Regan DaBell
In the position of cinematographer, much of a video project’s visual identity can be left to you. It is a position that requires trust and teamwork. For our group’s final documentary project in COMM 465, I volunteered to be the cinematographer. I wanted an opportunity to demonstrate the skills I had been taught and bring a solid addition into my portfolio.
Being a documentary (or factual film), the project required a combination of footage; that of interviewees and b-roll of locations and real time events. We met a number of people, both impromptu and planned, in locations all around the city of Rexburg.
The main message of Thin Blue Divide shows the multiple facets of the relationship between the public and police of Rexburg, ID. We conducted a couple of indoor interviews and spent a day grabbing a good number of street interviews. This was a great way to show range in my skills, as many of the street interviews tested my knowledge of natural lighting.
Interviews were far less complicated, but still required effort. Camera setup and where to position the lights can make all the difference. For interviews, a standard set up of three-point lighting works perfectly.
The primary camera used to film was a Sony FX-3, known for its versatility. Handheld shots can sometimes be unreliable (people do not have the most steady of hands) and so to balance the camera, we hooked it up to a rig. This allowed us to get more steady shots.
Working on Thin Blue Divide truly gave me a great experience, and an opportunity to gain more knowledge. I am grateful that I could work on this project and that it can be part of my portfolio.