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IDENTIFY CINEMATOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES

How do professional cinematographers use framing and composition to create emotional impact and visual storytelling?

Cinematographers use wide single shots including negative space to show isolation and loneliness within a shot.

Two shot scenes often are added to create or further relationships between characters.

POV shots help but viewers into the characters shoes and create emotional impact.

POV shots can often be followed by an Insert show as it shows what the character is viewing and puts us in their shoes even more than a POV by itself

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Create: for next week create a detailed storyboard for your film, see 3.4 extended activities for more info.

*TIPS -  short sequences that convey emotion: suspense (slow push in), excitement (quick tracking), sadness (slow pull back), whip pan (two character tension)

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One technique I feel confident about is using close-ups to capture emotions. They can really draw the audience into a character's experience and convey their feelings effectively.

One technique I need more practice with is tracking shots. While I understand the concept, executing them smoothly and effectively in dynamic environments can be challenging.

A creative application I'm excited to try is incorporating slow-motion during pivotal moments in a story. It can enhance the emotional impact and allow viewers to fully absorb the significance of those scenes.

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In "Trainspotting," there are several notable camera movements and techniques that contribute to the film's unique style.

One iconic scene involves a fast-paced tracking shot where the camera follows Renton as he sprints down the street after committing a theft. This shot conveys a sense of urgency and chaos in the character's life.

Additionally, the film uses extreme close-ups during intense moments to capture the raw emotions of the characters, like when Renton is going through withdrawal in his room.

These close-ups allow the audience to feel the characters' struggles up close.

The film also incorporates creative angles and movements to depict the characters' drug-induced states, such as the famous "ceiling crawling" scene where the camera rotates to show the disorientation felt by the characters.

Wide Shots: The film often employs wide shots to establish the gritty environment of Edinburgh. These shots show the characters in their urban landscape, emphasizing their isolation and the harsh realities of their lives.

Slow Motion: In certain scenes, slow-motion is used to heighten the impact of key moments, such as when the characters are experiencing the highs of drug use. This technique draws attention to their euphoria and creates a dreamlike quality.

Dutch Angles: The film uses tilted camera angles, or Dutch angles, to convey a sense of unease and instability. This technique is particularly effective during scenes that depict the chaos of drug use or the characters' erratic behaviour.

Point-of-View Shots: The film includes point-of-view shots that allow the audience to see through the eyes of the characters, particularly during their drug experiences. This immerses viewers in their perspective and enhances the feeling of disorientation.

Fast Cuts and Edits: The editing style features rapid cuts between scenes, creating a frenetic pace that mirrors the characters' chaotic lives. This technique keeps the audience engaged and reflects the intensity of their experiences.

Over-the-Shoulder Shots: These shots are often used during conversations, allowing the audience to feel like they are part of the dialogue. They create a sense of intimacy and connection between characters

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Using the DSLRs create some short sequences, at least six, showing how different movements can convey emotion.

1. Dolly Zoom (Vertigo Effect): This movement involves moving the camera closer or further from the subject while zooming in the opposite direction. It creates a disorienting effect that can convey anxiety or tension.

2. Tracking Shots: Following a character as they move through a space can create a sense of intimacy or urgency, depending on the pace. A slow tracking shot can evoke contemplation, while a fast one can suggest chaos.

3. Crane Shots: Moving the camera up or down can symbolize a character’s emotional journey, such as rising hope or falling despair. A high crane shot can provide a sense of isolation, while a low shot can create intimacy.

4. Handheld Camera: Using a handheld camera can create a raw, unpolished feel that immerses the audience in the character's emotional state, often conveying anxiety or instability.

5. Tilt Shots: Tilting the camera up or down can create a sense of power dynamics. Tilting up can make a character appear larger than life, while tilting down can depict vulnerability or defeat.

6. Close-ups: Extreme close-ups on a character’s face can highlight subtle emotions, such as fear, sadness, or joy, allowing the audience to connect deeply with their feelings.

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Explore:  In what ways can YOU explore moving image in your own documentary project? Discuss in pairs and post findings on class Padlet. (15 mins)

1. Interviews: Conduct interviews with individuals sharing their personal mental health journeys. Use close-up shots to capture emotions and expressions.

2. B-Roll Footage: Incorporate B-roll footage that visually represents the themes discussed, such as nature scenes, urban environments, or everyday activities that reflect mental health struggles or triumphs.

The term B-roll originates from the early days of film, when editors inserted supplemental footage or B-roll, into the main footage or A-roll, to hide visible lines where two pieces of film were joined. In modern film and video production, B-roll describes all of the footage in that isn't the main action.

