How to Film a Car Scene — Everything to Know About Car Cinematography

How to Shoot Car Scenes — Filming car sequences can be complicated and costly, and in this video we offer a guide to doing car scenes right. How to Shoot a Car Scene ►► StudioBinder Screenwriting Software ►► ───────────────────── Special thanks to: Brady Bessette ►► ►► Deity Microphones ►► Detours Feature ►► Indy Mogul ►► Tom Antos ►► Proaim ►► URSA Straps ►► ───────────────────── Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Filming Car Scenes 00:59 - The Ins & Outs of Filming Car Scenes 02:19 - Chapter 1: Camera Placement 04:28 - Chapter 2: Lighting 07:00 - Chapter 3: Recording Sound 20:28 - Takeaways ───────────────────── CAR VIDEOGRAPHY Movies love cars. Think of all the great car scenes throughout cinema history, from The French Connection to Mad Max. But filming a car scene can be exceedingly difficult. Shooting in a moving vehicle immediately introduces dangers that aren’t present on most sets. The first lesson for anyone trying to film a car scene: prioritize safety. No car scene is worth endangering your cast and crew. With that in mind, there are a few different considerations for a vehicular sequence. CAMERA PLACEMENT IN A CAR SCENE One of the primary challenges for a car scene is the lack of space. There are limited areas for a camera to be placed. One way around this is the process trailer, a low level truck bed that can carry the picture car. Not only does this give the crew space around the car to place the camera, but it also means that the actor doesn’t actually have to drive. A cheaper version of this is the tow rig, where a car is essentially being towed. This removes much of the space available to the crew, but still ensures an actor doesn’t have to focus on driving. If a car is actually being driven, a camera can be placed on a hostess tray. The lighting, camera, and audio will all be monitored in a lead car, which stays close to the picture car throughout filming and acts as a mobile video village. HOW TO LIGHT A CAR The other consideration for shooting car scenes, of course, is lighting. Here, space is also an issue. A crew may rig chasing lights to the side of the car to add the feel of pacing street lights, or they may hide lights within the car. Lighting can be far more controlled when utilizing the Poor Man’s Process. This is where a car is placed in front of a green screen or virtual production LED to simulate movement. Here, the crew can move lights outside the car. This option is by far the safest and can also be the simplest. Contrary to its name, however, it may not be the cheapest option, since moving lights or a virtual production screen can cost money. HOW TO SHOOT A CAR SCENE WITH AUDIO Sound is also a consideration. With the Poor Man’s Process, sound can be treated as it would be in any other scene. But when the car is actually moving, there’s a lot of background noise to contend with. Typically, a production sound mixer will hide lavs in a car’s visor, since this will naturally point them at the actor’s mouth. It should be noted, however, that getting pristine audio in a moving car is nearly impossible– you’ll have to do clean up in post. Car scenes can be difficult, but when done well, they can be dynamic and visually exciting. #FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking ───────────────────── ♬ SONGS USED: “Drive My Car“ - The Beatles “What Is Love“ - Haddaway “Dont Lose Your Grip“ - Diamonds And Ice “A Battle in the East“ - Rhythm Scott “1986“ - Angel Salazar “Life’s Journey Begins“ - idokay “British News Team“ - Lance Conrad “Assembly Line Dreams“ - Ostin Drais “War Dance (Instrumental)“ - Rhythm Scott “Full Access“ - Jimmy Svensson “Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car“ - Billy Ocean “Full Throttle“ - Lektrique, MIDNIGHT CVLT Music by Artlist ► Music by Artgrid ► Music by Soundstripe ► Music by MusicBed ► ───────────────────── SUBSCRIBE to StudioBinder’s YouTube channel! ►► Looking for a project management platform for your filmmaking? StudioBinder is an intuitive project management solution for video creatives; create shooting schedules, breakdowns, production calendars, shot lists, storyboards, call sheets and more. Try StudioBinder for FREE today: Instagram ►► Facebook ►► Twitter ►► #film-theory, #video-essay, #filmmaker [Insert Body Text] #FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking