Shooting Moving Masters Zemeckis Style

[@MadMike1]

Dude's a major player in Hollywood now, yet he still hasn't forgotten where he came from and takes the time to make videos on his youtube channel. Respect.

[@AxxLAfriku]

AAAAAAHHHHH!!!! PAAAAAIIIINNNN!!!!!! I broke my hand yesterday because of the hate comments I get all the time. I was so angry that I punched a hole in my computer. Please don't hate me, dear mike

[@dafunktrunk]

@@AxxLAfriku C'mon man, don't let the hate to you. You'll always have your fans to support you. But I am no fan, I have dedicated my life to serve you O Great One AxxL whomst have had sex with 2 women..

[@fistofthesnortstar]

i feel it's also just him not being able to keep it all inside, having that urge to share with us, which is fantastic and I think we all love that.

[@chucklebutt4470]

@@AxxLAfriku oh god you're the worst ❤

[@vb8428]

Who is he and what major things is he doing?

[@ref-i7w]

The return of the king

[@CobyMcGhie]

I really appreciate that a director has his own youtube channel. Literally sharing knowledge and advice that could inspire a whole new generation of directors.

[@blackwhattack]

Hitchcock's KZbin channel would be interesting to see.

[@flutechannel]

Never forget your roots Mr.Sandberg! What a great video and amazing insights! Very "Every Frame a Painting" Like.

[@雪鷹魚英語培訓的領航]

OneyNG is on Adult Swim now. Captain Disillusion just made a pitch to do the Flight of the Navigator remake. Worthikids just made a gorgeous stop motion anime that is top in its class. Roiland was doing NG humor too before he joined Adult Swim. I think Every Frame and other video essay folks are going to make some sweet stuff in the future.

[@thelonelyspider_official]

As an aspiring film director, Sandberg is the kind of director I want to be one day. Humble, creative, funny, and wickedly talented. I'll forever be appreciate of him sharing his knowledge via this channel. And I seriously cant wait for my favourite DCEU film to get it's sequel; Shazam Fury of the Gods!

[@enigmawstudios4130]

You feel David's care for his audience in his films. That, and his creative talent, drives his success. Kudos my friend

[@AllgoodthingsTv]

But then there's Fincher's 15 different camera angles and 33 cuts to bring alive deposition testimony in "The Social Network" (the scene where the Winklevoss's attorney asks Zuckerberg, played by Jessie Eisenberg, whether he has his "full attention"). All of those cuts really brought what could have been a boring scene to life.

[@davidboerst4789]

I think it really depends on the story. edits can bring more attention to a scene that may be less appealing but one shots can also draw in the attention of the audience like they are actually part of the scene.

[@saiashwin26]

@@davidboerst4789 I think having so many cuts in such less time and not have the viewer disoriented is much tougher to achieve than a single take.

[@davidboerst4789]

@@saiashwin26 agreed. Usually cuts can add action to a scene or help hide a mistake. The best cut are ones the audience feels but doesn't notice. I think there was a Jake Gyllenhaal police movie that had too many cuts and left the audience disoriented

[@officialmarlowjamesfilmcen2879]

@@davidboerst4789 End of Watch

[@andersonmbarboza1108]

There's a great video here on KZbin (by Every Frame a Painting, I think) that relates to this issue of cutting really fast while keeping the flow of the action. While it's more focused on action, I guess it does apply to other kinds of scenes. The video compares some fast-cutting Bourne scenes to that famous Liam Neeson jumping the fence scene. The main theory is that the faster the cutting, the more it is important to maintain the focus of the compositions from shot to shot, so that the audience's eyes don't have to search each new cut to "get it". It's a very cool video, worth searching for.

[@FilmmakerIQ]

That was terrific!

[@lukepensabene6086]

Alas, a wild John Hess appears in the Ponysmasher comments!

