Episode 6: Camera Movement

Introduction

• Importance of understanding camera movements in filmmaking
• Filmmaker can create dynamic and compelling work with effective camera movement
• Episode will update a shot list in StudioBinder, available for download

Types of Camera Movement

1. Static Shot

   • Camera locked on a tripod, no movement
   • Uses: Dialogues, precise compositions, highlighting an actor's performance
   • Example: Dunkirk, 12 Years a Slave (traps characters, suggests helplessness)

2. Pan

   • Horizontal rotation of camera while remaining in fixed location
   • Uses: Following actions, revealing information
   • Example: Wes Anderson films, La La Land, Whiplash

3. Tilt

   • Vertical rotation of camera
   • Uses: Capturing verticality, revealing settings or scale
   • Example: Inception

4. Push In

   • Camera moves towards subject
   • Uses: Emphasizing moments, highlighting internal conflict
   • Example: The Post, The Godfather

5. Pull Out

   • Camera moves away from subject
   • Uses: De-emphasizing subject, revealing context, indicating isolation
   • Example: Catch Me If You Can, Joker

6. Zoom

   • Changing the focal length of camera lens
   • Types: Zoom In and Zoom Out
   • Uses: Drawing attention, creating uneasiness in horror/thriller
   • Example: The Graduate, The Shining
   • Crash Zoom: Fast zoom for dramatic effect (Django Unchained)

7. Dolly Zoom

   • Combination of dolly movement and lens zoom
   • Known as vertigo effect
   • Uses: Highlighting internal/external conflict, dramatize relationships
   • Example: Vertigo, Raging Bull, Bohemian Rhapsody

8. Camera Roll

   • Turning camera on its long axis while keeping direction
   • Uses: Matching character movement, unsettling effects
   • Example: The Dark Knight

9. Tracking Shot

   • Camera moves with the subject through the scene
   • Uses: Following subjects, building tension
   • Example: 3 Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Elephant

10. Trucking Shot

    • Lateral movement of camera
    • Example: Moonrise Kingdom

11. Arc Shot

    • Camera orbits around the subject
    • Uses: Adding dynamics for stationary characters, heroism
    • Example: The Avengers, The Dark Knight, City of God

12. Boom Shot

    • Camera moves vertically using a crane/jib
    • Uses: Revealing information, following characters in action
    • Example: Full Metal Jacket

13. Random Movement

    • Camera shake, incidental zooms for unplanned effect
    • Uses: Creating subjective experience, documentary look
    • Example: The Big Short, Succession, Seven

Combining Movements

• Example: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker uses multiple camera movements in one scene

Conclusion

• Best uses of camera movements are intentional
• Upcoming episode: Camera lenses and their importance in executing the perfect shot

Summary

• Movements Covered: Static, Pan, Tilt, Push In, Pull Out, Zoom, Dolly Zoom, Camera Roll, Tracking, Trucking, Arc, Boom, Random Movement
• Purpose of Movement: Each type of camera movement serves a unique purpose in storytelling