Production Blog: Behind the Camera

 During filming, one of my main behind-the-scenes roles was helping with camera angles and shot decisions. Even when I was acting in a scene, I still paid close attention to how the camera was being used. I suggested several different angles to make sure the video matched the mood of “Beaches” by beabadoobee. One of the main types of shots I suggested was over-the-shoulder shots because they help the audience feel more connected to the characters. These shots made the scenes feel more personal and emotional. I also suggested eye-level shots because they make the interaction between characters feel natural and realistic. One eye-level shot I helped plan started by facing the ocean and then slowly panned over to the two main characters talking. I thought this shot was important because it connected the calm feeling of the ocean with the emotional moment between the characters. I also helped choose wide shots at the beach to show the scenery and make the setting feel open and peaceful. These wide shots helped match the soft and emotional tone of the song. I paid attention to how movement was captured, especially during walking scenes on the beach. I suggested that the camera follow the characters instead of staying still so the scenes would feel more natural. During filming at the house, I also suggested angles that kept the background simple so it would not distract from the emotions in the scene. I learned that too much background can take away from the meaning of a shot. I helped make sure the camera focused on faces during important emotional moments. Some shots had to be retaken because the angle showed too much of the background or did not match the mood. Even when I was not directly acting, I stayed involved by watching the monitor and giving feedback. I tried to think about how each shot would look once it was fully edited. The angles I helped choose played a big role in how the story was visually told. I think the over-the-shoulder and panning shots worked the best in the final video. Helping with camera work showed me how important angles are in creating emotion and meaning in a music video.