Basic Information on Film Work

 

 

Composition- Where objects are placed in the frame

 

Rule of thirds- When composing a shot imagine a grid over the top of it

                         Points of interest occur where lines cross.

 

The golden mean- When composing a shot imagine a diagonal line over the top of it.

                              Points of interest occur across the line.

 

Framing- Framing means what you choose to include in the shot and what you leave out. What you

                leave out can be important a thriller shot might exclude objects to create tension.

                Look at how much space is given around a subject.

 

Camera Shots

 

Extreme Long Shot- The subject isn't clearly visible.

                                  Point is to show subject surroundings.

                                  Used as an establishing shot.

 

Long Shot- The subject takes up the whole frame.

                    Used to show a characters surroundings.

 

Mid Shot- Shows some part of the subject.

                  Conversation shots.

                  Usually used in fight scenes.

 

Medium Close Up- Half way between close up and mid shot.

 

Close up- Subject takes up most of the frame, shows emotion as well.

 

Extreme Close Up- Only reason for them is if it is needed.

 

Cut Away- Shot that is usually of something other than the current action. It could be a different subject. Used as a buffer between shots.



Two Shot- Establish a relationship. used to bring attention to 2 people.

Over the Shoulder- Framed from behind. the person you can see should take up about a 1/3.

Noddy Shot- Where someone reacts at the same time as when info is given to you.

Point of view Shots- Show the view from the subjects perspective

 

Camera Movement

 

Low Angle Shot- The point at which your shooting from. Used for power and authority.

 

High angle Shot- Shot is taken from above the subject looking down at it. Subject is weak.

 

Pan- the camera moves from one point to another (left to right)

 

Tracking Shot- Camera moves on a dolly to follow the subject. Gives sense of speed.

 

Tilt- Moves from point to another (up and down). Sense of height.

 

Canted Angle Shot- Camera position is not straight towards the subject. Sense of caos.

 

Zooming in and out- More in than out.

 

Steadicam- Camera moves with action.

 

Crane Shot- Takes camera from a high angle.

 

Aerial Shot- The camera is positioned to give a sense of size.