extra tips and advice would be greatly appreciated in your comments. . .

I’ve posted a film below that I hope will illustrate some of the points and help you to see the way I operate:

6 tips for shooting and editing sequences from Chris Parkinson on Vimeo.

1) Always know your opening shot: If a Director asks you if you have an opening for them you should always know exactly what it is. I devote a lot time on any shoot to finding a strong opening.

2) Always get a broad variety of shot sizes: If you want to make the Editors life easy then make sure you have a huge big wide shot and a very tight close up, these will edit with almost anything.

3) Don’t be afraid to move around: Many Cameramen plant their tripod in one spot and shoot everything from the same position. It’s boring! Move around, sit on the floor, look for a high angle – go crazy, you can never be too creative.

4) Think Sound: I always say the “Amateurs think pictures, pro’s think sound”. I really believe that. Always look for shots that give great sound – a gate creeking, a tap being turned on, a car door closing. They give you a chance to bookmark the start and end of a sequence with an upsound. When Editing it’s always the first thing I look for.

5) Try and build your interviews into your sequence: I always like to do my interviews “in-situ”. If you can, build the interview into the sequence then it doesn’t jar with the audience. If you are filming a man fixing a tyre then why not throw him a question while he’s still doing it? Why stand him up and film him next to a sign?

6) Always know your end shot: See tip number one – exactly the same principal. I once read an interview with a Doco Director who said “there is only two shots that matter, the first and the last.” Although I don’t totally agree with him I do feel he is onto something. . . If the first shot is boring do you keep watching? If the last shot is boring do you remember the piece? No I thought so.

TV Cameraman Nick Woolley Shooting in Baghdad

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