Pre Production - Camera Use.

This post can be linked my previous post 'Camera Research' where the camera shots explained here are reiterated by pictured examples.

For this we researched into every aspect of film making to make sure that all of our work was up to a high standard, and so that improvements can be seen compared to the first adaptations of our work. This research will help us decide which shots are best to use for our own work, and to improve our work further. When using the camera there are two main ways it is considered; the positioning of the camera and the movement of the camera. By considering these two aspects, the camera can control what we look at on screen and how it looks like to the viewers naked eye.

FRAMING AND MOVEMENT.

Mid Shot.

This shot is used so that can be clearly seen from their shoulders upwards, and some aspect of their location/background would also be seen. By being this close, the audience are able to see the facial expressions of the characters, whilst still managing to see some minor details of the background. This shot is usually used during conversations, sometimes swapping between a group of characters depending on who is talking, or needed so show a reaction.

Long Shot.

A long shot is used to show the audience the background surrounding the character or main object, to either set the scene or establish the scale of the of the overall scene. This shot is similar to an establishing shot, the only difference is that an establishing shot is from a much higher height. Similarly, establishing shots are used from a great height to help the audience locate a character and understand the scale of their surroundings.

Extreme Close Up.

This is where the camera is positioned directly in front of a character or object, and such object then fills the majority of the camera screen. This shot is used mostly to highlight emotion or reactions of a character or to highlight an important piece of information in the scene.

Close Up.

A close up, similarly to an extreme close up, helps the audience to visualise emotion or reaction upon a characters face. This is done once again by positioning the camera close to the character or object. By doing this, helps the audience understand the emotions of the scene as if they were feeling them all themselves.

High Angle / Low Angle Shot.

As shown within my pictured examples of my previous blog post; using the camera to shoot from above an object, imitates 'power' as the object below would be smaller in scale now in comparison. The object that is below would now seem vulnerable or intimidated by the object towering over them. Both of these shots work together, depending on which way the camera is shooting.

Eye Level Shot / Point Of View Shot.

The camera here is positioned as if the viewer was standing from within the actual scene, by viewing the scene from this level helps the feel involved within the movements. Similarly to this, a Point Of View shot is shot from the character's point of view so that you feel as if you are looking directly through the characters own eyes, experiencing exactly what the subject is seeing.

CAMERA MOVEMENTS.

Pan.

Panning of a camera is where the camera remains in fixed but follows the action horizontally left to right.

Track.

Tracking of a camera is similar to panning, but tracking is where the camera still follows the action horizontally from left to right, but can also move between the characters with the use of actual tracks fixed upon the floor, similar looking to train tracks. These tracks can be moved depending on the direction of the action.

Tilt.

Tilting of the camera, again is similar to the panning of a camera as it still remains in a fixed position, but instead of following the action horizontally left to right like panning, it now follows the action vertically up and down, depending on the height of the characters and or action.

Personal Cameras.

The use of hand held cameras helps creates jerky footage, which can give the impression of rushing, danger, or chaos. This is popular within the horror genre, as the jerky movements can help with the impression of running away from the danger, or for films like the 'Blair Witch Project' (1999) it can help create the whole enigma of the film.

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This research established, I will now be able to reflect on what is the best shots and movements to use with my camera, in order to create the best effects and end product of my own piece.