Filming Techniques
An essential part of what makes movies great!
Introduction
Hello, and welcome to the amazing world of film making! Today, I'm going to look at some of the more popular shots, angles, and movements in the film making world, and see why they are used. Let's start by looking at some different camera shots. I hope you enjoy!
Camera Shots
Camera shots are used to show the setting, characters, and theme of the movie in question. They are essential to give the viewer certain hints and clues to what the movie is about.
Medium Close Up Shot
This shot usually contains a character from the waist up. There isn't much background detail because the focus in these shots is the actor. The purpose of this shot is to get the audience to focus on the action or dialogue between two or more characters.
Over The Shoulder Shot
This is a variation of the Medium Close Up Shot. The camera is positioned behind one character, revealing another character. The purpose of this shot is to emphasize dialogue and make the audience feel more involved in the movie.
Two Shot
This is another variation of the Medium Close Up Shot. This shot depicts two characters from the waist up. The purpose of this shot is to emphasize the emotional reactions between the two characters
Close Up
A close up shows very little background, and mostly contains a face. The purpose of this shot is to convey the importance of either emotion, or things like words on paper. Another use for this shot is to make you feel either comfortable or uncomfortable with a character.
Extreme Close Up
In the Extreme Close Up, there is absolutely no background. This shot usually shows an eye or a mouth better than the human eye can see. The purpose of this shot is to convey a dramatic effect.
Wide Shot
A Wide Shot usually shows an object and most of it's surroundings. The purpose of this shot is to give a general impression of size and distance to the audience.
Camera Movements
Camera movements are really important to a movie. They can add energy, show perspective, follow the action, show depth, and much much more!
Follow Movement 1
In a follow movement, the camera physically follows the subject as he/she moves. The purpose of this shot is to change the position of the viewer and to make he/she feel more involved with the movie.
Pan Movement 1
In a Pan Movement, the camera scans a scene horizontally. The camera is placed on a tripod as an axis point. The purpose of this movement is to follow a subject or to show distance between two objects. Pan shots are also great for panoramic views.
Zoom Movement 1
In a zoom movement, the camera moves closer to the object in question to zoom in on it. The purpose of a zoom movement is to either change the position of the audience, and/or to try and put excitement into a scene that doesn't have very much energy.
Dolly Movement 1
In a Dolly Shot, the camera is placed on a moving vehicle to follow the action. The purpose of this movement is to either convey movement to the audience, or as a transition between a long shot and a close shot.
*Crab Movement 1
A Crab Movement is a lot like a Dolly Movement, but a crab movement requires the cameraman to move sideways instead of the camera being placed on a cart. The purpose of this movement is to make the viewer feel like they are in the scene watching the action
* Tilt Movement 1
A tilt is where the camera moves up and down, yet it's horizontal axis remains the same. The purpose of this movement in film making is to make the audience feel like they are watching through the eyes of one of the characters.
Camera Angles
Camera Angles are another important thing you need in a movie. Camera angles help position the viewer so they can have a better understanding of the relation between the characters. Camera Angles are also an important way of communicating meaning in a film.
High Angle
A High Angle shot is not as extreme as a Birds Eye View Angle. The Camera is elevated over the action (usually with a crane) to show a wide scene. One of the purposes of this angle is to make the character being filmed become insignificant and get swallowed by the scenery.
Birds Eye View
A Birds Eye View Angle shows a scene from directly overhead. This angle puts the viewer in a sort of god-like position viewing the action from above. One of the purposes of this angle is to make people look insignificant, a small part of a much bigger picture.
Neutral
In a Neutral Angle, the camera is positioned about 5 or 6 feet above the ground. This makes it look as though the camera is another human watching the scene. The purpose of this shot is to make the viewer feel more involved in the conversation the characters are having.
Low Angle
These angles increase the height of the objects around it and give a sense of speeded movement. The purpose of this angle is to inspire emotion in the viewer, whether it be fear, insecurity, confusion, or powerlessness in a scene
Worm's Eye View
The Worm's Eye View Angle shows an object from below, as though the viewer was a "worm". The purpose of the shot is to make something above look tall and mighty.
*Canted Angle
In this angle, the camera is tilted in a certain direction to portray "point of view shots". In a point of view shot, the camera typically become the eyes of a character. The purpose of this shot is to suggest imbalance or instability in the viewer.
* These photos did not come from the Outsiders movie
In Conclusion...
Without camera movements, angles, and shots, movies today wouldn't nearly be as liked, fun and engaging. Thank you for reading our poster.
By: Michael and Paul 8-2