Directing: How Many Takes?...

A common query that comes with directing is how many takes for a single shot should be covered. Is one ok if the take is flawless? What about six to be safe?

There is not a set answer to that question; it is a combination of a personal preference and on-set technicalities. Peter Jackson runs through multiple takes, sometimes up and over 20, but Peter Jackson is usually at the helm of a gigantic studio blockbuster with a lot of money to afford multiple takes.

Actors

Greg Williams – Bond on Set

The first factor that has to be taken into consideration is how many takes can the actor do while preserving the spontaneity of the first take, which regarded as the best take. All actors are different some feel that they cannot do more than a few takes as the raw emotion and energy they emit will wear off. Others insist on doing as many as possible until they have given the best they think they can offer.

However, as the director this is ultimately your choice. If you believe that what they have already done is satisfactory, then call it. Be sure to speak with the actor beforehand (even before giving the role to him/her) and ask their preference on multiple takes, if the necessity for the actor to run through multiple takes but the budget cannot sustain multiple takes, it may be wise to keep casting call open.

Some actors like to contribute new ideas with individual performance for each take. While this is excellent for seeing different aspects of the character, if you have already cleared other shots from the same scene it may cause you a headache in the editing bay.

Technicality

The technicality of the shot should also play a part in the number of takes; If the shot requires multiple set ups which need to be reset, or the light may be a factor if the scene is working with natural light, do you have enough battery power if you are shooting on location? Even the sound problems that may occur; what if there is only a 15 minute window until a heavy traffic is due to pass.

Budget

Then there is the most crucial factor; budget. Will your budget allow for multiple takes? Shooting digitally may cost less than film, but the storage space to store hundreds of terabytes you’ll consume will soon start to cost you.

The best practice to follow is to know how many takes you would like to capture before casting has even commenced. Ensuring that the actors are well rehearsed, and technical disasters aside, 2-3 takes would be sufficient.


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