Rehearsing on the Set
(c) Peter D. Marshall
Last issue, we discussed Blocking – the first part of a four
stage process of shooting any scene:
1) Blocking – determining where the actors will be on the set and
the first camera position
2) Lighting – time for the DOP to light the set and position the
camera for the first shot
3) Rehearsing – camera rehearsal of the first set-up with the
actors and crew
4) Shooting – shooting the first scene (then repeat the process)
To review the article on Blocking a Scene, visit
https://www.actioncutprint.com/ezine-5.html
In this issue, we will discuss the Rehearsal process.
When the DOP has finished lighting, the 1st AD calls the actors
back to the set for the rehearsal. This is when all the elements
of the scene are rehearsed together – actors, camera, sound,
stunts, effects etc.
When the actors arrive, it is important to tell them of any
changes that have happened since the blocking. For example: in
the blocking, an actor might have stopped on the left side of the
window and turned around for his line. But during lighting, the
DOP had to move his mark to the right side of the window.
Because the rehearsal process is for both cast and crew, the
first rehearsal will sometimes be a stop-and-start rehearsal: a
technical run-through with the actors (especially if there are
complicated camera moves.) The actors should walk through their
positions and let the Camera Operator stop them to adjust their
end marks or let the Sound Man find a better position for his
mic. Once the crew is happy about positions and lighting, begin a
full rehearsal.
During this first full rehearsal, watch the camera movement and
the placement of the actors in the frame. Are you getting what
you had imagined? Should you tighten up the lens? Should you
delay the dolly in? Should you change the actors positions
slightly?
Once you are happy with this rehearsal and the crew have made
their adjustments, begin another rehearsal – and watch the
performances. If this is a TV Series, this will probably be your
last rehearsal, so concentrate on the actors and make your notes.
Unless there is a technical problem, I like to shoot after the
second rehearsal. (I hate great rehearsals – why didn’t we shoot
it!) I usually don’t give notes to actors during the rehearsal
stage unless it is about movement because cast and crew will only
give 100% once the camera starts rolling – and that is the only
time you will see if the shot really works.
The 1st Ad calls for Finals and the “pretty department” goes to
work on the actors. This is also the time any technical
adjustments are made: the camera crew gets final focus marks and
the DOP adjusts his lighting.
During the first take, you watch everything – camera movement,
performances and background action. Does the shot feel right? are
the actors making the right choices? does the dolly move come at
the right time? Very rarely does the first take get printed –
this is your first true rehearsal with cast and crew.
After the first take, make any technical adjustments and talk to
ALL the actors. This is the first time you have seen them working
up-to-speed and it is important that you give them all some
feedback.
Talk with the DOP and the Camera Operator if you have any
concerns about the camera moves or the framing. (The DOP usually
watches the monitor with you and if he sees anything wrong he
will deal with it after each take.) Discuss the extras with the
1st AD or any line changes with the script supervisor.
If things are going well, the second take will be your first
print. Make a note of where you want changes and focus on those
areas for the third take. If you are shooting a “oner”, get at
least two prints for safety. If you are shooting coverage,
concentrate only on the parts of the scene you want corrections.
Once you are happy with the shot, and you have at least 2 prints,
move on to the next shot. Tell the script supervisor what takes
you like or what portions of several takes you like for the
editor.
And the four-part process begins all over again!
Copyright (c) 2000 Peter D. Marshall / All Rights Reserved
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