Premium Member Lindsay Mann Posted May 22, 2009 Premium Member Share Posted May 22, 2009 I'm shooting a short film that takes place in an elevator. There is a scene where the elevator breaks down mid-ride, jerking suddenly to a halt. Two characters in frame during the shot. We will be shooting in an elevator set on a sound stage. How can I accomplish this effect without it looking like just shaking the camera? It's possible we could shake the walls. But I want some representation of the whiplash stop with a camera move. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Papert Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 I'm shooting a short film that takes place in an elevator. There is a scene where the elevator breaks down mid-ride, jerking suddenly to a halt. Two characters in frame during the shot. We will be shooting in an elevator set on a sound stage. How can I accomplish this effect without it looking like just shaking the camera? It's possible we could shake the walls. But I want some representation of the whiplash stop with a camera move. Steadicam is a good look for emulating the feel of an elevator--a slight float to the frame will deliver a subtle cue that the elevator is in motion, and the operator can make a very quick boom correction at the point that the elevator stops. A skilled operator will be able to duplicate the effect that this would have if it was actually a real elevator, which is that the rig suddenly wants to fly up (or down, depending on the direction of travel)as a result of inertia and the operator would attempt to buffer that movement; this look can be replicated with some practice and is quite effective. It would be possible to simulate this also with a jib arm, but tougher to get the fast booming response. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Satsuki Murashige Posted May 23, 2009 Premium Member Share Posted May 23, 2009 I've done this sort of effect with the camera on the end of a stinger jib arm, with two grips shaking the hell out of it. It works very well when timed to the actors' movements. You can also augment the movement with a lighting change, maybe a flicker effect, to help sell it. Also maybe a puff of compressed air from below so the actors' hair blows upward. There's all kinds of things you can do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Lindsay Mann Posted May 27, 2009 Author Premium Member Share Posted May 27, 2009 Hmmm... I like the idea of the puff of air. As long as it's only momentary. The lights will definitely flicker. Although steadicam sounds effective, it might be overkill for the one shot. I might try to do it using the boom arm on the Fisher 11 or a jib arm. We can also shake the set walls. What I should do is raise the whole set to be on a gimbal or something. Thanks, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Chris Keth Posted May 28, 2009 Premium Member Share Posted May 28, 2009 There's all kinds of things you can do. Bits falling from the ceiling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andres Pardo aka Gral Treegan Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 Hi!! you can rock the frame in postproduction that is 1st option 2nd you can shake the camera, my way is to have camera F set to 1.9 or the lower value you have and compensate with ND for exposure. when you shake the camera do it fast and in short tracks, make a test you can see that effect in a video clip i direct time ago link: http://vimeo.com/3183285 bests! GT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yos untu wowor Posted June 20, 2009 Share Posted June 20, 2009 Hmmm interesting, maybe you could make the elevator lights flicker when it stops to add an extra effect. But im pretty sure you've considered it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Satsuki Murashige Posted June 20, 2009 Premium Member Share Posted June 20, 2009 Yos, please go to "My Controls" and change your profile to your real name, as per forum rules. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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