'BTS' or 'Behind the Scenes' shooting...
The BTS Camera position might not be the most GLAMOROUS position on a motion picture set, but in my opinion, it is surely the most GLORIOUS! Sure you're expendable, the other camera units despise you, and Directors scorn you, but BTS is one of the most important positions in the film making process. Here's everything I know about the BTS Camera Operator position and why I love it.
Most studio budgets are split 50/50 between marketing and production. Production makes the film and Marketing makes sure people want to see said film. I can't begin to stress how critical marketing is to the success of a motion picture. And so, the marketing machine is MASSIVE with several divisions. BTS falls under the marketing umbrella.
On set marketing generally takes on the form of two crews: EPK and BTS. Here's the nickel tour of both.
- EPK shoots all the formal sit down interviews with the cast, director, and producer(s). This crew is comprised of a producer/field producer, camera operator, and audio mixer.
- BTS documents the actual making of the film. This is generally a two person crew made up of a producer and camera operator. BTS is responsible for all the production broll. Not just the the stuff happening between "Action" and "Cut", but EVERYTHING between 'start' and 'wrap'.
EPK usually comes to set intermittently, while BTS stays on set. The BTS crews time on set changes from film to film. On some projects it is two weeks. On others they are assigned to the set for the entire film.
As a BTS Camera Operator...
...the best position on set is on first unit, directly behind A Camera. Now this is a great place to perch, but it's also one of the most risky places on set. Why? Because you will always be in the way. Be in the way too many times and you will get kicked off set. So, you have to be everywhere and nowhere simultaneously. This sounds vague, but once you understand the concept things should go great.
Being BTS requires you to be in lockstep with the schedule. You also need to pay constant attention to the mood of the cast and crew. Film production is a beautiful machine to behold in action, but it can be treacherous if you don't navigate it wisely. Here's what I've found to be successful:
- Watch the 1st AD and 1st Unit, A Camera Operator like a hawk. Make sure they know that you know not to be in the way.
- Bring everything you need on set. Find a way to keep cards, batteries, water, etc close by.
- Your job is to roll all the time. However, constant rolling can create reservations for the cast & crew. You have to strike a balance between being sensitive and firm. If everyone sees you 'busting ass' and being respectful they will tolerate you - sometimes even help you.
- Be the first person on set and the last off.
- Always stand up. Never let people see you sit.
- Pay the 1st ACs their respect. Know their names.
- Keep a notepad and pen handy. Your producer, or the studio, will without fail ask you what happened on set. And so I take copious notes. I mean I take notes of EVERYTHING! (i.e. iconic moments, instructions, clip names, camera settings etc.) This is probably one of the most important 'best practices' to incorporate into your routine.
- STAY OFF YOUR PHONE! As long as you are on set your eyes stay on set. Keep your head on the swivel. If you get board and need something to do - review the sides... If you need something in your hand - - pull out your notebook!
- If you lose your place, always look for the set photographer. These guys always know where to be. Interestingly, they are the best barometer for how well you are doing on set too. So don't be afraid to ask them how you are doing.
- Avoid over eating! Craft services is a TRAP! Know your body and what helps keep your energy and attention level at their highest performance level.
- Don't expect to get a walkie from set. Invest in a good set of walkies. This way you and your producer can communicate.
Working BTS on Almost Christmas
The pictures in this post are from Almost Christmas, A Will Packer Production (I LOVE this guy!) The Director of Photography, Larry Blandford, was meticulous and brilliant. I loved his use of haze to refract light. There's going to be tons of eye candy for cinematographers in this film.
Writer & Director, David Talbert made an awesome film. A classic in fact! I am honored to have been the person responsible for capturing the magic behind the scene. The DVD extras and HBO First look should be pretty thorough.
Gear I used
Finally, gear wise, I used the Sony FS-7 Super 35 with a sony 18-105 zoom. Initially I wasn't a fan of this set up. The last film I shot BTS on I used the F5 with a Cabrio. BUT, I have to say, the smaller package really packs a punch! This combo is the definition of Low Profile. The lower weight made it easy to stay ready all day every day. The lens is slow (F4) and breathes when using the servo manually. But, it performs really well in BTS applications. I would definitely suggest this set up.
The film will be released in Theaters everywhere December, 2016.
