Take

A single recorded attempt at a shot or scene. Multiple takes are filmed until the director is happy with the performance, composition, or technical execution.

Takes are numbered and called out on the clapperboard for the editor to log. The director calls cut between takes. Getting multiple good takes gives the editor options and protects against technical issues discovered later.

Take in the real world

OK Go’s Here It Goes Again (2006) required 17 takes to complete the full treadmill routine in one continuous shot. Each failed take meant resetting eight treadmills, regrouping four performers, and starting the track from the beginning. Take 17 was the one that worked. The band described keeping it on Damian Kulash’s laptop for almost a year before uploading it to YouTube.

Related terms

Setup, Coverage, Playback, Lip sync, Editor

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