10 Second Rule

There are a few things that aggravate an editor like not having enough time during a shot/take.  When you are filming, you need to think like an editor.  For example, your "good shot" does not start when you hit record, it begins once you focus, frame up the shot and steady the camera movement.  At that point, you begin to count to 10 (or watch the timecode counter in the viewfinder).  10 Seconds is a good rule of thumb for most shots.  A previous director of mine (Dan Keith-MidWest Outdoors TV) hammered this into my head and it has helped me dramatically.  Since I edit all my own video, I have seen the benefits of the 10-second rule time and time again.

By giving enough time, you are allowing the editor to have time to fade in, hold the shot for a few seconds and fade out.  Pay attention to actual time during your favorite hunting shows and you will see how time flies and you always could use more of a good shot.  Hold your "good shots" longer and your final videos will be much better!

Till next time...I'm rolling!
Brian

Film Your Bear Hunt

Bear from one of our Wisconsin trail cameras.

With Pine Ridge Archery President, Jim Broberg finally drawing a Wisconsin bear tag after 7 years of applying, I have had some familiar memories of my previous bear hunts come back up. 
There may not be a better game animal to film than bear.  Why? It is simple.  Most bear hunts happen over bait.  Of course this excludes spot and stalk and dog hunts.  When hunting over bait, your focus is pretty well concentrated over the bait area. Therefore, your camera can be set there as well.
When filming your own hunt (or even filming someone else) it is always a challenge to be set up with the camera pointed in the direction that the game will approach from.  In the wild, it is difficult to guess the exact location they will come from, but over bait, it is usually safe to bet that they will go to the bait once they arrive.
This is where your camera should be pointed while you wait.  When you film your hunts, your camera should be mounted on a camera support, like the Pro-Bow-Cam from Pine Ridge Archery so the shot is steady and if you are by yourself you can capture your shot on film without holding the camera. 
Now, once your bear arrives, your camera is already pointed in the direction of where you will shoot and all you have to do is hit record.  If you hunt bear over bait, you need to be filming your hunt.  Not only does it preserve the memory of the hunt, it will allow you to rewind the tape and review your shot placement on the bear before you track it.  It is a great feeling to capture the shot on video, and a bear hunt is a great one to find success with.

Till next time, I'm rolling!
Brian

Two's Company

Hunting is tough as it is, but double the amount of people in a tree (or blind) and you are asking for trouble.  If two people (1 hunter and 1 cameraman) head into the field without a clear understanding of the mission, you are asking for trouble.  When I go out on a shoot, I make sure that my hunter and I are on the same page and that both of our goals are in sync.  If something can go wrong...it will.  
When you are in the stand and the first shooter comes by and you are trying to position yourself and your camera for the shot, there is always a chance you could be busted and that hunt may be over.  Of course you should do everything in your power to get yourself in a position ahead of time so you can film in the direction you expect the game to come from with as little movement as possible.  However, this is real hunting, not a zoo.  The animals do not always follow the script and you are forced to re-adjust.  This is inevitably when an animal will catch your movement and that is it.  If you and your hunter have not discussed this possibility ahead of time, you can be sure you are not going to have a pleasant ride back to camp.

I always make sure that I inform my hunter of the possibility of the hunt getting screwed up in the process of getting the shot.  This is where you both need to decide what is more important.  If your hunter is just taking you along and the film is a bonus, you had better make darn sure you do not screw up their hunt.  If this is a "paid" hunt where an outfitter or lodge is looking for promotional benefits, your hunter better remember that.  Often times this means the hunt is comp'd (free) and without the camera, the hunter would not even be there.  So, be sure you both understand the priorities and your outcome will be much better.

I have made some great, lifelong friendships while filming people over the years.  It is amazing how spending a few days in a tree with someone will build such a bond.  Plus, the hours go a lot quicker when you have someone to spend the time with.  Really, it is one of those things that can't be explained, but I highly recommend it. 

Till next time...I'm Rolling!
Brian

Pre-Game Prep

Would you ever climb into your stand at the start of bow season if you did not shoot one practice arrow all year?  If not, why would you attempt to film a hunt without practicing with the camera, camera arm and gear first?  If something can go wrong, there are two times that it will; when it is pre-dawn and you are trying to be quiet and still in your treestand, or when a “shooter” works into your location.  Here are a few tips to help eliminate future problems.

1.    Use your gear ahead of time and all squeaks, creaks and malfunctions should be out of the way before the hunt.  Remember, cold conditions create issues that were not there in July.  Practice, practice, practice.

2.    Be sure to get your pack organized with what you need so you can find it by feel.  You want to be able to reach slowly and quietly into your pack and retrieve what you need without taking your eyes off of your area.  You can guarantee that when you are fumbling around in your pack, that is when a buck is going to appear and he will bust you.  If you can keep your eyes on the surrounding area and still reach for your gear, you will be less likely to be seen since you are aware of what is going on around you.  Plus, if you do not need a flashlight in pre-dawn settings, you will be less conspicuous.

3.    Preload your fresh batteries and tape before heading out.  This will save time and noise in the stand.  Plus, remove the wrapper from your second tape and label it.  This way, when you need it, you are not crinkling plastic wrap in the stand.  Most likely your tape #1 will run out with an animal in your area and you will need to be extra stealthy when you change tapes.  This will help.

4.    CLEAN YOUR LENS!  It never fails, no matter how careful you are, your lens will get wet, dusty, smudged, etc.  Keep a small bottle of lens cleaning solution and a cloth in your pocket and clean it often.

5.    Finally, keep essentials in your pockets.  Batteries, lens cloth, tape, etc are good to have at fingertips reach.  Your pockets provide for less movement than reaching a hanging pack and are good for many must have items.

Be prepared and have your gear in “stand-ready” condition so your first hunt is as successful as your last hunt of the season.

Till next time…I’m rolling!
Brian