Preliminary Exercise 10: Camera Movement Techniques Organizer

We explore the subject of cinematography in this activity, focusing on the dynamics of camera movement in movies. We start our research with a in-depth explanation of camera movement and a review of its crucial function in a film's strategic planning. There are four different ways a camera can move to get a shot; these range from basic left-to-right movements to more complex ones. We'll get into the topic of audience impact and examine the two ways in which camera movement might affect the viewer's perspective. The task is designed with a specific objective in mind: to analyze and comprehend the aspects of camera movement in the language of cinema.

Research

Our group, which consisted of Jane I, Paul T, and Kevin R, began to study various aspects of camera movement in movies. Understanding the role that movements such as pan, tilt, dolly, and crane shots have in narrative was the goal. Using video editing software and teamwork tools, I participated in the research and planning stages as an intermediate user. Our collaborative efforts resulted in a film showcasing the tactical use of camera movement. This exercise not only refined technical skills but also instilled a profound appreciation for the artistry inherent in weaving narratives through the lens.

Work-Cited

Camera movement (no date) Studio. Available at: https://browardschools.instructuremedia.com/embed/4612ffa3-91a4-42c2-9157-71d57fd7134b (Accessed: 20 October 2023).

Preliminary Exercise 9: Practicing Camerawork: Shot Sizes, Camera Angles, Framing, and Camera Composition Day 2

This activity delves into key aspects of filmmaking, beginning with the definition of filming on location. Cinematography, a crucial component in the art of filmmaking, includes the careful crafting of visual sequences, which includes lighting, camera angles, and various technical aspects of film production. This duty is carried out by a cinematographer, a person who not only captures video footage but also contributes significantly to the visual aesthetics of a film. Most notably, on set, cinematographers frequently take on the role of director of photography. A camera operator is responsible for camerawork in the production of a film. This professional is responsible for camera operation during film, television, or video production, working closely with directors, cinematographers, and other team members to capture the desired shots and angles for a scene. Roger Deakins, for example, is a well-known and notable cinematographer who has been recognized for his outstanding work in films such as "Blade Runner 2049" and "1917." Deakins' illustrious career has been marked by numerous awards, emphasizing the importance of cinematographers in shaping the visual narrative of film.

     Sheet #3

Shot size: Medium Full shot

Camera angle: Eye level

Framing: Three shot

Composition: Deep Focus

Tone: Serious.

Shot size: Medium shot

Camera angle: Overhead

Framing: Two shot

Composition: Balance

Tone: Social.

Shot size: Close up

Camera angle: Shoulder level

Framing: Over the shoulder

Composition: Shallow Focus

Tone: Social, happy

 

Shot size: Extreme Close Up

Camera angle: Dutch

Framing: Insert shot

Composition: Point of view

Tone: Happy.

Sheet #4

Shot size: Medium shot

Camera angle: High level

Framing: Insert shot

Composition: Shallow Focus

Tone: Calm.

 

Shot size: Wide

Camera angle: Eye level

Framing: Over the shoulder

Tone: Tired

 

Shot size: Medium shot

Camera angle: Ground level

Framing: Crowd shot

Composition: Deep Focus

Tone: Serious.

 

Shot size: Extreme close up

Camera angle: Eye level

Framing: Crowd shot

Composition: Focus

Tone: Serious.

Reflection

The objective of this assignment was for students to apply camerawork techniques such as shot sizes, camera angles, framing, and composition to eight storyboard shots. The task involved planning short chronological or individual stories and translating them into filmed frames as storyboarders, scriptwriters, directors, set designers, actors, and camerapersons. Filming the still shots on the second day of production provided valuable insights that aided the overall process. The team's roles were switched organically, allowing everyone to contribute their unique skills. Directors, for example, became set designers, set designers became actors, and camerapersons collaborated on scriptwriting. Our team achieved the assignment's goal by utilizing each member's strengths, with myself, Jane I, Kevin R, and Paul T. all actively participating in various aspects such as research, drawing, planning, and execution. We operated at a beginner level, using the camera app on our phones, gradually improving our skills throughout the process. This exercise not only improved our understanding of camerawork techniques, but it also highlighted the collaborative and complex nature of filmmaking, creating a greater appreciation for the challenges involved in translating creative ideas into visual narratives. 

