Overview
This lecture introduces the fundamentals of cinematography, explaining its key technical and artistic components, the roles within a film crew, and essential visual storytelling techniques.
The Role of Cinematography in Film
- Cinematography is the art and technique of capturing moving images to visually tell a story.
- It works alongside mise-en-scène, narrative, editing, sound, and performance to create the cinematic experience.
- The cinematographer or director of photography (DP) is responsible for realizing the director's vision.
The Camera Department & Crew Roles
- The camera department includes the cinematographer, camera operator, 1st and 2nd assistant camera (AC), focus puller, and digital imaging technician (DIT).
- The lighting department is led by the gaffer, assisted by the best boy and electrics.
- The grip department, headed by the key grip, manages equipment such as stands, cranes, and ensures set safety.
Essential Cinematic Terms
- A shot is one continuous filmed sequence, while a take is each attempt to capture it.
- A set-up refers to positioning the camera for each new shot.
Film vs. Digital Capture
- Cinematographers choose between film stock (with choices in gauge and sensitivity) and digital sensors.
- Film stock offers a specific "organic" look, while digital provides flexibility and near-unlimited recording.
- Resolution and frame rate affect image clarity and motion blur; 24 fps is standard for a cinematic look.
Black and White vs. Color
- The choice between black and white and color can influence mood, period, and focus.
- Each medium requires specific attention to lighting and exposure.
The Four Properties of Light
- Source: natural (sun/moon) or artificial (LED, incandescent).
- Quality: hard (harsh, defined shadows) or soft (diffused, gradual shadows).
- Direction: where lighting hits the subject (key, fill, and back lights in three-point lighting).
- Color: determined by color temperature, measured in Kelvin.
Camera Lenses and Their Impact
- Lenses affect clarity, framing, depth of field, and exposure.
- Focal length (measured in mm) determines angle of view and magnification.
- Zoom lenses change focal length; prime lenses have a fixed length and often superior image quality.
- Depth of field refers to how much of an image is in focus; can be manipulated with lens choice and aperture.
Composition and Framing
- Composition arranges people, objects, and setting within the frame for balance and storytelling.
- Aspect ratio is the frame’s width-to-height ratio (e.g., 16:9).
- The rule of thirds guides balanced, visually engaging compositions.
- Framing, position, and angle influence viewer emotions and narrative cues.
Camera Movement and Motivation
- Camera movement includes pans, tilts, handheld, dolly, tracking, crane, and steadicam shots.
- Movement should be motivated by narrative needs; unmotivated movement can distract viewers.
- Long takes combine movement and composition to tell a story without edits.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Cinematography — The art of capturing the moving image.
- Cinematographer/DP — The chief person responsible for the look of the film’s images.
- Take — Each attempt at shooting a shot.
- Set-up — Arranging camera and lights for a new shot.
- Film Gauge — The width of film stock (e.g., 35mm).
- Resolution — The amount of detail in an image, measured in pixels.
- Frame Rate — Number of images captured per second.
- Focal Length — Distance (in mm) affecting angle of view and magnification.
- Depth of Field — Area in focus in front of the lens.
- Aspect Ratio — Frame’s width-to-height proportion.
- Rule of Thirds — Compositional guide dividing the frame into thirds.
- Three-Point Lighting — Standard lighting setup using key, fill, and back lights.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of camera shots and lighting setups discussed in class.
- Practice identifying lighting styles and compositional techniques in films or clips.
- Prepare for next lecture on editing.