ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXHow to shoot a scene as if it's in the treetops?
9 years, 9 months ago - Owain Astles
I've written a short film script and am beginning to submit it to commissions. In one scene, the two main characters begin to climb up a tall tree in the forest; we then cut to them both right at the treetop, holding onto the tree. While I have a very clear idea of how this should look, I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how best to film this, especially health and safety wise? Obviously it's probably not possible to send two actors, a boom operator/sound recordist and a camera operator up a tree without having a very dodgy risk assessment.
Only members can post or respond to topics. LOGIN
Not a member of SP? JOIN or FIND OUT MORE
9 years, 9 months ago - Dan Selakovich
I'm going to assume you want a tree top view of the forest behind the characters? You recreate the top of the tree on some natural or man made structure. For example, on a high hill overlooking a forest. Or on a rooftop overlooking a forest. The characters would basically be on the ground or on the roof, but surrounded by branches from the tree.
Recreating the tree might pose some difficulty, as you'll need branches from the same type of tree to match the tree the kids are climbing. You can use a bunch of C-stands to hold the branches.
9 years, 9 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
What Dan says, but blue screen the background and composite in the forest ;-).
We don't know the shot you're imagining, so this is guesswork, but you're right that doing it at height is the wrong approach! We are in the illusions business, so your first instinct should be how to cheat the shot to be safe and cost effective whilst still looking good :)
(Note, green screen not a good idea for green subjects)
9 years, 9 months ago - Owain Astles
Some really helpful ideas, thank guys
9 years, 9 months ago - Alève Mine
Say tree tops? This is what I think of: https://youtu.be/Ccmava-4KnY
How in the world did they shoot this.
9 years, 9 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
>>>Say tree tops? This is what I think of: youtu.be/Ccmava-4KnY
How in the world did they shoot this.<<<
Wirework and compositing :-)
9 years, 9 months ago - Alève Mine
with foregoing vertigo therapy!