[@RodyTheRobot]

Damn, I wanna watch "What Lies Beneath" now

[@vb8428]

It's one of the few films of Zemeckis I haven't seen but I've always loved his camera movement even in recent films

[@neginf.7639]

Literally just said that to my sister before I read your comment!!

[@neginf.7639]

Did you watch it?

[@thijseggen2880]

Man I love these videos. No annoying background music, just you, talking about shooting movies! 👏🏼🎬

[@orangenblue6981]

'What lies Beneath' is such an underrated gem in my view. I read that Zemeckis set out to do a Hitchcock style thriller with that one. IMO he succeeded in a lot of ways.

[@findthisrighthere9476]

Also the movie he shot in between shooting all of Cast Away while Hanks slimmed down

[@konstantinosstag6436]

I Think i have watched this film about twenty times. It is hitchcockian in a lot of ways. Mostly in terms of elegance of coverage. It is exceptionally well directed with great acting, cinematography and production design. But is is also poorly written in my opinion. It throughs character consistency out of the window in order to create the twist which also involves supernatural elements. So i don't know that it is actually underrated.

[@dunyamedia]

Love it!! The hidden secret of these one-rs are great professional actors who understand pacing. I find that when people attempt these masters with non-pros or too little rehearsal, the pacing is super difficult to get right and creates scenes with a lot of awkward space in it, and then you can’t fix the pacing with coverage. Getting a couple of pickups at each new frame size of your moving master helps give you backups without re-doing the lighting!

[@paulbray5361]

Great point!!

[@16х22-ь4л]

Thank you! "Death Becomes Her" is a great start to tell the character's story without words.

[@insanejughead]

Wow... Just wow, David. This is the definitive explanation of how to incorporate camera technique to enhance story.

[@HeroesReforged]

I really miss these long takes. I’m not sure if they happen less often than they used to, but I wish we saw more of them. Especially in big budget films, allowing the scene to breathe a bit.

[@saiashwin26]

Did you forget 1917? I guess people already did, it was insufferable.

[@yeilyn24]

@@saiashwin26 1917 was beautiful and a great film.

[@SHVideografie]

@@yeilyn24 1917 was a masterpiece. And I agree with the OP, more longtakes please!

[@storywala88]

Despite your movie career you stay so humble and never forget your roots. Respect.

[@tdog3753]

This channel is one of my comfort channels i just love it

[@Insulinspike]

I've been in my head a lot when it comes to filming and getting things moving, in general, which has been causing stress and frustration. Your videos have been helping me calm down, focus, and let go of the stress. Thank you.

[@Rossatron]

I did this for the dialogue on my recent film Acéré, where we covered a good minute and a half with a moving camera for a character entering, sharing a dialogue sequence with their enemy, and then a fight beginning in just one shot. I ended up luckily covering the two close ups in between for the dialogue, as you said they are quick to do, and wow did they save me. It worked with the one shot...but in the end the performances deserved to be seen. Loving the videos as always man, such an inspiration.

[@just_doug]

Any extra practical lessons you learned from shooting this way? any issues?

[@Rossatron]

@@just_doug It certainly sped up the amount of set ups, so was probably still quicker actually. We would have needed about 7 set ups for what we did with just 3 (master + close ups). You can actually see the making of which goes into pretty much every aspect of it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inbclH6Nj6Z2msU

[@just_doug]

@@Rossatron Cheers bud!

[@Corn_Pone_Flicks]

@@just_doug I'm shooting a housebound thriller right now and have done many shots like this. One issue you have to watch for is making sure you don't either walk through the path of your lights, or end up getting your lights in shot, which I did after circling the actors a full 180 degrees. Fortunately, I was able to erase the offending light in After Effects, but it would have been simpler to just have my wife (aka "the crew") grab it off the shelf after we'd moved through that area. We had a two-minute one-er to shoot and only about fifteen minutes to nail it, so I didn't even notice the damn light on the day.

[@luismoura3687]

This is pure gold. I actually studied your work in my Film class in University! My lecturer recommended we watch and subscribe to your channel!

[@all1nerd377]

Zemmekis is one of the most underrated Hollywood directors.

[@21stcenturyhiphop]

Directors like Zemeckis and Spielberg are definitely familiar with the earlier era of movies, where oner's were pretty common. It's definitely always a good idea to revisit those classic films, as there are many techniques in them that filmmakers ( such as myself) can apply today.

[@thomasbrush]

brilliant KZbin content as always. About to shoot my next horror film in November and your content is always relevant and helpful.

[@albertonunes3234]

Mad respect man, thanks for continuing to make these videos for us to get a glimpse of what it's like to turn your passion into your career!

[@wurmrave6831]

You are such an inspiration to all aspiring film makers. We appreciate your content and your movies.

[@GreenhornProductions]

These videos get me so excited about filmmaking.

[@pjmillsfilms]

I’ve been making short films for years, and I think it’s pretty wild how the longer I’ve been doing this, the more inclined I’ve become to limit coverage. Not only does it feel like I’m challenging myself, but it’s I undeniably more productive. Thanks David, for an awesome video. Looking forward to your next project.

[@noahlebel-turcotte4662]

A moving master that picks up coverage at the same time is just an incredible technique everyone should worry about.

[@SadeN_0]

Fantastic, straight to the point as always. Love your stuff!

[@Rafopla]

I am so happy you got a new video out man ! Sure hope you feel like making a few more in the near future, keep us posted. It's always a pleasure to watch.

[@welllazvdo2216]

This is so insightful. And your voice is soothing and calming. Also... You're not unpleasant to look at. KZbin premium right there.👌

[@ThiagoCardoso4]

Indeed, Zemeckis has some brilliant and thrilling shots! Thanks for this essay, David!

[@LeckerMettwurst]

Since your channel has been recommended to me by the german podcast "Zwei wie Pech und Schwafel" I can't get enough of your videos and I will definetly enrich my movie collection with your films.

[@olijess_]

I love this style! I tried something similar with my first horror short film in film school. When we had time pressure, I just did like 3 setups at once - the actress walked out of frame - I yelled "stop" - we made a quick 90 degree turn with the camera and continued the shot. In the film, it looks like 2 different setups, which it kinda was, but we filmed it as one long take (we did the same thing later in the shot as well). This saved us a lot of time, since we covered the whole scene with just 2 shots (I put in a quick second angle for editing). We did maybe 10 takes in total, but that was so much quicker than to do it with a bunch of different setups and it allowed the actress to just do the scene a few times! Fun stuff.

[@Gympy]

So informative. I always look forward to your videos! Big thank you for not forgetting about your KZbin channel!

[@osama5708]

The king is back ❤️

[@cebasm3861]

One of my favorite oners has to to from "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" It's the scene where Eddie Valiant goes home after a long day, sits at his desk and reminiscences about his brother. The way the camera goes from Eddie to his brother's desk, the dusty photographs and newspaper clippings, before finally coming back to Eddie passed out after another booze filled night is perfect!

[@sarahdippity]

David, YOU "are pretty damn cool"! :) Love this film essay!

[@michaelburke4048]

Your videos are a masterclass. Thank you for posting this.

[@TheFilmLook]

Ahh man, this is great! We've been practicing reducing our shot list by stitching together shot types for a while now. Instead of cutting, move the camera or move the actor. It's great to see it's a technique achieved by the greats and appreciated & practiced by the new generation. You're an inspiration to us all, ponysmasher!

[@Luciustheawesome]

I love that you did this video. I'm a huge fan of moving masters or fluid masters (the term I was taught). There are so many good ones and Zemekis did some of the best. The opening of 'Back to the Future' with the clocks is an amazing oner that sets up the movie, Doc Brown's history, and foreshadows the climax of the film in just one shot.

[@Someonecomegether]

Glad to see you uploading again. You’ve probably been busy, so this is much appreciated.

[@VideoTyme]

Awesome you still put out content like this and don’t forget about us little guys! 👏

[@LucasDolia]

The Return of the King

[@esperonquegoste]

Love your channel and your insider vision from Hollywood!

[@luisgondim8283]

really wish to see you around here more often, great to see you back, and thanks for sharing!

[@PrincipalAgents]

Nice nod to every frame a painting. I occasionally watch a video from them, just because they are that good. Pretty much like this channel. Thank you for making these. :)

[@lax_studios]

Dude your videos just make my day. Total work the long waits between them.

[@TheRealMacAndCheese]

Whew, glad he posted again, was beginning to worry. haha! Excited for the next film!

[@scumoftheearth741]

Love your channel, lots of tips for the people from the industry, but as engaging for casual film buffs!

[@bundoz]

I'd also recommend Joe Dante's work too. He's another master of economy when it comes to camera set-ups. You'll find beautifully blocked & choreographed one-shots in all of his movies.

[@avidsaeed8160]

Thank you so much, wonderful demonstration and examples, like always...

[@zamirstuff]

I really love how creative Zemeckis' camerawork style is, and where it really does shine is in his Motion Capture movies (Well, most of them have it like The Adventures of Tintin) although I'd say that sometimes is really distracting

[@PeterKae]

You are simply the biggest inspiration I kow on youtube. Would love to have the same career path as you man :D

[@ojohnnyy]

my eyes open, look back and study more about how the films were made, mainly to perform! For us, mere mortals, this will be more palpable at the time of execution, mainly because it does not have so many resources. Mr. David, please continue to inspire us. 🇧🇷

[@otsmovies]

Love it. Great food for thought for the filmmaker. I’ll use it for sure.

[@BadKarma714]

You are by far my favorite film maker I love your movie breakdowns in your short Films I would love to volunteer one day just a learn from you I live in Garden Grove California so if you’re ever in the area shooting some thing let me know.

[@elichilton7031]

Outstanding film commentary. I look forward to more.

[@BUMP0H]

Not gonna lie, I had a thought today ago about where you’ve been and how you’ve been. Good to see you in the sub box bud! Hope you and your wife are holding up okay!

[@ponysmasher]

Doing good thanks. Living in Atlanta working on Shazam 2.

[@e.damazing6634]

@@ponysmasher So its confirmed lol

[@MrJoker-uu6qg]

@ponysmaher so the snyder verse has been restored

[@e.damazing6634]

@@MrJoker-uu6qg huh?

[@BUMP0H]

@@ponysmasher That’s great to see. Heard they shot some show in Atlanta, think it’s called, uh, Atlanta. 😂 Also, if you ever need a random soundclip of someone yelling “LOOK, SHAZAM!” Hit me up. 😂

[@ForlornCreature]

was literally on a binge of your videos for the last hour, was going to go to bed - and this just popped up lol

[@NoCoArts]

Hey man, I love you. Please never stop doing these

[@tomistenqvist1311]

Thanks for keeping on with the awesome KZbin content David. Greetings from Finland as well!

[@ALeprechaunn]

It’s really cool seeing an established director nerd out over Every Frame A Painting and other directors.

[@borjamunoz4400]

i've learned a lot because of you, i love your work and even your way to see life, keep going

[@k3lash174]

Your back! And its a great comeback!

[@maxsaltin1001]

Love the youtube videos! Going to watch your big studio videos someday soon!

[@MaxWildlifePhotographer]

My favorite use of the Zemeckis style is “I Flip You Off for Four Hours”. Cinematic masterpiece.

[@tomasprado1486]

Thanks David, your videos are helping me a Lot, i really wish be a great filmaker in the future. Greetings from argentina!

[@arcanz100]

great video!! i also like this style is elegant, immersive and efficient, thank your sir!

[@andandopalteatroconlospies8139]

Right!? This way of filming is so beautiful and elegant! It’s something rather rare and when I stumble on one... Mhm...! 👌🏼

[@lemoonjus3213]

man u are so humble and down to earth,luv from India

[@ThePeda94]

I was confused for like a second when you said "or in Shazam, where I reshot the whole [...]" but then I remembered whose channel I was watching :D after that, I liked it even more (: it's great to have someone who's working in the industry explain or shed light onto some filmmaking techniques that are probably overlooked by most of the viewers

[@filmreviewer117]

Good luck with your new movie, looking forward to seeing it in the cinema!

[@combeechan]

Thanks for sharing these observations and techniques! Now to apply this to my Bad Dragon unboxing videos, made in Blender. 🤔

[@ogelsmogel]

Robert Zemeckis have directed some of my favourite movies: Contact, Back to the Future, Cast Away, Romancing the Stone.. I never noticed the things you mentioned but will look for them during next re-watch 🙂

[@samuelbungo4339]

It's moviemaking inside scoop goldmine! Love it!

[@hootu]

Thanks for the reminders. Love it.

[@Carpetf]

just watched Death Becomes Her last night, so great timing on this vid. found myself noticing how long some of the shots were without, like you say, showing off about being a long shot. to my shame I haven't seen many of Zemeckis' films, so it's good to hear his others have a similar style - will have to check them out

[@TiagoWazzup]

Really good. More please :D

[@uphillracer]

Favourite channel, best dude!

[@dagemdebebe9983]

David .. u r also pretty damn cool director. So inspirational. Keep up the good work.

[@RachelKos]

Great to see some love for What Lies Beneath. It's an excellent spooky film, and one written by Agent Phil Coulson himself (Clark Gregg).

[@FirstTimers]

Wow! I always learn something new from you sir!

[@VorpalBunnysRevenge]

Love the literal ending!

[@spenser9908]

Plus they're so much more pleasurable to watch than constant cuts.

[@EriqOrtiz]

Ponysmaher, you're a gift to all of us up-and-coming filmmakers. BTW, Death Becomes Her is freaking AWESOME!

[@alecgolas8396]

Moving masters is one thing I really love about older movies. I was binging noir films a couple months ago, and it blew my mind how "oners" weren't this flashy ordeal, it was just how movies were made. Steven Spielberg definitely elevates them to a new level, the Jaws ferry scene is so fun to watch, but it's so silly to call it a Spielberg Oner

[@humbertoteski]

I love your channel! Best reggards from Brazil.

[@RHStevens1986]

You're the man, David.

[@unprofessionalvideos]

Thank you for making these videos!

[@ParallaxPete]

mr.sandberg, you inspire me every day

[@PATCHWHO]

Thank you for this insight into your inspirations, good luck with your current feature :D

[@ponysmasher]

Thank you!

[@BuriedHatchetProductions]

It’s funny how he covers What Lies Beneath which features Miranda Otto who was in Annabelle Creation.

[@coffeeNiK]

Great video. Made it so easy to understand .

[@arigvi101]

That one screenshot of the Every Film a Painting video is just a lowkey flex that he's got youtube premium. Nice.

[@ponysmasher]

It’s so worth it. With how much KZbin I watch I’d rather give up most other streaming services before I give that up.

[@florincalin3698]

Love your work, David. This is very helpful. Also, would love to work with you some day. Best greetings from Romania.

[@danieltrevinoc]

Thank you for taking the time to teach filmaking

[@HollyHargreaves]

Loved this

[@ГарбузЗубраг]

Glad to hear you again!!

[@mitchnmavstudios8286]

Thank you for still being human and not becoming a “celebrity”. I don’t have the best content on this channel and I recognize their flaws, thank you for being able to do the same no matter how much money Hollywood throws at you (though I must say I’m pretty proud of Buckshot) Also watching Harrison Ford walk in fast motion is very entertaining to me so thank you for helping me discover that 1:02 2:49 3:03