What methods are there for simulating gunshots on set, for cues/timing of reactions?

[rex_lee]

Lets say we have a tightly choreographed shootout scene - how do you guys cue the reactions to the trigger pulls, etc?
Assuming we are not using blank fiiring guns, what options/methods have you guys used for timing this stuff?

Thanks!

 

[directorik]

Lets say we have a tightly choreographed shootout scene - how do you guys cue the reactions to the trigger pulls, etc?
Assuming we are not using blank fiiring guns, what options/methods have you guys used for timing this stuff?

Thanks!

Welcome to indietalk.

Have someone off screen yelling "bang".

 

[rex_lee]

Ok, that was the first thing that came to mind - but if it is a fast paced scene with several gunshots, isn't there the chance that would step on otherwise good recorded dialogue ?

 

[directorik]

Ok, that was the first thing that came to mind - but if it is a fast paced scene with several gunshots, isn't there the chance that would step on otherwise good recorded dialogue ?

In many cases a tightly choreographed shootout scene will be shot
MOS. But even if you record audio you're going to replace all of the
production audio.

As you shoot the coverage you can record clean dialogue tracks in
different set ups and use these where every you need them. You're
right, it's a challenge. But as you point out the scene will be tightly
choreographed so even with a very fast pace your stunt players should
be able to repeat movies exactly the same way over and over. Some
takes the off screen voice will heard, some takes you can not do it
at all.

Or are you doing one master shot with no coverage?

 

[rex_lee]

I could definitely break it down and do plenty of coverage - this is fast paced, and up close - so maybe a quick master shot or two, the rest will be cut betweens - but i was also thinking in general, for future reference

 

[directorik]

I could definitely break it down and do plenty of coverage - this is fast paced, and up close - so maybe a quick master shot or two, the rest will be cut betweens - but i was also thinking in general, for future reference

In general each shoot will have it's own challenges. But in general
you will always replace the audio in tightly choreographed shootout
scenes so what happens on set will never be heard in your final
movie. So from my experience, in general counting down the fight
(or shootout) choreography and even the "bangs" is very helpful
for the performers.

When are you shooting this scene?

 

[rex_lee]

Pretty far out - still in pre-production, I'm just thinking ahead as I am working on shot lists
Thanks for the info, BTW!

 

[directorik]

Another possibility is to rehearse the tightly choreographed shootout scene
over and over and over. Once the performers have the choreography down
cold then an off screen voice may not be needed. But, again, since you
won't be using the production audio (or at least not all of it) I see no reason
to not have an off screen voice helping them out.

Good luck with the shoot! Hope you stick around to show it too us.

 

[Muskelchock]

Another possibility is to rehearse the tightly choreographed shootout scene
over and over and over. Once the performers have the choreography down
cold then an off screen voice may not be needed. But, again, since you
won't be using the production audio (or at least not all of it) I see no reason
to not have an off screen voice helping them out.

Good luck with the shoot! Hope you stick around to show it too us.

This is what i put my vote on. Action scenes must be rehearsed until perfect.

 

[joelhall]

If you mean visually, you can practice acting out "recoil" of the firearms Personally I use PFC guns, as they're much more appropriate visually, without the dangers of using blanks in firearms. That way it's simply a matter of matching sound with muzzle flash or slide action.