Cheap Shots

Enough with the puns, already. You know how it is: moving your camera can heighten the perceived »production-value« of your no-budget films, and (more importantly) is one of the central artistic tools of the cinematographer. Panning, tilting, tracking, pushing in and pulling out, aerial shots and many many more are an integral part of the grammar of film. You’ll want to use them. Unfortunately, controlled movement of camera is also one of the priciest elements of the camera department’s budget. Tracks, dollies, cranes, cable-cams, gimbals. The list goes on.

Fortunately, a little inventiveness goes a long way in this area as well.