Basic Camera ShotsModule 4

A shot begins when you press the record button on your camera and ends when you release the button.

A shot can go on too long. When it does, it’s BORING! Try to limit the shot to fifteen seconds. To make the scene more interesting, combine these three basic shots:

Wide shotMedium shotClose-up shot

Wide Shot (WS)

The wide shot is also called the long shot. It shows the big picture from side to side and front to back.It includes several people in a large area. It can answer the question “Where am I?”In the first minute of a good video, the viewer sees where the action takes place through a wide shot called an establishing shot. An establishing shot shows the setting and sets the mood of the video.

Medium Shot (MS)

A medium shot moves in a little closer to the scene. It shows people from waist up. Most television interview shows use of the medium shots.

Close-up (CU)

A close-up shot moves in even closer and focuses on a single thing, such as a persons face.

Use this shot when you want to add tension and excitement.

Camera Movements

TILT

TILT: Move the camera up and down. Think of nodding your head “yes.”

TILT UP means shoot higher

TILT DOWN means shoot lower

PAN

PAN: Move the camera back and forth. Think of shaking head “no.”

PAN LEFT means move the camera toward your left.

PAN RIGHT means move the camera toward the right

ZOOM

ZOOM: Make the picture look closer or farther away; turn the camera lens but don’t move away.

ZOOM IN: means turn the lens to make the picture look closer or bigger.

ZOOM OUT: means turn the lens to make the picture look farther and smaller.

PEDESTAL

PEDESTAL adjusts the height of the camera’s lens.

PEDESTAL UP means move the camera higher

PEDESTAL DOWN means move the camera lower

CAMERA ANGLES

EYE-LEVEL SHOT is the way people see the world. Hold the camera at head and shoulder level. Makes the subject look normal.

HIGH ANGLE SHOT, hold the camera above the subject’s head. It makes the subject look small, weak and afraid.

LOW ANGLE SHOT, camera is held below the subject. It makes the subject look tall, strong and scary.

TRANSISTIONS

CUT: sudden change in camera angles or viewpoint. Match the action and camera direction so that your shots don’t appear choppy.DISSOLVE: happens when a picture slowly fades while another picture slowly appears.FADE: a type of dissolve in which the picture fades to black or begins black and fades into a picture.BLACK-OUT: the talent walks toward the camera, blocking out all the light. The next scene begins when the talent walks away from the camera into a scene.

YOU CAN DO THIS…

Using STILL PHOTOS, illustrate the relationship between a person (one person only) and his/her job. This can be a vocation or avocation, but not a hobby.

Tell a complete story of the person-job interaction through the use of establishing shots, close-ups, ECUs, etc.(use all the camera shot and angles)

Use PowerPoint or Movie Maker to present your output in class. We should get a clear idea of the person, exactly what they do, how they do it, and something of their personality and feelings toward their job.

Sound for this assignment will be a selection of music of your choice. You may include some of the associated sound if you feel you can confidently handle this at this point. Transfer this music along with any location sound (including interview segments) to your edited master during the editing process.

TIME: Not critical, but between 2 and 4 minutes. Give your presentation a catchy title. Work in groups of three’s. Use http://www.slideshare.net/ to upload your PowerPoint presentations on Facebook. Label your work properly.