Coverage

Getting all the shots you need for the edit is called coverage. When you film something, you need to get enough different shots to show everything you need to show. If you don’t have coverage, your scene may not cut together well. It might be boring, it may not make sense, or it might be jerky.

Here are some rules that can help you, particularly if you’re shooting an event or a fast-moving situation.

Whatever you do, film every shot for at least ten seconds. If you’re filming an action, begin recording a few seconds before the action starts, and keep on filming for a few seconds after it ends.

Shoot more than you think you need. If you think you need three shots, get five. If you think you need five shots, get seven.

Rules for coverage

‍Start with an extreme long shot to set the scene.

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Introduce people with long shots and mid shots.

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Then use closeups to show their expressions.

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Finally, film a different shot – the same thing from a different angle, a wide/long shot, or maybe a cutaway of something in a different part of the scene. If you shoot everything from the same position the camera will appear to ‘jump’ forward.

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