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Weekly Work Class Question - Cinematography Fundamentals (Shot Types)

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Weekly Work Class Question - Cinematography Fundamentals (Shot Types)

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Establishing Shot - A wide angled shot showing the location of a scene.

Birdseye View - Shot taken directly above a subject.

Worms eye - Shot taken from the ground, as if it was a worms POV

Eye Level - Directly one the subjects POV, creates a natural view point

Dutch tilt- camera at a tilted angle conveys a sense of distress and disruption in the scene.

Pan - Camera moves left and right

Tracking - Following someone moving

Close up - Slow zoom of character.

Aspect ratio - Using different ratios can affect different things and evoke different emotions.

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Tools

1. Camera Equipment:

iPhone 13: For capturing high-quality black-and-white images.

Tripod (Gimble): To ensure stability for location shots or slower shutter speeds in low light.

2. Audio Equipment:

External Microphone: A shotgun or lavalier mic for recording clear voiceover.

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Photography Techniques:

Grungy Black-and-White Style:

Increase contrast and texture during editing to emphasize the raw, urban feel.

Shoot in RAW format to retain details for post-processing.

Action Shots: Use a fast shutter speed (1/500s or higher) to freeze motion during tricks.

Portraits: Use a shallow depth of field (f/2.8 or wider) to isolate subjects against grungy backgrounds.

Environmental Shots: Use leading lines and wide angles to incorporate the skatepark and carpark’s architecture.

B-Roll Techniques:

Capture wide-angle and close-up shots of the skate locations to set the scene.

Incorporate dynamic angles like low shots looking up at ramps to emphasize the scale.

Use slow pans or tilts for a cinematic feel.

Voiceover and Audio Techniques:

Record skaters in a quiet environment to avoid ambient noise.

Use voice modulation techniques in post-production to match the documentary’s mood.

Layer ambient sounds (e.g., wheels hitting pavement) under the voiceover for depth.

Editing Techniques:

Transitions: Use simple crossfades or dissolve effects to maintain flow.

Timing: Synchronize voiceovers with specific images for emphasis.

Subtitles: Add captions for the skaters' words to reinforce key themes.

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Project Title: Concrete Culture: Scottish Skateboarding Environments

Project Type: Short Documentary (Approx. 2 Minutes)

Objective: This short documentary aims to explore the impact and evolution of skateboarding culture in Scotland. It highlights key skate spots like Livingston Skatepark, Kingston DIY, and the growing trend of skating in urban car parks. The project emphasizes how these spaces foster creativity, self-expression, and community within the Scottish skateboarding scene.

Key Themes:

The historical significance of Livingston Skatepark as Scotland’s first major skate spot.

The rise of Kingston DIY, built by skaters during the COVID-19 pandemic as a response to the lack of available skate spaces.

The use of car parks and other urban environments as creative, alternative skate spaces.

Skateboarding as a form of self-expression, freedom, and community building.

Target Audience:

Skateboarding enthusiasts and the local skate community.

Documentary and urban culture fans.

Individuals interested in Scottish youth and subcultures.

General audiences looking for engaging, cultural storytelling.

Visual & Narrative Style:

A mix of archival and contemporary footage showcasing the transformation of skateboarding in Scotland.

Dynamic cinematography, including slow-motion action shots, wide scenic views, and close-up skater interviews.

Voice-over narration guiding the audience through the history and present-day significance of these skate spots.

A blend of gritty, urban aesthetics with personal, heartfelt storytelling.

Production Roles:

Director/Producer/Narrator: Elijah (Oversees production, ensures vision consistency, delivers engaging narration)

Editor: Elijah (Responsible for assembling footage, adding overlays/captions, pacing the visuals to align with narration)

Expected Outcome: This documentary will serve as both an informative and inspirational piece, showcasing the resilience and creativity of the Scottish skateboarding community. It will reinforce how skateboarding is not just a sport, but a cultural movement shaping urban spaces and fostering deep-rooted connections among skaters.

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"Skateboarding in Scotland has a rich history. From Livingston Skatepark—the first of its kind—to Kingston DIY, built by skaters during the pandemic, and even car parks, these spaces are more than just concrete. They represent freedom, creativity, and change."

