Re: Are ND grads only used for static shots?

I agree that zoom's aren't common place, and that other shooting techniques are better. And I am also not saying that someone should just use zooms because it is easier.... But I also don't agree that someone should say that this and that, are and are not acceptable. Many movies in the "cinema" business use zooms to achieve a certain effect whether it be for a last resort or that is the look they want.

To say what the audience wants and does not want is very presumptous. The fellowship of the Ring and Return of the King both had zooms in them, they are two of the highest grossing films in the industry, and they have both won awards for cinematography, as well the later one Best picture.

I am not saying break all the rules of composition, but if someone likes to use a zoom, then use a zoom. Whatever it takes for someone to achieve the final product that they desire should not be toted as the wrong way, just a different way.

This argument could stem into the whole film vs HD argument where someone says that there is no way one will be taken seriously if they shoot on HD. This was one of the original arguments, and a lot of "cinema" people said that HD would never be accepted. Yet many HD movies gain audience approval with them never even knowing they were HD.

In the end you can have the most beautifully shot picture ever, but if the content is bad, then no one will want to watch it.