The Black and Blue

Filmmaking Tips for Camera Assistants

  • Blog
  • Camera Guides
  • Menu
  • 
  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Free Ebook
  • Pocket Guides
  • Topics
    • Behind the Lens
    • Camera Assisting
    • Cameras
    • Getting Work
    • Industry News
    • Miscellaneous Tips
    • Production Stories
    • Toolkit
    • Website
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • About The Black and Blue
  • Sponsorship
  • Comment Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • 
  • U
  • 
  • R
  • @
  • Q
  • ˆ
  • ‰
×
Quick Tip: Marking Two Actors with the Same Color Tape

Quick Tip: Marking Two Actors with the Same Color Tape

Marking is fairly straight forward, especially when there are multiple colors of paper tape available to assign to each actor. There are, however, some situations where two actors are marked with the same color. How do you deal with this?

by Evan LuziCamera Assisting

  • 6
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Marking actors/talent is one of the cornerstone jobs of the camera assistant. It helps keep compositions neat and focus measurements on spot, at least when the actor lands on their mark. Marking in itself is fairly straight forward, especially when there are multiple colors of expendable paper tape available to assign to each actor in a scene.

There are, however, some situations where two actors are marked with the same color leaving a bit of confusion on whose mark is whose. How do you deal with this?

Here’s one solution…

The problem can be easily solved by using a Sharpie or permanent marker. Once both marks are laid down, use the Sharpie to add stripes to one of the marks, thereby differentiating it from the other one. This works best on lightly colored tapes like white, yellow or green.

If there are three marks of the same color in the scene — rare, but possible — continue to add Sharpie marks, but make sure they’re different. Any creative design that you can come up with will suffice. Here are some examples:

Marking Two Actors with the Same Color Tape Example 1

Marking Two Actors with the Same Color Tape Example 2

Marking Two Actors with the Same Color Tape Example 3

These show how writing on the tape itself can make a mark different enough to avoid confusion. Be careful with your “design” though, an actor shouldn’t have to look down to figure out which one is theirs. Marks should be noticeable in peripheral vision.

If you have multiple marks with similar Sharpie drawings on them that it’s too hard to tell the difference, it defeats the purpose of doing it in the first place. Also let this serve as a friendly reminder: always have a Sharpie in your pocket, you never know when it will come in handy.

Evan Luzi

  • U
  • Q
  • 
  • z

Editor and founder of The Black and Blue. Freelance camera assistant. Available for work: Contact Evan here. Learn more about Evan here.

An Essential Resource for Digital Cinema Filmmakers

Get the Complete Library of 30 Digital Cinema Pocket Guides

  • Canon C500 Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
  • Blackmagic Cinema Camera Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
  • Nikon D800 Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
  • Canon 5D Mark II Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
  • Sony FS700 Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
  • Sony F65 Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
  • Phantom Miro 320s Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
  • RED Epic Digital Cinema Pocket Guide
Click Here to Learn More

Read Next

No related posts found.

Popular posts not found.

Assassinaut Day 11: What Would You Do for a Kuni Buck?

Assassinaut Day 11: What Would You Do for a Kuni Buck?

Today was payday on day 11 of Assassinaut and while all of us received checks or deposits, some lucky crew received some bonus payments in the form of a fresh currency known as "Kuni Bucks"

  • Assassinaut Day 10: Tips for Working in the Rain
  • Assassinaut Day 9: A Relaxing Day at the Beach
  • Assassinaut Day 8: Ending the Week with a Bang
  • Assassinaut Day 7: Treacherous Waters
  • Related
  • Popular
  • Recent
Becoming the Reel Deal eBook Cover on iPad

It Only Takes One Gig.

Becoming the Reel Deal is a free downloadable eBook written to help you get your first job on set in the camera department so you can launch your film career.

Sign up now to get your free copy and exclusive tips from The Black and Blue.

Get Your Free Copy
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Credits
  • Contact

Copyright © 2019 The Black and Blue, LLC