Film Tip #1 - Let Us Read The Greeting Card

This is ONLY a tip from a fan of independent films.

“If you are going to use a greeting card in a shot, please consider your film might play on the small screen (TV). On the card we might not be able: to read handwriting on the inside done in ink (don't even think of using a pencil), and/or to read the print on the inside of the card - especially if the print was created with a thin font.

Possible solutions to this dilemma:

1. use a felt tip marker when putting your handwriting inside a greeting card
2. hold the shot a bit longer than you think you need to on the inside of the card
3. zoom in on the card, you can decide if you want to pan in, so your audience can read the text
4. the handwriting should be large, not HUGE, and possibly near the printed text inside the card
5. place the camera over the shoulder of the person reading the front of the greeting card (perhaps that'll make the audience feel as if they are standing behind the actor while he or she reads the card)
6. have the person reading the card hold it up to another person in the shot, giving the excuse for the camera to zoom in (it'll be a natural feeling for the audience to expect the camera to get closer)
7. redo the inside with a sheet of paper that has larger or bolder font, or dare I suggest a large white label that covers the entire inside of the card printed with whatever you want on it”