Coverage is the acquisition of camera shots in a scene. When directors understand how to shoot a film properly, they can be more efficient, which allows them to get more and better shots. If film directors get too much coverage for their movies, it's a burden on editors. But if filmmakers don't get enough coverage, then it restricts the creative freedom of the editor in post production.
- The process of getting enough shots…to edit the film well…is referred as getting coverage.…If we were to shoot an entire scene,…say the hut scene which is one camera,…or other words just one shot,…that our editor might tell us that there isn't…enough coverage.…That means there's not enough variety…in the shots to edit the scene together well.…Having enough variety in shots sizes…gives the editor a lot more options in the edit…because really editing is not just about putting…pieces together.…Editing gives you one last chance…to fine tune your story.…
With edits you can control the tempo of a scene…as we'll see in the course on editing…but also it gives you the flexibility…to add or remove elements,…emphasize or deemphasize elements and so much more.…Look at this example from the end…of the goodbye scene.…What if we were running on low time…or only planned on getting coverage in this one shot?…- It was always you.…- But how do I know where to go?…- In forest deep and desert long.…- I will be brave.…I will be strong.…
Author
Chad Perkins
Released
8/18/2016Watch and learn how to shoot a script, using visual motifs, atmospherics, framing, and different types of shots to tell the film's story. Find out how to give direction to your crew and be a good leader, while staying on budget and on schedule. Plus, get tips to improve shots during retakes or in post, and to become a better director, storyteller, and communicator.
Note: Like the rest of the Creating a Short Film series, this course was shot during the production of The Assurance. It offers a unique window into the actual struggles and challenges filmmakers have to overcome to get films made. Find the rest of the courses in the series on Chad's author page.
- What a director does
- Interpreting the script
- Scouting locations
- Choosing the tone and theme of the film
- Using motifs
- Shaping the story through visuals
- Being a good leader on set
- Respecting budgets and schedules
- Planning shots
- Moving the camera: on a tripod or dolly or in handheld shots
- Using rolling takes
- Framing shots
- Adding atmospherics
- Directing in post-production
- Becoming a better director
Skill Level Intermediate
Duration
Views
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Introduction
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What does a director do?1m 53s
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The Assurance7m 43s
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1. Preparing for Production
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Choosing your crew1m 37s
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Interpreting the script2m 4s
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Creating a visual style2m 36s
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Scouting locations1m 37s
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2. Themes and Tone
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Controlling the tone4m 39s
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Using themes1m 58s
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Using motifs2m 13s
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About the blur motif2m 18s
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3. Shaping the Story
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Killing darlings3m 59s
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Cutting to add clarity1m 54s
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Adding tension2m 19s
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Showing, not telling4m 35s
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4. Running the Set
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Being a good leader3m 29s
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Sticking to your vision3m 3s
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Throwing away your vision2m 57s
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Knowing when to reset2m 45s
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Wearing multiple hats1m 25s
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5. Planning Shots in a Scene
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Understanding the scene2m 45s
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Planning the shots4m 19s
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6. Getting the Shot
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Getting coverage4m 2s
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Cheating and stealing shots3m 20s
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Utilizing rolling takes4m 10s
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Breaking the "fourth wall"1m 45s
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Fixing it in post1m 43s
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7. Improving the Shot
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Improving takes4m 11s
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Using extras3m 38s
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Framing the shot5m 28s
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Adding atmospherics3m 8s
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8. Directing in Post-Production
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Directing the edit1m 36s
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Directing VFX shots1m 49s
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Directing audio choices2m 46s
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Conclusion
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Becoming a better director1m 31s
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Directing resources2m 52s
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Final thoughts1m 1s
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Video: Getting coverage