Re: Are ND grads only used for static shots?

Golly, I must have cut class the day we discussed, "meta-awareness."

The very simple reality is that any move which draws attention to the camera screams, "look at me, I'm a camera, this is being photographed, forget about being involved in the story!" If that's what you're trying to say, fine. Zoom away. If you want your film to look like a bad home movie or an equally bad Kung Fu movie, zoom away. If you want to be avant-garde, zoom away. If you simply want to be perverse, zoom away until you break the rocker switch or your audience throws shoes at the screen. Otherwise, avoid obvious zooms.


Look, the art component of this business is about a lot more than just breaking rules; it's knowing when and how to break them.

Good shooting,

Leo
Director/Cinematographer
Southeast USA