Re: Are ND grads only used for static shots?

[Leo Ticheli] "the effect tends to draw immediate attention to itself and takes the viewer out of the story."

zooms are way over-used by home movie makers, no argument. It is much safer to avoid zooms 100% of the time.

But on a purely aesthetic level - is that pont about meta-awareness really valid? Many years ago people fled movie houses because a train on the screen was about to run them over . But today? Does obvious artifice really detract from the experience? With certain movies yes - just as a Picasso profile would look out of place in a Rembrandt canvas.

the Irish movie "Intermission" is testament to the notion that turning awareness towards the camera can enhance dramatic impact. The artifice is registered on a conscious level, it is not subliminal.

"Jimi - turn the volume down. No-one wants to listen to feedback and distortion"