Our next task we shall be covering the following criteria for Learning Aim A:

P2 – Explain the use of Single Camera Techniques

To fulfil this part of the criteria, in teams of four, you will be producing your own moving image examples to illustrate different single camera techniques, as well as providing some written information. You will be blogging this information.

For each technique below, devise an inventive and interesting way of shooting it. Also, consider the reason for using the technique, as well as the meaning / motivation behind using it.   

Shot types:

Establishing shot

Master shot

Tracking shots

Cutaways

 

Shot framing:

wide shot

mid shot

medium close-up

extreme close-up

point of view (POV)

 

Filming conversations:

over-the-shoulder angles

three angle shooting

shot-reverse-shot and the 180-degree rule

shot composition and framing.

 

Camera angles:

eye level

bird’s-eye

high angle

low angle

Dutch tilt

 

Camera movement:

handheld camera / shoulder mount / Steadicam®

dollying, trucking and panning

zooming and consideration of the effect on the angle and framing of the shot

dolly zoom or ‘trombone shot’

focus pulling

 

Maintaining continuity:

ensuring consistent scene set-ups

ensuring consistent lighting (lighting set-up or awareness of natural light and weather conditions at different times of day)

use of tripods to ensure shot stability and consistent positioning.

Shooting for eye-line matching.

 

EXAMPLE

Establishing shot

Provide a description – Usually an extreme long or long shot offered at the beginning of a scene or sequence providing the viewer with the context of the subsequent closer shots.

 Embed your own moving image shot example –

Why would you use this technique?  – At the start of a film or video it is generic for establishing shots to be composed of an external location, which usually establishes the geography, time of day and often the time of the work.  However, establishing shots can be used to indicate to an audience a shift in location or time during the body of the film. Internal establishing shots may indicate the importance of an interior. For example; the TV sitcom Friends (1995-2005) cuts from the opening title sequence establishing skyline shot of New York, to an exterior shot of the characters’ regular meeting place ‘Central Perks’. This shot need only be filmed once and can be used in every episode

Establishing shots –cut from NYC skyline to Ext. of coffee shop

How may the technique be effectively used? – The effectiveness of this technique can often provide an audience with a sense of familiarity – for example, a wide shot of the Eiffel tower immediately lets the audience know that the action is taking place in Paris; an exterior shot of Central Perks provides them with the warm feeling of the familiar.

When shooting your material you must also consider the focal distance, depth of field, lens aperture and shutter speed. For a reminder of what these are please see the next post.