Research: Cinematography.

Cinematography.

Cinematography is how the camerawork is used to present a scene for the correct purpose. This is done by camera movement, and shot sizes.

Sizes:-

Establishing Shot-

This is normally used to set the scene by showing where the scene will take place. This is to help the audience see where the location is, and to make them aware of a new scene.

 

 

 

Extreme Long Shot-

This shot shows the full body of the character(s), and some of the surroundings. This is often used in action scenes, as it shows the audience the exact situation that the character(s) are in.

 

 

Long Shot-

This shows the full body of a character. It is often used when introducing a new character. This is so the audience can figure out who they are, and make assumptions on them based on their body language, facial expressions and costume.

 

 

 

 

Medium Shot-

A medium shot shows the character(s) from the waist upwards. This is used to help the audience to understand more about the character in a bit more detail, such as their body language and facial expressions.

 

 

 

Medium Close Up-

This shows the character from the shoulders upwards. This creates a small understanding of the characters emotions, so the audience can feel a little empathy for the character (especially if it’s the protagonist/victim).

 

 

 

 

Close Up-

A close up displays only the face of a character. This shot is used to capture the emotions of the character through their facial expressions. This could potentially make the audience feel what the character is feeling.

 

 

 

Extreme Close up-

This shot zooms in even further than a close up shot. This is normally seen when the intentions of the director are to make the audience focus on a specific piece of iconography or body part e.g. a knife with blood on it.

 

 

 

 

 

Angles:-

High Angle-

A high angle shot is where the camera shoots from above the characters head, making them seem very small and vulnerable. This tends to be used on victims and sometimes protagonists to make the audience question their safety.

 

 

 

 

Low Angle-

In this shot, the camera is at the character’s feet. This creates the illusion that they are much bigger and more powerful than the other character. This gives them a look of superiority to the audience. This gives them faith or possibly fear if it is used on an antagonist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movement:-

 

Panning-

This is where the camera moves across the set, from left to right. This is normally used to capture a scene right before an action sequence, to inform the audience of what’s going on, or possibly show some of the surroundings. This is so the audience are aware of who the characters are, and what’s going on.

Tilt-

Tilt is when the camera moves up and down. This can be used to introduce a new character. Tilt is useful because it allows the audience to see the character in full detail.

 

 

 

Crane-

Here, the camera is on a crane, so the movement is very flexible. This captures action scenes very well, because the audience is able to see all of the sequence within a short space of time.

 

 

Zoom-

Zoom is used to highlight important/significant things. For example the camera could zoom in to a character’s face to show their facial expressions. This is used so the audience can focus on what the director intended them to focus on at specific points in the film.

 

P.O.V-

Point Of View shows a scene in first person (as if you are looking through a character’s eyes). This is effective because the audience will be able to possibly connect more with the character, as they are seeing what the character will be seeing.

 

Handheld-

This is when the camera moves with the person, as if they are holding the camera. This demonstrates the exact situation the character is in, and adds tension and fear, as the movement of the camera will be quite shaky.