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Fundamentals of Filmmaking Techniques

Nov 7, 2024

Filmmaking Basics Lecture Notes

Camera Techniques

Types of Shots

  • Extreme Wide Shot/Establishing Shot: Begins a scene, shows location and scene layout.
  • Wide Shot: Provides a wide view of the scene.
  • Mid Shot: Shows subject from waist to head.
  • Medium Close-Up: Focuses audience's attention.
  • Close-Up: Focus on a subject's face or important element.
  • Extreme Close-Up: Emphasizes details such as eyes to convey emotion.

Composition

  • Rule of Thirds: Align subject's eyeline on top third, look into remaining screen space.
  • High Angle Shot: Makes subject appear small, vulnerable.
  • Low Angle Shot (Hero Angle): Makes subject appear large, powerful.
  • Over the Shoulder Shot: Used in conversations, shows perspective over one shoulder.
  • 180 Degree Rule: Maintain consistent eyeline direction to avoid confusion.

Lens Effects

  • Lens Compression: Zooming affects perceived distance between subjects.
    • Zoom Out: Increases perceived distance.
    • Zoom In: Compresses space.

Camera Movements

  • Pan Shot: Horizontal movement to reveal new elements.
  • Tilt Shot: Vertical movement similar to panning.
  • Crab Shot: Moving alongside character horizontally.
  • Tracking Shot: Follows a subject, moves forward/backward.
  • Focus Pull: Shift focus manually to redirect audience attention.

Editing

Basic Techniques

  • Jump Cut: Used for quick, startling transitions, common in horror.
  • Match on Action: Continues action smoothly between shots.

Pacing

  • Slow pacing builds suspense.
  • Fast cuts increase tension and mystery.

Colour Grading

  • Adjusts mood and feel of the film.
  • Contrast and desaturation for action films.
  • Colour tones (e.g., blue/green for sci-fi, red for horror).

Transitions

  • Avoid fancy transitions that distract.
  • Use simple dissolves and fade-ins/outs.

Sound

Microphones

  • Shotgun Mics: Directional, focus on front sound, common in filmmaking.
  • Condenser Mics: Used for voiceovers/music, require close proximity.
  • Lavalier Mics: Discreet, used in interviews, limited sound quality.

Importance of Sound

  • Often overlooked but crucial for film quality.
  • Entry-level cameras and phones have poor sound capture.

Lighting

Types of Lighting

  • High Key Lighting: Uses multiple lights for an even image.
    • Three-point Lighting: Key light, fill light, edge/rim light.
  • Low Key Lighting: High contrast, dramatic effect.

Tools

  • Reflectors: Bounce light to reduce shadows and improve visibility.
  • Gels: Change light color and softness, used to set mood.

Conclusion

  • Basic understanding of filmmaking essentials.
  • Further topics available upon request.

Thank you for watching! Further details and topics available in future videos.

Full transcript