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@kanepixels

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I use it mainly for its discussions on camera angles and film making in general.

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film filmmaking "production management" directing screenwriting screenplay "video essays" cinematography "film analysis" "call sheets" "shot list" storyboard...

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StudioBinder is a production management solution that helps video and photo productions create call sheets, shot lists, shooting schedules, breakdowns, storyboards, moodboards and more.

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@film_making_technique

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https://oatsstudios.com/

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In this article, we'll cover 15 essential filmmaking techniques that every filmmaker should know.

15 Essential Filmmaking Techniques

This article is by no means a comprehensive list, but if you master these essential filmmaking techniques, you'll be in a good spot to grow your career as a director and cinematographer.

1. Tilt & Pan

The most essential (and basic) filmmaking technique for aspiring filmmakers is tilt and pan. Both of these two terms represent a simple camera movement on a tripod, but they are slightly different:

Tilt: A camera movement that tilts the tripod head up or down.

Pan: A camera movement that pans the camera head from left or right.

Professional tripods will allow the cinematographer to lock the tilt or pan settings on their tripod to create smoother movements. So the next time you're in the market for a new filmmaking tripod, be sure to look for one with these settings.

Here are a few of my favorite:

Early on in your filmmaking career, you might confuse these two terms a bit, but don't worry about it! Once you get a few productions under your belt, these two terms will become engrained in your brain forever.

2. Zoom

You might be surprised to hear that a zoom shot is actually not as common in filmmaking as you might think. In fact, if you were to watch your favorite movie you might only see 2-3 examples of a zoom shot in the entire film. Why is that?

Well, when it comes to cinematography, a zoom conveys a sense of urgency, focus, and connection with the subject matter. They often happen at pivotal or intense scenes in a movie. As such, zooms are often used sparingly in film (unless you're Edgar Wright).

3. Dolly & Trucking Shots

As you begin to grow as a cinematographer you will likely want to practice Dolly Shots and Trucking Shots. Like tilts and pans, Dolly Shots and Trucking Shots are slightly different filmmaking techniques:

Dolly Shot: A movement where the entire camera moves forward or away from the subject.

Trucking Shot: A camera movement where the entire camera system moves parallel to the subject.

Most major modern films use dolly shots and trucking shots extensively to create compelling imagery and tell their story. These camera movements can dramatically increase the perceived production value of your film.

Gear for Dolly & Trucking Shots

The gear required to shoot an effective dolly shot or a trucking shot can be broken down into two main categories:

1. A Camera Dolly System - A track system that allows a tripod or cart to ride smoothly on rails.

2. A Stabilizer System - A handheld rig that smooths out camera movements and reduces shake.

Both of these systems have pros and cons, but in general, I recommend new filmmakers focus on using a stabilizer like theFLYCAM Redking because it is easy to use and set up.

Once you're ready to get into the big leagues you can use a system like the Steadicam AERO. Track-based dolly systems are good, but the amount of setup required to use them tends to make them more helpful for high-end productions.

4. Dutch Angle

A dutch angle is a filmmaking technique where the scene is shot at a dramatic angle. A dutch angle is used to disorient the audience, giving them a general feeling of uneasiness towards whatever is portrayed on screen. Like zooms, dutch angles should be used sparingly. But when used correctly, a dutch angle can be a great tool for disarming your audience.

5. Rack Focus

A rack focus is simply changing the focus of a camera from a foreground object to a background object or vice-versa. A rack focus is used by a cinematographer to reveal more information to the audience without using a cut.

Follow Focus - A simple gear-based contraption that connects to the gear rings of a lens, giving the user a large wheel to dial in focus.

Wireless Lens Control Systems - A type of follow focus that can be controlled without touching the camera body.

Servo - A device inside the lens that allows the focus to be controlled through the camera itself.

Most major film productions will also have a person called a 'Focus Puller' (first assistant camera) to rack focus and maintain optical sharpness. While it is always preferable to have someone who can focus exclusively on pulling focus, smaller productions can typically get by with a single camera operator controlling the focus via a follow focus system.

6. Shot Reverse Shot

A shot reverse shot is the most essential coverage technique in film. A shot reverse shot is a sequence of shots cut together in which one character looks at another. Through editing, a shot reverse shot can create a sense of conversation in a scene in which one character speaks and the other responds.