3. Visual Metaphors: Use symbolic imagery, like a wilting flower to represent depression or a sunrise for hope, to convey deeper meanings without words.

4. Time-Lapse: Create time-lapse sequences showing changes over time, like a sunset or a bustling city, time like a clock to illustrate the passage of time in healing or struggle.

5. Movement and Dance: Feature expressive movement or dance as a form of therapy, showcasing how physical expression can aid mental health.

6. Animation: Incorporate animated segments to depict complex emotions or thoughts in a visually engaging way, making them more relatable.

7. Community Engagement: Capture group activities or support sessions, highlighting the importance of community and connection in mental health.

By combining these elements, I can create a powerful and engaging documentary that resonates with viewers and raises awareness about mental health.

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Explore: Camera movements DO THIS BEFORE CLASS

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Explore: Camera movements DO THIS BEFORE CLASS

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28 minute watch .... .. and worth every second

Watch the film about different camera movements and how they affect the viewer, make notes throughout. Add these to your 'development Padlet' with images.

List at least SIX MOVEMENT SHOTS you will use in your own film. Get ready to discuss in class.

Six movement shots you could use in a mental health short film:

1. Walking Through Nature: A character walking alone in a serene beach or forest, symbolizing a journey of self-discovery and reflection.

2. Running in Slow Motion: A shot of someone running, capturing the intensity of their emotions, whether it's stress or the release of pent-up feelings.

3. Spinning in Place: A character spinning in a circle, representing confusion or feeling overwhelmed, with the background blurring to emphasize their state of mind.

4. Dancing Freely: A joyful dance sequence in an open space, showcasing moments of happiness and freedom, contrasting with earlier darker themes.

5. Sitting in Silence: A close-up of a character sitting still, with subtle movements like tapping fingers or shifting weight, conveying anxiety or restlessness.

6. Reaching Out: A shot of a character reaching out towards someone or something, symbolizing the desire for connection and support in times of struggle.

These shots can help convey different emotions and themes related to mental health.

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Shot types and Angles

High angle shot type can make the subject look smaller and weaker

Wide shots can establish the setting

Medium shots tend to help focus on the characters

Close ups are used to reveal emotions

Shot movements and how to do them

Staying with the main person by boxing the person in makes the audience feel trapped as well

Different types like panning, tilting, dollying and tracking can be used in order to create a sense of motion and engage the viewers

For example a slow dolly can be used in order to heighten tension unlike a quick pan which is used to convert a sense of urgency

Aspect ratio

Cropping from the top nd bottom enlarges the view and doing it from the left and right can block the person in

16.9 and 2.35.1 can be used to evoke different feelings and emphasise various aspects of the composition

walls can also be used to create a crop making the same effect

Composition rules when filming

Different techniques such as rule of thirds, leading lines and framing helps to guide the viewers eye and create a visual interest.

A well composed shot can enhance storytelling and evoke emotions making it a important skill to learn

Lighting

Lighting is important to setting the mood and influencing how the viewers perceive the story

For example techniques such as high key lighting can be used to created a bright, happy atmosphere

However lowkey lighting for dramatic effect and change the tone

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LEN, CORRECTION, TONAL AND COLOUR ADJUSTMENTS

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LEN, CORRECTION, TONAL AND COLOUR ADJUSTMENTS

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Lens correction, tonal, and colour adjustments

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TO DO

Watch the Video

Make a post of your findings here

Discuss

1. Shot types

2. Shot movements and how to do them

3. Aspect ratios

4. Composition rules when filming

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CHOOSE ONE ACTIVITY IN GROUPS-FILM AND SEQUENCE

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CHOOSE ONE ACTIVITY IN GROUPS-FILM AND SEQUENCE

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How do professional cinematographers use framing and composition to create emotional impact and visual storytelling?

Cinematographers tend to use different types of framing in order to direct attention and create meaning behind a shot, they do this by telling the audience where to look and how to feel about what they're seeing.

For example a close-up on a character's face draws us into their emotions, while a wide shot of a landscape can evoke a sense of grandeur or desolation.

The cinematographers can use something called a two shot to create a visual relationship between a character

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DISCUSS IN GROUPS

Make a post for your musings and findings

use an image too.

Caitlin and Jenn- Ways cinematography influences story telling

By using different shot angles can help create the difference between a scene for example this has been shot at wide angle shot to display both characters emotions, mainly focusing on the forefront characters, with the dof the main characters face is the main pop creating an dynamic feel of emotions.

