Elements of
Cinematography
The film rate for motion-picture
films is 24 FPS (frames per second).
The film rate for video is 30 FPS.
A 1 minute video consists of
1800 individual frames (30 FPS x 60 sec).
Time Code: 01:25:45:05
The above Time Code reads: 1
hour, 25 minutes, 45 seconds,
and 5 frames.
If we are working in 30 FPS, the final
segment of the time code will never
read more than “:29”.
In filmmaking and in video, a
Shot is a continuous group of
frames.
By combining shots, we
create a Scene.
A Sequence is a collection of
related shots and scenes.
Types of Camera Shots
Wide / Long Shot
A wide (or long) shot shows the entire character from head to toe.
Gives a sense of scale and a sense of place.
Often used as an “establishing shot.”
Image from “The Art of Technique: An Aesthetic Approach to Film and Video Production,” by John Douglass and Glenn Harnden.
Medium Shot
A medium shot generally shows the characters upper body
while still including elements of the setting.
Image from “The Art of Technique: An Aesthetic Approach to Film and Video Production,” by John Douglass and Glenn Harnden.
Close-up Shot
A medium shot generally shows the characters upper body
while still including elements of the setting.
Image from “The Art of Technique: An Aesthetic Approach to Film and Video Production,” by John Douglass and Glenn Harnden.
Other Shots
Extreme Wide
Medium Wide / Long
Extreme Close-up
Image from “The Art of Technique: An Aesthetic Approach to Film and Video Production,” by John Douglass and Glenn Harnden.
Types of Camera Angels
Eye Level
An Eye Level camera angle feels “natural” and is the most commonly used.
Image from “The Art of Technique: An Aesthetic Approach to Film and Video Production,” by John Douglass and Glenn Harnden.
High Angle
The High Angle shot - the camera is placed above eye level, looking downward.
Can make the character look small, childish, weak, or confused.
Image from “The Art of Technique: An Aesthetic Approach to Film and Video Production,” by John Douglass and Glenn Harnden.
Low Angle
Low Angle shot - the camera is placed bellow eye level, looking upward.
Can make the character look large, strong, noble, or intimidating.
Image from “The Art of Technique: An Aesthetic Approach to Film and Video Production,” by John Douglass and Glenn Harnden.
Birds-Eye View
Bird’s Eye Shot - the camera is placed above looking directly down.
Can be used as an to emphasize insignificance or a feeling of voyeurism.
Image from “The Art of Technique: An Aesthetic Approach to Film and Video Production,” by John Douglass and Glenn Harnden.
Canted / Oblique / Dutch Angle
Canted Angle - is composed by tilting the camera to one side.
Can emphasize uneasiness or tension in the subject.
Image from “Battlefield Earth”
Types of Camera Movements
Image from “The Art of 3-D Computer Animation and Imaging,” by Isaac Kerlow.
Basic Composition
Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds divides the frame into thirds vertically and horizontally.
Where these divisions intersect are aesthetically pleasing spots
to place subjects.
Image from “The Art of Technique: An Aesthetic Approach to Film and Video Production,” by John Douglass and Glenn Harnden.
Creating a Narrative
Establishing shot
Conflict
Introduce character
Boy meets girl
Dialogue
Climax
Resolution
Closing sequence
Image from “The Art of Technique: An Aesthetic Approach to Film and Video Production,” by John Douglass and Glenn Harnden.
Things to consider:
Shoot lots of footage. It’s much
better to edit out extra footage than
to not have enough to begin with.
Leave some time at the beginning
and end of each shot for editing.
Start rolling - wait 5 seconds - yell action - film shot - yell cut - wait 5 seconds - stop camera.
Things to consider:
Break the shot up into smaller bits.
Several short shots from different
angles edited together is often more
interesting than one big long shot.
Keep your shots and cuts short.
Viewers are increasingly impatient.
Keep them engaged with change.
Things to consider:
Be aware of light. Is it consistent
(direction, color balance, etc)?
Tripods are really important.
Have fun!