The Black and Blue

Filmmaking Tips for Camera Assistants

  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Menu
  • 
  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Free Ebook
  • Subscribe
  • Topics
    • Behind the Lens
    • Camera Assisting
    • Cameras
    • Getting Work
    • Industry News
    • Miscellaneous Tips
    • Production Stories
    • Toolkit
    • Website
  • About The Black and Blue
  • Contact Us
  • Sponsorship
  • Comment Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • 
  • R
  • 
  • ˆ
  • ‰
Two Actors, One Mark, Easy Solution

Two Actors, One Mark, Easy Solution

When it comes to marking actors, the process is fairly straightforward. However, sometimes it can actually end up being quite confusing: for instance, suppose two actors, with two different colors of paper tape, have to end up on the same mark at separate times in a scene.

by Evan Luzi | Camera Assisting | February 19, 2011 | Comments: 1

The important question, besides how Michael Caine would handle this, is, “how to reconcile the two colors on the same mark?”

The solution is actually quite elegant. It was taught to me on Ghosts Don’t Exist by the 1st assistant camera, Matt Kelly.

There was a scene with all four principal characters traveling between two rooms all in one shot. The floor looked like a Twister board with all the marks in all their different colors. At one point in the scene, the same mark was needed by two different actors at different times. In my naivite, I did not put down a new mark, instead telling the actress to look for the red mark instead of her usual white mark.

This confused her. So Matt stepped in and marked the floor like this:

Double Actor T Mark

“Of course!” I thought and never had an issue with this again.

You may not find yourself with such a unique problem as mine, but if a situation arises where you need two colors at the same mark, this is a great solution. Just have the T-marks as close as possible to each other without overlapping. Unfortunately, this won’t solve any issues of talent overstepping marks, resulting in the need for new focus measurements. The only way to deal with that is hope you’re granted a few rehearsals.

Related posts:

  1. How To Rip and Tab Paper Tape for Marking Tutorial
  2. Quick Tip: Dealing with Actors Missing Their Marks
  3. How To Never Forget the Names of Talent Again
  4. Five Stealth Methods of the Tape Measure Ninja

About the AuthorEvan Luzi

  • Follow Evan on Instagram
  • zVisit Evan’s website

Creator of The Black and Blue. Freelance camera assistant and camera operator for over a decade. He also runs a lot. Learn more about Evan here.

Read Next

How To Rip and Tab Paper Tape for Marking Tutorial

How To Rip and Tab Paper Tape for Marking Tutorial

Having tabbed paper tape makes things much easier when clearing or moving actors' marks on set (especially with a tagboard.) Unfortunately, tabbing tape can be a tedious process if you rip a piece, tab it, then place it. In this quick "how to," I will show a more efficient way to rip and tab tape at the same time allowing for fast application of it on set where time is crucial.

  • Quick Tip: Dealing with Actors Missing Their Marks
  • How To Never Forget the Names of Talent Again
  • Five Stealth Methods of the Tape Measure Ninja
  • Michael Caine Talks About Marks and Focus (Video)
Deciphering the Film Slate Mural

Deciphering the Film Slate (Part 3): Twelve Examples of a Completed Slate

I find looking at other slates to be extremely helpful. When I was first starting out as a 2nd AC, it was useful to see how others applied the principles I had learned about slating. So let's take a look at twelve completed clapperboards.

  • How to Clean a Camera Lens Without Damaging the Glass
  • Three Must-Have Skills for Pulling Focus and How You Can Improve Them
  • 7 G&E Techniques Useful to Camera Assistants
  • How Many Hours Does Your RED One Have?

Happy Labor Day: The Film Industry Should Treat Crew Better

Today is Labor Day in the United States and, as we recognize this national holiday dedicated to the achievements of the American workforce, it's important to acknowledge that the crew in the film industry – the labor – hold more skill, talent, and power than is being recognized and rewarded.

  • 'The Gift of Room Tone' featuring Martin Scorsese, Roger Deakins, Cristopher Walken, and More
  • Focus Puller Chris Silano on Using the Preston Light Ranger
  • Tom Cruise Isn't Messing Around with COVID Safety
  • 20 Holiday Gifts for Camera Assistants (That Your Family Can Actually Afford)
Becoming the Reel Deal eBook Cover on iPad

It Only Takes One Gig.

Becoming the Reel Deal is a free downloadable eBook written to help you get your first job on set in the camera department so you can launch your film career.

Sign up now to get your free copy and exclusive tips from The Black and Blue.

Get Your Free Copy
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Credits
  • Contact

Copyright © 2025 The Black and Blue, LLC