Sooke Film Society Photo Contest Instructions
Locations:
These instructions may seem a little strange to the amateur
or professional photographer, but this is the format that the film industry
uses for it’s location files or photofiles.
We hope that you have fun taking these photos and using you creativity to
find interesting locations for the Film Society. It is very easy to take photos
in this manner and no prior photographic experience is required. All you need
is a steady hand and a good eye so that the photos can be overlapped and taped
together after they are developed.
1. Use 400 ASA colour film, 24 exposures for both locations and props
2. Take photos vertically so that it captures the tallest point if possible.
Take the photos in a sweeping panoramic style making sure to note where one
photo ends, so that you can overlap them and tape them together later. You
are basically using your still camera to replicate a movie camera. Panoramic
cameras do the same thing but they lose a lot of detail, so are not recommended.
Example: Imagine 2 actors having a conversation on the front steps of a house. The Director needs to know what the camera angle will be from both directions - one looking at the house and another looking towards the street. If filming a house start at the front of the house. The first 5 - 6 photos will form a 180° panorama of the front of the house. Position one of your feet so that you can swivel on the same spot as you take the photos.
Remember to keep the camera in the same position for the series of photos. Then go and stand steps and take the reverse view, again with not more than 5 - 6 photos. Try to duplicate the experience of someone arriving at the house. If you have access to the house take the view as you enter (probably 2 -3 photos); now take the reverse looking back towards the closed door remembering to overlap the images.
Use your discretion and take photos of the most unique features of the house until all 24 photos are taken. If filming a scene like a farmer’s field, lake, river, bridge, park etc., use your creative judgment to show the best aspects of the location. Accessibility is important, as the film crews need to be able to get their equipment on site easily. Locations don’t have to be beautiful to be useful. Think about some of the locations used in the X-Files or other programs you have seen.
3. Record details on the sheet provided so that if the location is chosen for a film, we know how to contact the owners for access.
4. Develop the film. Lay the photos out and tape the backs of them together with long strips of tape. Tape the completed panorama into the file folder provided in the order that you took the photos by rolling tape and putting on the back of the photos.
5. Read the "How to prepare photofiles to International Film Commission Standards", it has a listing of location types.
Props photos should show:
1. Scale
For large standard items like cars a verbal description of the scale in both meters and feet is needed. For items that could be non-standard such as trucks, tools, and especially science fiction props, a pictoral scale is needed as well as a verbal description. An example would be a "space gun" or a "flight console". In this case, a person in the picture would give a scale.
For smaller items, a ruler in metric and feet should be in the photo. Jewelry items that are small compare well to coins. In this case, an American quarter and penny are the usual standard.
2. Authenticity
A verbal description of authenticity should be included. Examples:Does the "space gun" light up? Is the sword real metal, rubber, plastic or "break-away material"? Is the glass in the item certified "prop glass" or real? For items such as "sinkable boats" and "destructo vehicles", has the prop been cleaned of all polluting oils, will it float or move on its own, or would it require towing?
3. Rental or Purchase
Is the prop available for rent, or must it be purchased?
4. Unique or Modified
Is the prop unique? For example, is this the only one you have available? Are you able to make duplicates or modify it if needed?
General Information & Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a "location" and
a "prop"?
Usually things that can be moved are considered "props", and stationary
places are "locations". You may have a site that includes both.
For example: an old barn (a location) that includes a tractor, a hay wagon,
tools and hay (props). The props could be authentic (an actual bundle of hay),
or artificial (a block of foam with a hay covering). Be as descriptive as
possible.
Can I use a digital camera?
YES, you can use a digital camera, but you must provide a high quality "photo"
print-out in the same manner as above.
Snappy
Print and Photo King provide full service photofinishing and digital imaging.
Stop in at unit #106 in the Village Market mall, ( next to MacDonalds') for
developing of your locations & prop photos. They also offer one hour service!
Webpage: SnappyPhoto.com
Return the completed photofile to the Film Society with your entry form to:
By Mail: P.O. Box 754, Sooke, BC V0S 1N0
or drop them off in person at our office in the Community Futures Building: 1080 Otter Point Road, Sooke (8:30 am to 4:00 pm.)
To allow for different seasons the contest will close May 1st., 2001.
Please remember to include the negatives so that we can make duplicate copies if necessary.
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Photographic credit will be given for each entry.
The photofiles will become the property of the Sooke Film Society and will be filed in the "Film in BC, Canada" Database locations library. Some photofiles may also be copied for the BC Film Commission and the Vancouver Island Film Association’s (VIFA) library. |
Need more info? Phone 642-6142
or EMAIL