By using different colours, like contrasting colours or complementing colours to create a calming setting

Determining framing

Shot composition

Mood and depth

Collaboration between the cinematographer and director

Creating a visual narrative that aligns with directors view

Guiding emotions

Emphasises on themes

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Jenn and Caitlin

EXIT TICKET

One new thing they learned

Focus and horizon, establishing shot need a person walking into it,

how to work the tripod, framing and angles from an videographers pov.

One question they still have about cinematography on the class Padlet wall.

how would we incorporate different techniques such as rule of thirds or leading line?

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COMPARE THE PROS AND CONS BETWEEN SHOOTING MOVING IMAGE ON A SMART PHONE/DSLR

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COMPARE THE PROS AND CONS BETWEEN SHOOTING MOVING IMAGE ON A SMART PHONE/DSLR

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Keara, Jenn & Caitlin.

DSLR:

PRO

Higher quality

Better control

Variety of lenses

Higher quality resolution.

Greater control over focus and exposure.

Interchangeable lenses for varied focal lengths

Higher Quality

CON

Heavier

Less convenient

Harder to navigate.

Less Convenient

More Equipment

Heavier Equipment

3rd Party to Edit Video

Bigger and less manageable.

Larger file sizes and slower transfer.

Wider knowledge required to operate correctly.

PHONE:

PRO

Lighter/ portable

All in one editing and shooting

Easier to use

Lightweight and portable.

Widely accessible and built-in editing software.

Technology significantly getting better.

CON

Lack of control over focus and exposure.

lower image quality on certain models.

Battery life, no replacement battery option.

Lesser quality

Small, Portable

Lighter, Less Equipment

On Board Editing Apps

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1. Research Two Films/moving image examples

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Moving image project,

two films that provide great inspiration are :

"Blade Runner 2049"

"The Grand Budapest Hotel."

Both films have unique visual styles and storytelling techniques that I can draw from.

In "Blade Runner 2049," directed by Denis Villeneuve, the film is renowned for its stunning cinematography and use of lighting.

A specific scene that stands out is when K, the protagonist, visits the memory maker, Dr. Ana Stelline. https://images.app.goo.gl/vVGfHof4MuQYjU3z7

The scene is bathed in warm, soft lighting that creates an intimate atmosphere, contrasting with the cold, harsh environments seen earlier in the film.

This lighting choice emphasises the emotional weight of K's quest for identity and connection. The use of color palettes, with clean crisp white and deep blues, enhances the film's themes of isolation and the search for meaning in a technologically advanced world.

On the other hand,

"The Grand Budapest Hotel," directed by Wes Anderson, showcases a distinctive visual style marked by symmetrical compositions and a vibrant color scheme.

One memorable scene is the chase sequence through the snowy mountains. The meticulous framing and use of pastel colors create a whimsical yet thrilling atmosphere.

https://youtu.be/_FwYZkp8f90?si=CUWOYkUWpaZxWUiW

Anderson's unique storytelling technique, which includes a story within a story, adds layers to the narrative, allowing viewers to engage with the characters on multiple levels.

The film's meticulous attention to detail in set design and costume also contributes to its overall charm and visual storytelling.

Both films offer rich elements to explore, whether it's the atmospheric lighting and color use in "Blade Runner 2049" or the whimsical, meticulously crafted world of "The Grand Budapest Hotel."

These aspects can greatly inspire my own moving image project, helping me to think about how visual elements and narrative structure can work together to create a compelling story.

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Camera movement techniques.

Try using DIY alternatives to dolly's and tripods and tracking shots, chairs with wheels, skateboard, Lego wheels.

LEARNING GOALS

By the end of this lesson you will be able to demonstrate understanding and practical application of four fundamental camera movement techniques:

panning,

tilting,

tracking,

and dolly shots.

To Do List

In order to successfully achieve this workshop, please do the following:

Explore: In what ways can YOU explore moving image in your own documentary project? Discuss in pairs and post findings on class Padlet. (15 mins)

DEMO: Class lecturer to demonstrate different movements using DSLR camera. (Panning, tilting, tracking, dolly zoom) (10 mins)

Demonstrate: Using the DSLRs create some short sequences, at least six, showing how different movements can convey emotion. post sequences to class Padlet for review. (45 mins)

Analyse: In groups of three, Select a scene from a famous film and create a detailed storyboard of its camera movements. Then, using the DSLR camera and tripod, recreate the scene, matching the camera movements as closely as possible. Compare original and recreation side by side. (45 mins)

Deepen: On a post it note/padlet write one technique you feel confident about, one you need more practice with and one creative application you are excited to try. (2 mins)

Create: for next week create a detailed storyboard for your film, see 3.4 extended activities for more info.

*TIPS - short sequences that convey emotion: suspense (slow push in), excitement (quick tracking), sadness (slow pull back), whip pan (two character tension)