Camera Work - UK v US
Gill P
Posts: 21,587 Forum Member
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For the first time I have watched a routine from DWTS (Artem and Leah AT) and it is noticeable that the camera work is far superior in their dance than any in SCD! I am sorry to say this but I cannot understand why the BBC cameramen do not show the dancers' whole bodies. It was a brilliant dance shown in its entirety without ridiculous panning and swirling around.
BBC director please take note!
BBC director please take note!
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So many times the camera is blinded by the spotlights that you can't see anything at all, other times it's having so much fun swirling and jigging around that it becomes impossible to see the footwork. Often the judges comment on something that we havn't seen because the camera was bobbing along by itself.
I quite accept that a static camera would be unhelpful and a bit boring but I wish they would calm it down a bit. I am presuming they don't have a great deal of time to plan camera angles etc but less is more in this instance - imo of course.
But artistry is NOT what is wanted by the viewer. The art of good camera work is actually to be completely unobtrusive to the viewers, such that they see everything they want to see. Unfortunately, that art seems to be long lost.
I hate the whirly-gig (un)steadycam stuff and the frantic cutting. I really noticed the lighting flares getting in the way on last week's Strictly. Surely that's 'what to avoid' at its most basic
Sometimes reminds me of Top of the Pops circa 1975
This is a great article: The Art of Operating a Camera
http://www.surreyborder.org.uk/articles-by-filmmakers/article-camera-art.htm
The BBC seem to have thrown out the basics of Film-making 101 with the bathwater of Home Counties South Formation Military Two-Step.
Sad.
I'm pretty sure they do do it on Strictly, but I think the gallery director likes it this way and thinks it's more exciting
http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2018543
http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2016851
I would blame Channel 4 more than BBC, at one time you seemed to rarely see an interview on Channel 4 that did not have the camera leaning at an angle. They had a number of 'edgy' programmes that loved do weird things because they thought it was artistic - equivalent of the magazine that like to print articles using dark grey ink on a black background. BBC followed with similar programmes from people like Janet Street Porter that followed the practice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHpPNQEQrfs
The BBC used to lead the field in the quality of training in all artistic, technical and engineering aspects of radio and television but this has been run down over the years because of successive governments (not just this one) reducing the licence fee. Now most people involved in a production will not be BBC staff and could have been shooting a pop video the day before.
I thought Come Dancing was only Black & White!
Excellent camera work. Minimum shots of 5 seconds with some upto 20 seconds. So restful and enjoyable. Clapping only at the end. No standing ovations.
Here is the same couple's (Ballroom) Tango to shock horror Tango music. Juan D'Arienzo's "9 de Julio" I think it sounds like but an adaptation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPpVnOVhfPo
The cameraman is following the dancers rather than creating his own movement. Classic.
Here is a much earthier AT version of "9 de Julio" and that translates to a different dance style.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXy6t7HjbgM
It is amazing how much better a dance can be if the dancers know the music well. 9 de Julio is a regular song at Milongas so I know it well and know what's coming up and chuck fast stuff in and slow it down.
I say that because all the music should come from the celebs own music collection. There would be enough variation.
What were the viewing figures for Come Dancing when it was dropped in 1998? I seem to remember it was shown late at night which suggests it was not attracting a large audience.
Match of The Day is shown late at night, has a large audience and does not have a Whirling Dervish on Acid Cameraman running round on the pitch. I'll count the seconds per shot in football. Nothing frantic.
The most important element in the camera work is the producer. If you have four cameras, what's most important is to let the cameramen do their thing naturally and switch the view on the control desk for the most telling view. The producer should be paying careful attention on the Friday to the venue training and preferably to the other training footage as well to select the shots. The other week Judy launched herself into Anton's arms from the stage as the party piece and the producer switched to a wide shot so you got none of its glory. Inept use of the console desk.
I don't know who they have on the cameras but I think they would be better of contracting cameramen from Wimbledon or sporting events rather than people fresh out of Film School.
Agreed.
No audience participation during rallies. No Whirling Dervish on Acid Cameraman running onto the court during rallies. Professional camera work. Very large international audience.
No standing ovations unless really good match.
When I was learning to use a Cine Camera, (yes it was that long ago) one of the golden rules involved camera stability. This was no doubt because of the technology is use at the time. Now the idiots have all thses new toys to play with, they simply HAVE to use them in order to justify their expense. No matter that it detracts from the viewers enjoyment of the show. I can almost hear the conversations on the gallery: "Viewers? What do they know about televison? They should leave it to us."
It reminds me of a visit I may to a not inexpensive restaurant. As we were leaving the Head Waiter asked me if I had enjoyed the meal. "Quite frankly, no not much."
"Then you should try educating your tastebuds sir." was his reposte. Needless to say It will be a longtime before I enter his premises again. He should perhaps have asked me what I didn't like intead of insulting me.
The BBC strictly crew is sadly beyond redemption. Such a pity because it USED to be such a great show, until it became under the grasp of someone with the mentality of a ten year old boy.
haha that made me laugh re black and white - but clip made me feel old as I was there when it was filmed - Andrew is a great dancer love his ballroom and of course he is from Livepool
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeRxCS0tl-Q&list=UULZldY6ltDCuFxcSvOUTreA
I think you mean the Director.
That does a disservice to many a child..in terms of their mentality I mean. .
I know a lad in the broadcasting union. Works for a small independent filming unit. They just got a jazzy new documentary camera. Might work on Strictly a treat.
Thanks. Good to see Anthon and Ian.
No Military Two Step.
haha you should not have mentioned it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBdJ08zlq5U
two step at 2.22:D