When to OTF:
- If something dramatic has just happened, but the dust has pretty much settled. But don’t interrupt characters that are still talking to each other about a dramatic event, rather wait for them to finish when they are alone. This is why you often see them done in cars, as the character is driving away after something dramatic.
- If there are characters that only appear in this scene and you will never get a chance to really interview them. For example, if a spoiled character has to get a job for this episode, make sure to OTF the boss at the job and fellow employees.
- Likewise, you should OTF the main cast if you are in a location that you will never visit again so you can have them on camera in that space. So make sure to OTF the spoiled character while they’re in their embarrassing work uniform.
- If the character is doing something and you want them to explain their actions while they are doing it, particularly if their routine is the subject of the program. For example, if your show is about heroin addicts, have them explain to you what they are doing with each step of getting the drug ready, cooking it, shooting it, etc, while they are getting high. Be careful not to overdue this method, make sure you have some footage of the character going through their routine silently.
The Holy Trinity
Directors, crew and even Executive Producers often have little patience for OTFs and ten minutes is considered a very long OTF. If for some reason you have time to ask only three questions, they should be:
1. How do you feel about what just happened?
2. How did you feel before it happened?
3. How did you feel while it was happening?
In the worst case scenario, any other information can be supplied in post. Characters can be identified by lower thirds, scenes can be set up by narrators or title cards, but one thing we cannot create in post is how someone felt at the time. If you can get nothing else out of an OTF, find out how the character feels.
