This week Ahmed and I created a storyboard about the opening sequence for a thriller called 'Eagles Path'. We drew small sketches for each scene then described what camera shots, movements and sound we were going to include if we did make it. We then used FinalCut Express to edit the pictures of the storyboard we had uploaded. We added text to these images then using the razor tool, decided how many seconds we wanted each scene to last. I think that FinalCut Express was really simple to use especially for first time users.

Cinematography

Cinematography is about the use of camera, the framing and positioning of the camera, and the movement of the camera.


Key shot types include: 

• Close up 
• Extreme close up
• Medium or Mid shot
• Long shot
• Extreme longshot 
• Point of view 
• High angle 
• Low angle
• Establishing shot
• Over the shoulder

ESTABLISHING SHOT  

MIDSHOT

EXTREME CLOSE UP

CLOSE UP

Reverse zoom

               Here is a good example of a reverse zoom shot using a dolly.  

Camera Movement

Last lesson we looked at camera movements. 

From a fixed position, the camera can:

• Rotate left to right- this is called Pan.

• Tilt up and down, this is called Tilt.

• Tilt on an angle to give a disorientating effect- this is called Dutch Tilt but is also known as Canted.

• Zoom- the camera remains still but the focus is adjusted to move either towards or away from he object.

• Reverse zoom- when the focus zooms in while the camera moves away from the object.

When the camera is free to move around the set you can film using a:

• Tracks- the camera moves fluidly on a set of tracks in a certain direction. 

Stedicam

• Dolly-the camera is on wheels so can be moved in any direction.

• Crane-the camera is placed on a large crane arm that enables it to move around the set with ease. It allows the camera to move quickly between different heights.

• Rolling shot- the camera moves diagonally making the images askew.

• Handheld camera- the camera is held in the hand and can therefore move in any direction without the need for tracks; however the result is usually a very shaky picture.

• Stedicam- the camera is worn on a weighted harness to keep it still and balanced, while allowing the freedom of handheld filming.