"For [Ciaran], skateboarding is more than just a sport—it’s self-expression."

"Every turn, every jump—each movement tells a story."

"But not all skate spots are official parks."

"[Chell] says, ‘This place has its own sense of community.’"

"Car parks have become a big part of skate culture—empty spaces turned into playgrounds."

"Skating isn’t just about tricks—it’s about connection."

"During COVID, skaters built Kingston DIY when there were no places to go."

"It became more than just ramps—it was an outlet, a second home."

"Skaters take over the spaces they find, from old parking lots to forgotten corners of the city."

"Skating anywhere isn’t just about space—it’s about freedom."

"Skaters don’t just use their environment—they transform it."

"Livingston tells Scotland’s first skate story. Kingston DIY and car parks are the next chapter."

"Skating in Scotland has always been more than a sport. It’s passion, community, and expression—whether in legendary parks, DIY spots, or wherever the wheels roll."

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These films and documentaries will help inspire your approach to skateboarding, community, and cultural exploration.

1.1 Dogtown and Z-Boys (2001)

Description: This documentary chronicles the rise of modern skateboarding in the 1970s and focuses on the Z-Boys skate team. It highlights how skateboarding evolved as a cultural movement.

Key Takeaways: The film explores how skateboarding transcended sport and became a powerful form of self-expression, rebellion, and community.

Application: Emphasize how skateboarding offers a sense of belonging and identity within the Scottish community. Include personal interviews that reveal how skaters express themselves through the culture.

2. Skate Kitchen (2018)

Description: A coming-of-age story about a group of young female skaters in New York, this film shows the close-knit community and the way skateboarding allows for self-discovery and empowerment.

Key Takeaways: Grounded in realistic depictions of skateboarding and the dynamics of friendships within skate communities.

Application: Showcase the community and familial aspects of Scottish skate culture, highlighting diverse skaters and their individual experiences.

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Since I'm only focusing on photos I've already taken, the equipment list now centres around what I need for editing and organising the video's narration:

Editing Software

iMovie is a user-friendly video editing software available on Mac devices, designed for beginners and casual filmmakers. It provides essential tools to edit video, arrange media, add transitions, and sync audio seamlessly.

Audio Equipment

A shotgun microphone is a highly directional microphone designed to capture clear and focused audio from a specific direction while minimizing background noise. It is ideal for voiceover narrations because of its ability to isolate the speaker's voice and reject ambient sound. These microphones are often used in film, broadcasting, and professional voice recording.

Though Voice Memos is not a professional-grade recording system, it serves as a convenient and efficient tool for capturing voiceovers on the go. Pairing it with external microphones and noise reduction techniques can enhance the final output for clearer narration.

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Concrete Culture – Production Roles

Director/Producer/Narrator – Elijah

Role:
Oversees the entire production, ensuring the project stays true to its vision. Manages logistics, scheduling, and budgeting while keeping the team aligned and focused. As the narrator, delivers the story in an engaging and compelling way to guide the audience through the documentary.

Responsibilities:

Oversee creative direction and ensure the documentary aligns with its vision.

Manage logistics, scheduling, and budgeting for a smooth production.

Ensure collaboration between all team members.

Deliver the narration, ensuring clarity, tone, and emotion align with the visuals.

Work with the editor to refine the voiceover timing and integration.

Skills:

Leadership and project management to keep the production on track.

Storytelling and verbal communication to deliver engaging narration.

Microphone techniques and basic audio recording/editing.

Editor – Elijah

Role:
As the editor, responsible for assembling the slideshow, selecting the right images, adding text overlays or captions, and ensuring the pacing and timing of visuals align smoothly with the voiceover.

Responsibilities:

Arrange and edit images, video clips, and transitions to create a cohesive flow.

Add text overlays, captions, and titles for clarity and engagement.

Ensure pacing and timing match the narration and maintain audience interest.

Optimize audio and visuals for high-quality production.

Collaborate with the narrator to fine-tune the final output.

Skills:

Proficiency in editing software (iMovie and Capcut etc.).

Creative vision for arranging visuals to effectively tell the story.

Strong attention to detail in syncing audio with visuals.

