Split Screen Effect

After watching a film made by Buster Keaton, using old fashioned double exposure, I wanted to create something similar using digital means.

In order to shoot with the idea of creating this effect, I had to learn how to set up the camera and block out the actor/location to accommodate for this. I had to set up the camera on a tripod (I used a P2 camera) and keep it set in exactly the same place. I then had to block the actor/location. I had to put my actor (James) on the right side of the screen and make sure he doesn't go past a certain point. The reason for this is because the shot will be cut down the middle in post and I didn't want to cut off the actor at any point. In order to block this, I had to show him the type of shot being used on the viewfinder and explain to him where he had to stand and couldn't go past and so on. After filming the shot, I asked him to look back at the viewfinder and remind himself of what point the shot will be cut in post. I then asked him to go to the left hand side and walk in from out of shot, whilst still acknowledging the restrictions. He did this well and it helped when editing the shots.

After problems with Avid, I had to take the shots into Adobe Premiere where I used an effect called a Four-Point-Garbage-Matte which allowed me to cut the shots at certain points.