Waving hand in front of camera: etiquette

[Paul Bartok]

Back when I was at school my lecturer brought in "Malcolm in the middle" the TV show dailies.

 

I asked him why the camera operator kept waiving his hand in front of the camera, I honestly can't remember,

I think it was todo with saving time for the editor or something. Anybody know? and any other old school etiquette?

 

[Kar Wai Ng]

Maybe because they were shooting takes in series without cutting the camera; waving a hand in front of the lens between each reset is a visual placeholder in lieu of the slate that helps the editor or assistant editor separate the takes when they are scrubbing through the clip.

[Adrian Sierkowski]

Also when you're running out @ Mag at the end, I normally put my hand in front of the lens, If i'm oping, so they colorist /tc house knows this is all just roll out and to ignore it.

[Paul Bartok]

i think they were shooting multiple takes with out cutting the camera. Thanks guy for the info