Discussion Main / JitterCam

I think effects are great — IF they improve the story or augment the mood. However, the overwhelming abuse of shaky/jittery cam, fast zoom, whip pans and other effects that supposedly add immediacy to the scene make me find something else to watch. There is no elegance or class to most film making any longer, especially on TV product.

I'm still trying to imagine the new camera operator, fresh out of film school and loaded with debt, learning that any fool with an iPhone can shoot the same scenes just as well.

Does the audience really like jittercam / shakycam / "ugly radio"? I despise it. Someone should tell the producers / cameramen / directors / editors that audiences do not enjoy it. Perhaps we should make an effort to bail, and demand a refund, in any movie that exhibits "bad" camerawork. At least that would make a statement that the industry would understand... in the wallet.