Basic Cinematography Concepts CAMERA ANGLES

The Shot One uninterrupted take in filming Take = recording of image from time camera is started to time that it is stopped Shots are separated by edits

The Scene Series of shots that are unified by action or events taking place in the same location at the same time A change in scene is marked by a change in location and/or in time Scenes are often recorded multiple times (multiple takes) using different camera and lighting set-ups Scenes are composed by mixing shots from these various takes

The Take Determined by how often the scene was filmed

Types of Shots

Extreme Long Shot Content of shot appears at an extreme distance. If figures appear in the shot they are too small to clearly identify. Establishes the setting

Long Shot Figures can be seen in full view (body fills the frame) with some area above and below visible. Background can also be clearly seen. Used for movement

Medium Long Shot Figures can be seen from the knees up. Background is largely visible within the frame.

Medium Shot Figures are visible from the waist up. Some background is visible within the frame.

Medium Close-Up Figures are visible from the middle of the chest to the top of the head. Limited back- ground is visible within the frame.

Close-Up In the case of figures, a single part of the body (most often the face) fills the frame vertically. Used to emphasize emotion

Extreme Close-up A single detail of an object or a figure fills the entire frame.

Types of Angles

FRAMING Framing = using the borders of the cinematic image (the film frame) to select and compose what is visible onscreen

Framing: Camera Height Relative height of the camera in relation to eye-level At eye level Below eye level

Framing: Camera Angle Vantage point imposed on image by camera’s position Straight-On High Angle – Shows power from that view Low Angle – Shows lack of power from that view General uses

Bird’s Eye View Camera is placed directly overhead Viewer is godlike; omniscient; all knowing Extremely disorienting

Framing: Camera Level The camera’s relative horizontal position in relation to the horizon Parallel to horizon Canted/Oblique /Tilted framing (Creates disorientation / feeling of instability)

POV A point of view shot places the camera where the viewer would imagine a characters gaze to be. This is a technique of continuity editing, because it allows us to see what the character sees without being obtrusive.

Over the Shoulder A shot of someone or something taken from the perspective or camera angle from the shoulder of another person. It can be used for conversation shots OR just to add some interest in the composition.

Cut-In Vs Cut-a-Way

Cut away In film and video, a cutaway shot is the interruption of a continuously filmed action by inserting a view of something else. It is usually, although not always, followed by a cut back to the first shot, when the cutaway avoids a jump cut.

Cutaway example Shot away from main shot During Interview with racecar driver. Including shot of racetrack Main Shot Cutaway

Cut-In / Insert Shot In film, an insert is a shot of part of a scene as filmed from a different angle and/or focal length from the master shot. Inserts cover action already covered in the master shot, but emphasize a different aspect of that action due to the different framing. An insert differs from a cutaway as cutaways cover action not covered in the master shot.

Cut-In / Insert example MAIN SHOT INSERT

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