Camera Angels and Shots Project
The learning process for the camera movements consisted of observation. We were showed many different camera angles and were made to differentiate them during a workshop. There were different stations with different things like one was rule of thirds and low vs. high shots. We would have to cut out these shots and put them in our notebook with a definition to help grab the concept of the angles and shots.
For day one of the project we had to tell the story of an inanimate object using 15 different shots and having to include at least on of the following:
- establishing shot
- long shot
- mid-shot
- close-up shot
- point-of-view shot
- low angle (used with any shot)
- high angle (used with any shot)
I was grouped up with 2 other people and we told the story of a backpack throughout the day. We had to plan the story with a storyboard. We went around the school and took many pictures to be able to fully tell our story. For day two we had to make a powerpoint with all the pictures we took and describe them as well as write a synopsis.
We had a clear vision of what we wanted to do and since we are all a little familiar to some of these angles from yearbook, we made good use of our time, finishing the project quickly. This is a big success, considering the fact that we were able to do everything we wanted and we did it efficiently. We also have all worked together for years so we had a good group dynamic that helped with getting things done.
Throughout the process of completing the project, I was able to learn more about specific shots and angles that I don't often get to personally use. I also learned how to identify these shots in a film. I not only learned how to create and identify those shots but, I was also able to learn what they mean to an audience and how they help tell a story.
The only thing that I would do differently is change the story. We had so do something about an inanimate object but, I would love to see how this would play out following a person and telling a story about them and what their going through. I want to see the difference that angles can make in storytelling firsthand.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ry1NJBTvicRhTlJ91-jIGOspoPI1No49qMuGeh0wYbI/edit?usp=sharing
Camera Movement Project
For camera movements, we were given this information 30 minute youtube video that showed and described all the camera movements that we would be using. In class we went over the video and put emphasis on a select few of the camera movements that were often mistaken and we named camera movements from a scene of Star Wars. We also had to write down the camera movements into our notes with the definitions that we were later tested on.
For this project we had to come up with a story using the prompt of "surprise". We had to storyboard as well as describe and identify the movement that will be used in this scene. Our idea and had to include 6 of the following camera movements:
- static
- pan
- tilt
- push in OR pull out
- tracking
- one movement of your choice
The experience was fun. We were able to work in a group of 4 and it was interesting to see the different ways that people wanted to use the moments to convey surprise.
The only real challenge was coming up with the story. We had many ideas and we had to find ways to tell the story using the movements while having it make sense in context to the story. Otherwise, we are all familiar to the software used to put it all together so, I would consider it a success.
Throughout the process of completing the project I relearned how to use i movie. I had previously been familiar with it because in the 5th grade I was convinced I was a youtuber but, for this project I used it to edit the clips together. I also learned how the order of clips can create more suspense when telling a story. We made it so that it took longer to get to the reveal of the party and at the party there was a crash zoom so emphasize the element of surprise.
Again, the only thing that I would change is the story. I feel like when you hear surprise you immediately think of a surprise party. I would prefer to make something more interesting and dramatic, like finding out you're getting cheated on or something like that. It feels more relatable to the auidence and the dramatics of it all draws people in.