Citation:

Crawdord, M. (2023) What Does a Cinematographer Do? Roles, Responsibilities & How To Become A DP, Film Lifestyle. Available at: https://filmlifestyle.com/what-does-a-cinematographer-do/#:~:text=A%20cinematographer%20is%20a%20person%20who%20shoots%20and,or%20act%20as%20director%20of%20photography%20on%20set. (Accessed: 2023). 

Explorer, C. (2023) What does a camera operator do?, Career Explorer. Available at: https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/camera-operator/ (Accessed: 2021).

Wikipedia team (2023) Rodger Deakins, Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Deakins (Accessed: 2023).

Preliminary Exercise 8: Practicing Camerawork: Shot Sizes, Camera Angles, Framing, and Camera Composition Day 1

Camerawork is an important aspect of filmmaking because it shapes the visual narrative and emotional impact of a story. This exercise delves into the critical role of camerawork, breaking it down into four major categories: shot size, camera angles, framing, and composition. The topic is defined by shot sizes, such as establishing shots, while camera angles, such as eye level or low angles, provide distinct perspectives. Framing techniques, such as the three-shot, demonstrate framing by shaping spatial relationships within a scene, while deep focus defines composition by influencing how visual elements interact.  Cinematographers, such as Roger Deakins, who has worked on films such as "Blade Runner 2049" and "1917," are in charge of executing these elements and have won awards for their skill. Developing camerawork skills is critical for filmmakers and their teams because it allows them to translate creative visions into captivating plots, resulting in a cinematic experience that resonates both intellectually and emotionally with audiences. This exercise is intended to help you understand the complexity of effective camerawork in film production, emphasizing its importance in storytelling and the collaborative art of filmmaking.

Sheet #1

Shot size: Establishing shot

Camera angle: Eye level

Framing: One shot

Composition: Deep Focus

Tone: Serious, troubled.

Shot size: Full shot

Camera angle: Low level

Framing: One shot

Tone: Serious, determined.

 

Shot size: Master shot

Camera angle: Knee level

Framing: Two shot

Composition: Symmetrical

Tone: Chill.

 

Shot size: Wide shot

Camera angle: Ground level

Framing: Two shot

Composition: Shapes, squares, rectangles

Tone: Calm, social.

 

Sheet #2

Shot size: Medium shot

Camera angle: Shoulder level

Framing: Two shot

Composition: Lines/ horizontal

Tone: Serious.

 

Shot size: Full shot

Camera angle: Low level

Framing: Two shot

Composition: Balance

Tone: Calm.

 

Shot size: Master shot

Camera angle: High angle

Framing: Two shot

Composition: Deep Focus

Tone: Serious.

 

Shot size: Medium Closeup

Camera angle: Eye level

Framing: Three shot

Composition: Shallow Focus

Tone: Social. 

Reflection

Throughout the activity, I gained valuable insights into the collaborative nature of filmmaking as our team transformed into a collective of directors, set designers, actors, and camerapersons working seamlessly on a production site. The objective of the task involved applying camerawork techniques—shot sizes, camera angles, framing, and composition—to eight shots outlined in our storyboard. Filming the still shots provided a hands-on experience, emphasizing the significance of careful planning in translating creative ideas to visual narratives. Our team created a variety of settings, including our high school and homes, as well as characters such as Dakota and Kira, and used tones such as calm to enhance the storytelling atmosphere. A narrative about a teenage couple was one of the storylines we created, demonstrating our creativity and ability to weave engaging plots. Despite the difficulties of coordinating multiple perspectives, our team found the task both difficult and rewarding as we navigated decision-making processes in order to make final decisions. Jane I, Paul T, Kevin R, and I each contributed to different aspects of task execution. Planning, drawing, and acting were all collaborative efforts, with different roles played by each team member. We worked at a beginner level, using our phones and camera apps as tools. The exercise emphasized the importance of effective communication and collaboration in filmmaking by highlighting the various roles that are required for a successful production. The task highlighted the complex procedures involved in bringing a storyboard to life, from scriptwriting to directing and filming. Overall, the activity promoted not only a better understanding of camerawork techniques but also teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, all of which are necessary for successful collaborative filmmaking projects.

Work-Cited

Dictionary, C. (2023) Camera work, Cambridge Dictionary. Available at: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/camerawork (Accessed: 2023). 

