Reading & Writing
For this week’s module, I wanted to highlight the “12 Camera Shots Every Actor Should Know,” courtesy of one of the best reputable sources - the New York Film Academy. Having spent very little time knowing or taking the time to analyze the impact of certain shots and how they contribute to some of the most well-known, celebrated films in American cinema (such as “American Beauty,” which I recently watched for the first time, “Donnie Darko,” and “Pulp Fiction”), this week's readings and viewings were particularly helpful for me. Without further ado, here is a brief summary of 12 commonly used camera angles:
A key component of the filmmaking process also includes storyboarding. In short, the storyboarding process helps creators visualize what it is they want to capture, in what order, and address any issues that may come up along the way. In his article “Storyboarding Tips: “How to Plan and Visualize Your Next Video,” Mark R. Roberston shares on the importance of completing this crucial step before capturing anything on video. Storyboarding involves creating visual representations of the actual elements that will be included in a film project. It serves as a blueprint that helps filmmakers address any element that may look great on paper but can prove to be problematic in practice. According to Robertson, a good storyboard will include the following features:
Research to Inform
One of my favorite scenes of “Legally Blonde” is when Elle gathers her resolve to thrive at Harvard Law School for herself and not for some dude (a.k.a. Warner). In this two-minute clip, there are several examples of the aforementioned 12 commonly used camera shots. At :08, wide/long angle shots are used to show her at an office supply/campus bookstore and everyone else who is with her. At :32, the same type of shot is used when she walks through the Harvard campus with books in tow. At :42, two-shot is used when Elle and her new ally are in the library. At :55, an over-the-shoulder shot is used when the professor addresses the class, and close-up shots are subsequently used as Elle gives the right answers to the professor.
All hail the best period drama ever! I couldn’t *not* mention the “Downton Abbey” opening credits for this module. Right from the start, the over-the-shoulder shot is used as Lord Grantham and his dog walk across the estate (although it’s more like a right-behind-the-dog shot in this case). Close-up shots are used throughout, but the unique aspect is that with this example, the subjects are objects, rather than people, as the camera pans over the dinner bells, dining set, cooking materials, and lamps.
Ah yes, the classic detention dancing scene in “The Breakfast Club.” This one-minute and 30-second clip utilizes medium shots throughout, as the kids are filmed from waist up as they bust moves. We can also see close-up shots of them throughout and at 1:04 and onward, two-shot is used as the kids pair up and dance across one of the bookshelves. Create Please find below my Pre-Production Planning Document for this montage project, as well as a practice Visual Composition Shot List. I think the hardest part of this process was finding interesting enough ways to take my photos and manipulating the subjects in a way that would fit the requirement of each type of shot. The storyboarding and pre-scripting processes, however, were very helpful in helping my visualize my final montage before I start filming. Pre-Production Planning Doc Visual Composition Shot List
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