By shooting a scene from the perspective of each character, you give your editor a greater sense of control over the final result of the film. However, really great shot reverse shot goes beyond just the practical nuances of shooting enough 'coverage' for your editor to work with.

As illustrated in this documentary from Every Frame A Painting, a shot reverse shot can lead to a dramatic connection between the audience and characters on screen, leading to a sense of longing for the unveiling of information. The next time you shoot a conversation scene, try to go beyond a simple wide shot, and include a conversational shot reverse shot scene. You'll thank me in post.

7. Dolly Zoom or Trombone Shot

A dolly zoom (Trombone Shot) is one of the most incredible filmmaking techniques in all of cinema. In a nutshell, a dolly zoom is a filmmaking technique that stretches the background of your subject.

The most famous dolly zoom in history comes from Jaws. I bet you remember it...The mechanics of a dolly zoom are simple, just move towards your subject while zooming out or vice-versa.

Dolly zooms are used to place the audience in the head of a subject. Dolly Zooms convey the feeling of the world is closing in around the subject. A great dolly zoom can be challenging to accomplish because you must zoom, move your camera, and rack focus at the same time. However, when done correctly a dolly zoom can easily become a defining shot in your film.

8. High-Key Lighting

High-key lighting is a filmmaking lighting style that reduces shadows on your subject. The best way to think about high key lighting is to picture a TV Sitcom. Very rarely in a sitcom do you see shadows on a subject's face. Instead, the entire set is lit evenly in a blanket of light.

Soft Boxes

Windows

Diffusion Screens

Butterfly Light Modifiers

As the inverse square law tells us, the larger the source of light, the softer the shadows. So if you want to create soft shadows in your scene, increase the overall size of the light source.

Film Trick: Want to use ambient architecture to light your scene? Use powerful light sources, like an ARRI 2K, to bounce light off a ceiling.

9. Low-Key Lighting

In contrast, low-key lighting is a film lighting style that extensively uses shadow to increase dramatic effect. You'll often find low-key lighting in films that require a sense of suspense or drama. For example, horror, drama, romance, and action movies.

Whereas high-key lighting is created by using two soft, balanced lights from multiple sides, low-key lighting is created by increasing the intensity of a single light source.

Low-key lighting scenes tend to be darker than high-key scenes, so it's important to use a fast lens to capture your scene.

10. Room Tone

Category: Audio Production

When you watch a professional production you probably don't even notice how well the sound blends together. This is because the sound designers have carefully balanced a perfect soundscape for the movie.

However, this blend would be impossible without first capturing ambient sound called 'room tone'. Room tone is essentially the process of capturing the ambient audio at your film location.

At the end of most film productions, the director will queue everyone to be quiet for about 60 seconds so the audio engineer can capture room tone. The tone is then given to a sound editor to reduce pops and help with blending multiple audio takes.

Room tone can also help with removing background noise using complex audio features like noise print in Adobe Audition.

11. J Cut

12. L Cut

13. Keying

14. Compositing

Compositing is the process of layering and combining multiple digital assets together. Compositing is typically used when digital effects need to be applied to a scene.

The most common compositing software in the filmmaking world is After Effects and Nuke, with the former representing the go-to tool of choice for indie-VFX artists.

Compositing works by thinking of your scene as a series of flat images stacked on top of each other. By layering your footage, digital assets, and backgrounds together, you can 'comp' scenes that would have been impossible to create any other way.

15. Motion Tracking

Learn More Filmmaking Techniques

If you want to learn more filmmaking techniques here are a few of my favorite resources from around the web:

What's your favorite filmmaking technique? Let us know in the comments below!

First time here? ActionVFX creates the best pre-keyed stock footage for VFX and filmmaking. (We also have some great free stuff!)

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15 Essential Filmmaking Techniques Every Filmmaker Should Know

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This article is by no means a comprehensive list, but if you master these essential filmmaking techniques, you'll be in a good spot to grow your career as a director and cinematographer. The most essential (and basic) filmmaking technique for aspiring filmmakers is tilt and pan.

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bazluhrmann