Directing the Documentary, 5th Edition

Chapter 8Developing a Crew

You “develop” rather than “choose” a crew because you should always do some trial shooting together. This verifies that equipment is functioning and that you understand each other’s values, signals, and terminology. One operator’s close-up is another’s medium shot, so developing a brief and unambiguous communication is important, especially when you face “run and gun” shooting. Responding to a rapidly changing situation, with no possibility of rehearsal or repeats, allows wide margins for misunderstanding. Only if your crew understands your occasional whispered instructions do they achieve successful subject selection, framing, composition, speed of camera movements, and microphone positioning. Shoot exercise footage ...