First-time filmmakers may not be aware of the benefits of Pre-Roll and End-Roll shooting or even be aware of the technique. The following article explores the differences between Pre-Roll and End-Roll filming and tackles the importance of using the techniques for your video production:
What Is Pre-Roll?
Pre-Roll is the footage you shoot before your scene begins. Digital Video cameras need time to start recording and get up to recording speed. Giving yourself a few seconds worth of footage allows you to make sure you capture your scene effectively.
What Is End-Roll?
Much like Pre-Roll, End-Roll is the footage that a filmmaker leaves after the shot finishes. This allows your Digital Video camera to successfully capture the whole scene you are filming without any abrupt endings.
Why Is Pre-Roll Important?
Pre-Roll allows you to capture a much more stable image than if you just hit record and starting shooting. Typically Digital Video cameras have a flashing red light or flashing ‘REC’ letters to indicate the tape is getting up to speed. Once these lights/letters stop flashing your camera is able to record a stable image. Attempting to film during this stabilising process could severely damage your shots.
Why Is End-Roll Important?
As End-Roll is just the end of your scene you may feel it is unnecessary to waste battery capturing it. If you’re on a tight filming schedule you might be inclined to believe that, but you’d be wrong. End-Roll is a valuable asset when it comes to editing. It allows you to cut scenes without chopping off vital end segments. Time Coding should compensate for this, but even then there is room for error. Having some End-Roll will help to make the editing process run a lot smoother and save you a monumental post-production headache.
Summary
Following this guide to Pre-Roll and End-Roll filming will allow you to maintain good quality shots throughout your production. Not to mention by allowing yourself the benefits of Pre-Roll and End-Roll footage you can also make the editing process a lot easier, which will help keep your video production on schedule.
