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Writer's pictureJonathan Burns

Guerillia Film Tips

Updated: May 5, 2022



Devise stories around location. When guerilla filming, its impossible to control variables. Its difficult to gather resources and costumes. If there is a cool location, then a story that is devised that location is more effective than aiming to replicate film scenes.


Adaption: When filming scenes, instead of trying to 100% replicate the original scene instead consider what's around you. Can the scene be modernised? Does it have to be in the same location? Does the script need to be wrod to word?


Flexible scheduling. It's impossible to set a specific schedule with guerilla filming. You have to take opportunities when the weather conditions becomes suitable or when the building is quieter. Everyone filming needs to have the same mindset.


Team Work. If working within a group everyone needs to working towards the same direction. Decisions need to be quick and once made acted upon. The actors need to know the story and the characters.


Simplicity. Its difficult to be ambitious with guerilla filming. Choosing film scene or making film that are simpler and not requiring elaborate settings, props or costumes.


Naturalism. Due to the challenges of guerilla filming, its more effective to use naturalistic style characters and setting. If the characters are natural, i.e., people off the street, details such as costume can be resourced easily. Actors can bring more of themselves to the performance. The director provides the story and details of other characters. Therefore, instead of the actor having to quickly enter character under restraints, they are free to react and express as themselves.


Crew: When making films, it would be useful to have some crew. An actor can play multiple character in the film and having a camera operator means more angles can be covered such as pan and tracking shots. The shots will be more precise. The actors do not need to work as much with camera stands and needing to change positions. This allows greater fluidity in filming. A camera operator can use handheld can which provides a natural look to film and useful for scenes involving action and movement. It also means actors can focus on performing, rehearsals and direction. An actor can self direct, but having a directors assistant on hand to provide prompts makes the process efficiency. A body double can be used if playing multiple characters. The body double can wear the clothes of a character and camera angles can be used to hide their face.


Efficiency. Due to the many variables and challenges of guerilla filming, efficiency is key. The scenes need to be filmed in the time available, If its dry, you only have that time available, you're filming. With the other areas covered this can improve the efficency of the film process meaning that the film can be completed in the scheduled time. It may not always be possible to go back and do repeat scenes.


Wind: When filming outdoors and Sart phones, wind can be audible and create harsh sounds. It may be useful to invest in a boom or wind proof microphones. Simple scenes that do not use dialogue are effective. The films can be muted and ambient sounds/music can be played in the ground to provide depth. The same can be applied if their are many people talking in the background or other audible background sounds.


Filters: When gilming, its impossible to have control over the lighting and weather. However, we can use filters to make each clip consistant. The filters can also be used to add weather, such as overcast, or to make the scene appear in a different location.


The street light: Scenes can be set at night under a 'street light' using LFX in the theatre. These types are scenes are useful for dialogue such as during shady deal or an argument that occurs outside. Using this style creates a realistic looking scene as the surroundings are blacked out. It is useful as it provides control over the variables, improving quality of recording. It can be mixed with real life outdoor film and SFX to add realism and context. LFX can also be used to provide other details such as moonlight or car headlights.


Equipment


Camera/Smart Phone: Ideally more than one, as more angles can be filmed at one time. The cameras need to be of similar quality with the same resolution to create seemless scenes.


Battery Pack: It is useful to have a battery backup to provide some additional power for smart phones. A solar panel can also be used to recharge the battery.



Camera stands: Stands are useful even with a camera operator. They allow positions to be set up for each angle. The film is still or smoother, which is more important with camera phones. There are different types of stands, from typical tripods, of varying sizes, to clip on stands that can be placed in alternative locations. Stands can also be placed where it is difficult for an operator to access.


Blue tooth remote: A blue tooth remote can be used to start/stop recordings. This is especially useful when filming without a camera operator. It also avoids fingers being shown on screen and provides more space for the actors to focus on performing.


Boom: Overtime, it may be worth investing in a boom microphone. This allows the microphone to be closer to the actors. IT can also allow the microphone to be windproofed.


Lav Microphones: The Lav mic's can be worn by actors to record dialogue clearly. A Lav mic would be needed for each actor to create clear dialogue.


Lighting: It may be possible to invest in portable lighting if filming on location. LED lamps can provide useful amount of lighting for scenes that are dark but require some light. Consider using torches, candles or natural light sources for scenes filmed at night.






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