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1. Introduction (0:00 – 0:15) → Setting the Scene

"Skateboarding in Scotland has a rich history. From Livingston Skatepark—the first of its kind—to Kingston DIY, built by skaters during the pandemic, and even car parks, these spaces are more than just concrete. They represent freedom, creativity, and change."

Purpose: Establishes the importance of skateboarding culture in Scotland.

Visuals:

Archival footage or photos of Livingston Skatepark (early days vs. today).

Wide shots of Kingston DIY being built.

Skateboarders using car parks as makeshift spots.

2. Self-Expression (0:15 – 0:30) → The Skater’s Perspective

"For [Ciaran], skateboarding is more than just a sport—it’s self-expression."
"Every turn, every jump—each movement tells a story."

Purpose: Shows how skating is a personal and artistic experience.

Visuals:

Slow-motion tricks and transitions at Livingston.

Close-up of Ciaran skating and expressing his style.

POV shots of a skater weaving through a car park.

3. Skate Spots (0:30 – 0:50) → Beyond the Skatepark

"But not all skate spots are official parks."
[Chell] says, ‘This place has its own sense of community.’

Purpose: Highlights that skateboarding isn’t limited to purpose-built parks.

Visuals:

Skaters in urban locations like car parks and abandoned spaces.

Chell and others interacting, emphasizing the sense of community.

4. DIY Skate Culture (0:50 – 1:10) → Kingston DIY

"During COVID, skaters built Kingston DIY when there were no places to go."
"It became more than just ramps—it was an outlet, a second home."

Purpose: Shows the resilience of skaters in creating their own spaces.

Visuals:

Footage of skaters constructing ramps, pouring concrete, and painting obstacles.

Interviews or voiceovers from local skaters talking about the space.

Shots of Kingston DIY in action, with tricks and social interactions.

5. Urban Freedom (1:10 – 1:30) → Car Parks as Skate Spots

"Skating anywhere isn’t just about space—it’s about freedom."
"Skaters take over the spaces they find, from old parking lots to forgotten corners of the city."

Purpose: Emphasizes how skateboarding adapts to the environment.

Visuals:

Fast-paced, high-energy shots of skaters in different urban locations.

Low-angle shots following a skater’s board through a parking lot.

Dramatic lighting and textures emphasizing the gritty aesthetic of street skating.

6. The Legacy (1:30 – 1:50) → Livingston’s Influence and the Future

"Livingston tells Scotland’s first skate story. Kingston DIY and car parks are the next chapter."
"Skaters don’t just use their environment—they transform it."

Purpose: Connects the past with the present and future of Scottish skateboarding.

Visuals:

Comparisons of early Livingston footage with modern-day Kingston DIY.

Time-lapse of a skater rolling through different environments.

7. Conclusion (1:50 – 2:00) → The Spirit of Skateboarding

"Skating in Scotland has always been more than a sport. It’s passion, community, and expression—whether in legendary parks, DIY spots, or wherever the wheels roll."

Purpose: Ends on a powerful note, summarizing the cultural significance of skateboarding.

Visuals:

A mix of clips showing skaters of different ages, styles, and backgrounds.

A final wide shot of a skater pushing into the distance, symbolizing continuation.

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1. Rule of Thirds

Divide the frame into 9 equal parts (2 horizontal & 2 vertical lines).

Position key subjects along these lines or at their intersections.

Effect: Creates a balanced, visually pleasing shot.

Example: A character’s eyes aligned with the top third of the frame.

2. Leading Lines

Use lines (roads, bridges, walls, shadows) to guide the viewer’s eye toward a focal point.

Works well in tracking shots and establishing shots.

Effect: Creates depth and draws attention naturally.

Example: Train tracks leading toward a character in the distance.

3. Framing

Use objects like doorways, windows, arches, trees to frame the subject within the shot.

Creates a sense of depth, isolation, or intimacy.

Effect: Enhances storytelling by reinforcing focus on the subject.

Example: A character seen through a mirror reflection.

4. Symmetry & Centered Composition

Placing the subject in the exact center of the frame creates balance and order.

Used in films by directors like Wes Anderson for a distinctive style.

Effect: Feels intentional, sometimes unsettling, depending on the context.

Example: A character standing in the center of a hallway with perfect symmetry.

