How are master shots your safety?

[knightly]

Crane/Jib allows you to elevate without tilting. You can build one for about $50. I have a video somewhere around here.

[harmonica44]

Sure thanks, I already have tutorials on how to do it. So I guess I should have my masters shot from a jib then... But not sure if I want to build a jib just for get ups and sit downs. Unless this is the way it's done. Makes me wonder though, is the tripod actually used for anything anymore besides completely still shots?

[jax_rox]

Yes, tripods are used all the time. Generally master shots are done on tripods.

It depends on what you're talking about, on Hollywoood budget productions, there is a lot of jib and dolly work employed, but there are still a lot of tripod shots, depending on the movie.

What I think you need to do is realise that your film is not going to look like it had a billion dollar budget, whether you use a tripod, jib, steadicam, dolly, slider, or helicopter.
Work within your means. It says a lot more about you as a filmmaker if you can pull of an amazing short film using only a tripod, than if you have to use jibs and steadicams and dollies to keep anyone's interest.

[harmonica44]

Thanks that's actually a good way of looking at it. I was asked to co-direct a project coming up and we we're thinking of using a lot of the master shots for style. Do you think that for the master the camera should rotate, to whoever the it should be on for emotion? You would still see everyone, but have it rotate, a little, and maybe still see the back of someone's head more, and the front of the character's face it should be on. This may or may not be 'look-good-able', depending on the locations.

[Lucky Hardwood]

If you're not sure how a particular camera action will turn out, get all of the coverage that you need with shots that you are familiar with, but leave time in the shooting schedule to experiment with some different techniques. Who knows, you just might create some radically new camera trick that will finally get people to shooting all of the shakycam crap.

[knightly]

By rotate, do you mean around the tripod (pan) or around the subject (curved dolly)?

[harmonica44]

I mean around the subject.

[knightly]

to get a smooth circular shot, you need a dolly with either a circular track or one that can set the wheels to turn. Or... a steadicam operator who can get a smooth circular shot.

[harmonica44]

Okay thanks I will probably use a steadicam depending on which DP does it. Thanks.