if someone is standing in direct sunlight, which filter can I use to remove the light or lower the harshness on the person?

If harsh contrast is the issue you can soften the sunlight with a diffusing screen. You can also use a reflector to lighten the shadows and balance the image a bit. "Removing the light" typically translates into using a ND filter which will lower all light in the image but will not change the relative contrast characteristics.

I've used a "combination" filter: 1 filter that's both a ND and a polarizer. But I never pointed the cam directly into the sun. (That would scare the CCDs.)

why would you shoot directly into the sun? That would f up your camera wouldnt it? Im talking about shooting someone who is standing in front of the sun with the sun to the cameras back, and the sun in the face of the subject...which produces a nasty shine on the persons face

maybe I didnt make that clear, sorry

That's a tough one. Maybe white balance the person's face?

You've exceeded the contrast range of the medium (DV). You can use AE shift to reduce the exposure, but you will lose detail in the shadow areas. The only truly effective way is to control the light hitting the subject. Diffuse the light (reduce) before it hits the subject. This will lower the contrast of the scene so that DV can better handle it.

You can also add light to your subjects face. This will also move the subjects face into a range DV can handle.

Filters will soften hard edges and features. But it softens the entire scene. Tiffen has a nice line of diffusers that are widely used http://www.tiffen.com/

Jeff

I'd say use a diffusion screen to create a softer light on the actor,
but I ain't no DoP wonder