ABSTRACT
Aside from the fact that this scene is an example of one that obtains its dramatic tension from being contextualized within a sequence, there are two ancillary reasons for my choosing it. First, it offers the chance to demonstrate the use of a controlled handheld camera and how it can supply a visual style that supports the tone of certain types of stories by supplying a fl uidity of camera movement. Second, this is the type of production many of you will embark on for your fi rst feature: low budget, small crew (Wanda had four crew members including Barbara and me), extensive use of nonprofessional actors, and very importantly for this production, community involvement. Today, with the advent of the digital camera, this type of scaled-down production has become available to almost anyone, making it possible to produce industry standard fi lms of high artistic quality.