5. Depth & Foreground-Background Relationships

Use foreground, middle ground, and background to create a layered composition.

Helps emphasize scale, distance, and focus.

Effect: Makes shots feel immersive and cinematic.

Example: A close-up of a person in the foreground while something unfolds in the background.

6. The Golden Ratio / Fibonacci Spiral

A more natural alternative to the Rule of Thirds, based on a spiral pattern.

The subject is placed where the spiral naturally leads the eye.

Effect: Creates dynamic yet balanced compositions.

Example: A landscape shot where mountains and clouds naturally curve along the spiral.

7. Negative Space

Using empty areas around the subject to emphasize mood or isolation.

Works well in slow-moving or emotional scenes.

Effect: Creates tension, loneliness, or calmness.

Example: A small figure standing alone in a vast desert.

8. Over-the-Shoulder & Point-of-View (POV) Shots

Shows what the character sees from their perspective.

Over-the-shoulder shots create spatial relationships between characters.

Effect: Immerses the viewer in a character’s experience.

Example: A horror film showing a monster creeping up behind a character.

9. Dutch Angle (Tilted Camera)

The camera is tilted diagonally to create unease or tension.

Common in thrillers and action films.

Effect: Makes scenes feel unsettling, dynamic, or chaotic.

Example: A villain monologue with a tilted horizon.

10. Dynamic Composition (Camera Movement)

Tracking shots: Follow a subject smoothly (Steadicam, dolly).

Push-in / Pull-out: Slowly moving the camera in or out for emotional impact.

Handheld shots: Creates raw, documentary-style realism.

Effect: Adds energy, urgency, or intimacy.

Example: A handheld chase scene in a war movie.

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How do professional cinematographers use framing and composition to create emotional impact and visual story telling

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How do professional cinematographers use framing and composition to create emotional impact and visual story telling

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Cinematographers will use a range of different techniques in order to create emotion or set the tone of the narrative. For instance, extreme close-ups can emphasize the primary subject's emotions, while an upward-facing shot can create a sense of power or dominance.

A high-angle shot, looking down on a character, can make them appear vulnerable or weak. Wide shots can establish a sense of isolation or scale, helping to set the scene. Tight framing can create tension, making the audience feel confined or uneasy.

Symmetry and balance in composition can suggest order, while asymmetry can create a feeling of unease or unpredictability.

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How does Cinematography influence storytelling in Film?

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How does Cinematography influence storytelling in Film?

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Cinematography plays a crucial role in storytelling by shaping how the audience perceives characters, emotions, and the overall atmosphere of a film. This can affect the story by visually communicating a character’s role or significance. For instance, a low-angle shot can make a character appear intimidating or powerful, reinforcing their dominance in the narrative. Conversely, a high-angle shot can make them seem small or vulnerable. Camera angles also influence spatial awareness—wide-angle shots can emphasize the setting, creating a sense of scale or isolation, while tight close-ups draw attention to a character’s emotions or key details. The movement of the camera, framing, and composition all work together to guide the viewer’s emotions and understanding of the story.

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Cinematography Fundamentals/Shot types practice, 5 different shot types

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Cinematography Fundamentals/Shot types practice, 5 different shot types

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Cinematography is the art of visual storytelling through camera work, lighting, and composition. It shapes the mood, emotion, and meaning of a film.

Here are the key fundamentals:

1. Camera Angles & Framing

Low Angle: Makes subjects look powerful or intimidating.

High Angle: Creates a sense of vulnerability or weakness.

Extreme Close-Up: Emphasizes emotions or details.

Wide Shot: Establishes setting and context.

Over-the-Shoulder: Puts the audience in the character’s perspective.

2. Camera Movements

Tracking (Dolly) Shot: Follows a character to create immersion.

Handheld Camera: Adds realism and intensity.

Tilt/Pan: Reveals information or shifts focus.

Zoom In/Out: Directs attention and builds drama.

3. Composition & Framing

Rule of Thirds: Places subjects along imaginary grid lines for balance.

Leading Lines: Guides the viewer’s eye toward the subject.

Symmetry & Asymmetry: Order vs. unease in a shot.

Negative Space: Can create isolation or tension.

