Corey Miller Discuses Magic Of Inserts

In one of his recent updates on the official CSI: Miami blog, writer Corey Miller talked about inserts.

Inserts may seem insignificant to the viewer, but are an important element to the episodes. "For instance, say Ryan Wolfe is reporting trace results to Horatio, and he refers to a printout," Miller explained. "You'll notice in the episode that we may cut to a close-up of the report, showing the data. It would take too much time to have to light that shot and shoot it on an already-packed day of filming. So shots like that are done after principal photography has been completed on the episode. And each of those shots are called 'inserts.'"

Whenever an insert is needed, most often a body double is needed as well. "Most likely, you are not even aware when you watch an episode that you are viewing an insert," Miller continued. "When you see a close-up shot of Alexx Woods's finger pointing out a bullet wound, that may be the hand of a body double. The same may be true when Eric Delko tweezes a hair off of a carpet."

When an insert is shot, special attention must be paid to the tiniest of details so these scenes match what was shot earlier. "Cars may be brought back. Special effects makeup will come in to dress bodies for wounds. Photos have to be on standby, or created from scratch. The Wardrobe department may have to get doubles of costumes if they have to be altered or destroyed. Everything used in an episode has to be tagged and ready to make another appearance, in case we need it."

Head over to Miller's blog to learn more about inserts and to get some good advice on how to avoid Hollywood scams, check out his March 31st update.

Discuss this news item at Talk CSI!
 Add CSI Files RSS feed to your news reader or My Yahoo!
Also a Desperate Housewives fan? Then visit GetDesperate.com!