Since coronavirus lockdowns began, producers and production crew have been on the front lines hustling to get us back to work safely while having to prep for more logistical chaos than they already dealt with before. While I’ve been cautiously optimistic about these plans, their execution could be improved. So, here’s ten ways production can make film shoots safer during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Search
Find What You Need in the Archives of The Black and Blue
Search results for "Feed"
Pulling Focus in a Pandemic: What It’s Like to Go Back to Set During COVID-19
After a solid three months of no work, I was given a few opportunities in the past few weeks to dip my toes back into production. It goes without saying: filmmaking in the age of coronavirus isn’t what you’re used to. So put on your mask, sanitize those hands, and buckle up for our brave new world.
Easy Remote Monitoring with Teradek Bolts You May Already Havez
In the age of COVID-19, as work slowly trickles back into the industry, remote monitoring of a camera’s feed is becoming increasingly important. There are several options to achieve this, but if you have the right Teradek model lying around, you can take advantage of their built-in capability to be seen as a webcam on a computer:
Here are the compatible Teradek models:
- 2nd generation Bolt 300
- 2nd generation Bolt 600 / 2000
- 3rd generation Bolt 500
- 3rd generation Bolt 1000 / 3000
Or, more simply, any of the models that have a USB 3.0 output on their receivers.
To set it up, you simply plug your Bolt receiver into a computer via the USB 3.0 port and it should show up as a webcam option in popular software like Zoom or VLC.
Here are more specific instructions.
I recently did this on a shoot last week to allow the director in Los Angeles and the agency at their homes on the East Coast to all monitor our on-set feed and collaborate via Zoom.
One note: I ran into issues getting my Mac to recognize the Teradek when using a USB 3.0 to USB-C converter, so if you can go directly into a regular old square USB 3.0 port or get the proper USB-C cable, you can avoid those problems.
Assassinaut Day 10: Tips for Working in the Rain
We swapped the heat on our backs for water from the trees as the sun disappeared behind the canopy of the forest and the rain clouds drifting above. Day 10 of Assassinaut was rocky and wet and rain was on my mind as I tried to keep it off the camera.
Assassinaut Day 4: When It Rains, It Floods, But We Keep Filming
Not everyday on a film set is easy or fun – sometimes you have to earn your paycheck. Day 4 of the sci-fi feature film Assassinaut was one of those days where you keep filming and keep grinding until you have your shots in the can, even through all the curveballs thrown your way.
Assassinaut: Five Ways to Be a Better AC for Week 2
Nobody is perfect – I’m certainly not – and there’s always room for improvement. As we wrapped the short week 1 on Assassinaut, I spent an after-wrap run thinking about, “What could I do better?” After some reflection, I came up with five ways I could up my game as we head into week 2.
Pulling Focus Off the Monitor is a Bad Habit
Any camera assistant worth their salt can pull focus using nothing more than a few measurements, their eyes, and a follow focus. But it’s become increasingly common to look at a monitor – instead of a subject – when pulling focus. So why is that a bad habit?
A Springtime Upgrade for The Black and Blue
Almost six months ago, The Black and Blue was completely redesigned with the launch of version 4.0, codename “Delta.” It was the biggest update in the history of the site. Today, another big update (version 4.1) launches that helps refine the design further, adds the ability to post more frequent updates, and hopefully makes for a better experience when you stop by. Let me tell you more…
Slate Up in Memory of 2nd AC Sarah Jones
Last week, camera assistant Sarah Jones was killed after being struck by a train on the set of a movie. The reaction to the preventable accident has been varied, but there’s been an outpouring of positive support via a Slates for Sarah page and a petition to get her mentioned at the Oscars.
What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you on set?
Over on The Black and Blue Facebook page, I asked followers to share a story about the worst thing that ever happened to them on a film set. The answers – whether scary or funny – show that we all have our bad days on set and, yes, sometimes it could be worse!