Homework for Nick

Explain the importance of coverage and cut aways when shooting a scene.

The importance of 'coverage' is very important while shooting a scene. The idea of 'scene coverage' is to note how scenes progress from a series of camera shots, including perhaps long shots establishing the characters in the certain scene, close up shots to show the characters feelings and over the shoulder shots while the characters use dialogue. Scene coverage means to cover (or look at, check through) a scene so that you know it is effective. Coverage is so important as you establish the space of a scene and the area it is shot, then to make sure grammatical rules (Such as the 180 degree rule) are followed so that you get a good scene continuity and therefore a scene that works and in turn is effective.

Also, 'cut aways' are very important when shooting scenes. A cutaway is when a shot is proceeding and then the scene cuts to a different scene - then after this returns to the subject talking or whatever was previously happening. 'Cut aways' are therefore important so that you can establish the scene and what is happening to the characters or location etc.