Thecineletter@gmail.com (2023) Why is cinematography important?: The Art of Visual storytelling, MediaProGear. Available at: https://mediaprogear.com/blog/why-is-cinematography-important/#:~:text=Cinematography%20is%20the%20masterful%20art%20of%20visual%20storytelling.,dissonant%20rhythm%2C%20steering%20our%20journey%20through%20the%20narrative. (Accessed: 10 October 2023).

Preliminary Exercise 7: Storyboarding Camerawork: Shot Sizes, Camera angles, Framing and Camera Composition Post 1: Day 2

This exercise delves into various key elements of the storyboarding process. It places a strong emphasis on the need for research into real-world film production, emphasizing the practical application of industry standards. Additionally, the discussion extends to the diverse set of skills essential for crafting storyboards, recognizing that proficiency extends beyond mere drawing capabilities. The exercise also highlights the objectives behind sheets #3 and #4, emphasizing their role in refining and structuring visual narratives for effective communication of cinematic ideas. Furthermore, attention is drawn to the critical categories of camerawork techniques, encompassing shot sizes, camera angles, framing, and composition, aiming to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of storyboarding that integrates both theoretical knowledge and practical application in filmmaking.

Reflection

In the process of engaging with the storyboarding activity, a number of insights unfolded. The primary objective was to comprehend the complexities of storyboarding, with Day 2 focusing on its practical application. The task involved refining our initial sketches and delving deeper into the variety of camerawork techniques, emphasizing shot sizes, camera angles, framing, and composition. Surprisingly, the process felt relatively easy, primarily due to the collaborative efforts within the team of four. Jane I and Paul T, adept in research, contributed valuable insights into real-world film production, guiding the development of the concept. Kevin R and I focused on drawing and planning, ensuring the visual narrative aligned with our creative vision. The assignment showcased my intermediate proficiency in modern media tools by utilizing traditional materials such as pencils for sketching and smartphones for research. We were able to complete the assignment's goal by combining theoretical understanding with real-world application thanks to the team's excellent work. Overall, the exercise gave a more in-depth understanding of how storyboarding interacts with camerawork techniques, adding to a more comprehensive comprehension of the filmmaking process.

Work-Cited

StudioBinder (2023) 50+ types of camera shots & angles, StudioBinder. Available at: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-camera-shots/ (Accessed: October 2023). 

Preliminary Exercise 6: Storyboarding Camerawork: Shot Sizes, Camera angles, Framing and Camera Composition Post 1: Day 1

 Storyboarding is a crucial aspect of the film production process, playing a pivotal role in shaping and refining creative ideas before they come to life on the screen. In this exercise, we will delve into the essence of storyboarding and its significance in the development of ideas during the film production stage. The film industry widely employs storyboards for their ability to provide a visual roadmap for a film's narrative. Storyboards are used in the film business for "two primary reasons": they enhance communication within the production crew and make the visualizing of difficult situations simpler. Throughout this assignment, I will not only explain the concept of film production but also describe specific products produced during the process. By getting into the complexities of shot sizes, camera angles, framing, and composition, students will obtain a better understanding of the large range of camerawork techniques that form the backbone of a well-constructed storytelling in cinema. As we progress through this research, it is critical to recognize the symbiotic relationship between storyboards and camerawork, as well as their overall impact on the visual storytelling 

Reflection

The objective of this activity was to grasp the intricacies of storyboarding, an essential skill in the world of film production. Our task was to create storyboards – a visual narrative blueprint – for a media text we envisioned. In essence, storyboarding serves two crucial purposes: facilitating clear communication of ideas within the team and providing a roadmap for shot sequencing. As a team of four, consisting of Jane I, Paul T, Kevin R and myself, we kicked off our preparation involved brainstorming the movie concept and distributing responsibilities. On Day 1 of planning, we allocated responsibilities – Jane I and Paul T focused on researching stylistic elements for our film, while Kevin R and I took charge of the initial sketches and creative input. This collaborative approach ensured diverse perspectives and ideas. Throughout the process, smartphones were utilized for research, and pencils for sketching, placing me at an intermediate proficiency level with these media tools. The project not only deepened my understanding of storyboarding's role in filmmaking but also underscored the collaborative dynamics and diverse skill integration essential in crafting a visually compelling narrative.

Work-Cited

StudioBinder (2023) 50+ types of camera shots & angles, StudioBinder. Available at: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-camera-shots/ (Accessed: October 2023).