10 Film-Making Mistakes I Regret

"Since I began filming my trips with a DSLR three years ago I have learned a lot about camera work, editing and film making.

But every time I sit at my computer and begin processing the footage from my latest project, I will grow annoyed at myself for the latest stupid mistakes I have made.

Here are some of the things I did wrong out on the ice in Greenland. I’m listing them here so you don’t make the same mistakes with your films.

DETAILS – I did not film enough close-up details of things, such as equipment or ice formations. I therefore have to rely too much on quite repetitive long shots. (Good example of a detail shot here)

CUTAWAYS – detail shots are usually used as cutaways (need an explanation of cutaways? Click here). However, when shooting longer scenes I should have thought at the time about specific cutaways. Instead I had to do quite a bit of bodging in my edit! The opening scene with Martin packing the bags would have benefited from some cutaways. (Good example of a cutaway here)

FACES – It’s all very well having pretty shots of big mountains, but the best part of films is the people. I wish I had filmed more close ups of our faces, particularly when we were tired and cold. (Good example of a face shot here)

EMPATHY – The best parts of expedition films are when the viewer can relate to the human side of the people out on the ice. I should have done more interviews, more pieces to camera, and given the camera to the other guys more often to record their own thoughts. (Good example of empathising with a charater in the ten seconds from here)"

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