4. Lighting & Color

High-Key Lighting: Bright and even, used in comedies or uplifting scenes.

Low-Key Lighting: Dark and shadowy, creating mystery or tension.

Warm vs. Cool Tones: Influences mood and emotion.

Silhouettes & Shadows: Can add drama and mystery.

5. Depth & Focus

Deep Focus: Keeps everything sharp, good for layered storytelling.

Shallow Focus: Blurs the background, isolating the subject.

Rack Focus: Shifts focus between subjects to guide attention.

6. Aspect Ratio & Shot Composition

Widescreen (2.35:1): Epic, cinematic feel.

Standard (16:9): Balanced for most modern screens.

Square (4:3): Nostalgic or intimate feel.

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Analyze a short film sequence of your choice identifying cinematography techniques

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Analyze a short film sequence of your choice identifying cinematography techniques

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In American Psycho, the "Walking on Sunshine" scene is visually striking because it contrasts an upbeat song with the unsettling behavior of Patrick Bateman. The cinematography plays a key role in showing his detachment from reality and hidden darkness.

1. Lighting & Color

The scene, like much of the film, uses clean, bright lighting, reflecting Bateman’s obsession with perfection and control.

The contrast between light and shadow hints at his duality charming on the outside, but dangerous underneath.

2. Framing & Composition

Tight framing keeps Bateman isolated, emphasizing his emotional detachment.

Symmetrical compositions show his calculated, controlled nature.

Shallow focus (sharp on Bateman, blurred background) keeps the audience focused on his emotions and expressions.

3. Camera Movement

The camera moves smoothly and deliberately, mirroring Bateman’s cold and controlled personality.

Static shots make the scene feel unnerving, as if everything is too "perfect."

In moments of violence or tension, sudden camera shifts reflect his loss of control.

Why It Works?

The cinematography in this scene makes Bateman seem both relatable and deeply unsettling. The combination of happy music, bright lighting, and controlled shots tricks the audience into feeling comfortable—until his dark nature becomes clear. This technique makes the contrast even more disturbing.

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The video predominantly uses natural lighting, capturing shadows, highlights, and contrast from outdoor skateboarding environments.

Some frames feature golden hour lighting, enhancing warmth and depth.

Shadows from skaters and structures create dynamic contrast, reinforcing movement and space.

The lighting shifts subtly across the video, adding a sense of realism and raw urban aesthetics.

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The video alternates between shallow depth of field (DOF) (isolating subjects) and deep DOF (showing the environment in detail).

Skaters in motion are often in sharp focus, while backgrounds blur dynamically, emphasizing movement.

Some frames utilize rack focus (shifting focus between subjects) to guide viewer attention between skateboarders and urban spaces.

The use of wide-angle shots enhances spatial awareness, immersing the viewer in the skate environment.

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The editing rhythm is fast-paced, to match the energetic and fluid nature of skateboarding.

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The editing rhythm is fast-paced, to match the energetic and fluid nature of skateboarding.

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Jump cuts and montage sequences keep the flow dynamic, avoiding long static shots.

Slow motion segments emphasize critical tricks and movements, allowing viewers to appreciate technique.

Transitions between locations and tricks are smooth, maintaining visual cohesion and narrative flow.

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This film explores Scottish skateboarding culture and the importance of urban spaces. With Kingston closing, it highlights the loss of key skate spots and the fight to keep them.

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Boom Mics:
These are directional microphones mounted on long poles. They’re positioned just out of the camera’s frame to capture clear dialogue and ambient sounds from the actors without getting in the shot.

Time Codes:
A time code is a digital timestamp (hours:minutes:seconds:frames) used to sync audio and video recordings. This precision is crucial during editing, ensuring that every sound aligns perfectly with the visual action.

Room Tone:
This is the ambient sound recorded in a location without dialogue or action. It captures the natural acoustic background of the set, which is then used in post-production to smooth over edits, fill gaps, and maintain audio continuity.

Additional Sound Elements:

Foley: Recreated everyday sounds (footsteps, doors closing) that enhance realism.

Sound Effects: Specific noises added to amplify the impact of on-screen actions.

ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement): Re-recording dialogue in a studio to replace unclear on-set recordings.