"Things..." episode 008.

008: The new black.

If you've been reading this blog for long, you've probably seen a few pictures of actors in bubble-style space helmets. We quickly found out that, with just a few lights in the vicinity, those helmets turn into 360-degree mirrors.

There's a reason many "pro" cameras are black. Black is less reflective than other colors, so a black camera is less likely to show up as a reflection in a space helmet (or a window or windshield in Earth-bound productions). That being the case, it's a good idea to dress like a camera if you're working on a movie shoot -- especially if you're the camera operator (most of the other crewmembers can just get out of the way if they're showing up in a reflection).

So stock up on black shirts -- long-sleeved ones, weather permitting -- before your next production.

(One day, I'd worn a white shirt to work on Interplanetary. I was operating the camera, and Steve had to fashion a black cape for me for a couple of scenes where my reflection was showing up. Capes are fun for playing Batman, not so much for playing cameraman.)