Prior to film production, it seemed logical to research the varying different camera shots and angles along with sounds and editing techniques. Not only did I do this but I did further research into the most predominant forms of camera movement within crime/drama films in order to ensure that my crime drama fits as many typical crime drama conventions as possible.

From this research I distinguished that within crime dramas the most common form of camera movement is the use of medium shots and pan shots.

Extreme long shot:  Often used as an establishing shot, this camera angle allows the viewer to gain full perspective of the environment. The shot can sometimes be taken up to a quarter of a mile away and is sometimes used in scenes with thrilling action.

Establishing shot: The use of this shot indicates the action that is to follow. Not only this, but it pans over the general location, whereby the mise en scene can be added to create suspense (conventional of a thriller). Ideally, my crime thriller will open either initially or closely near the start with an establishing shot as these shots are generic of thrillers and will also cut down the need for excessive narration.

Two shot: These camera angles are often used during an exchange in dialogue, as they show two characters within the same frame.

Over- head shot: These create a sense of dominance as the camera is placed to look

down on all the subjects/characters within the scene. These angles are unnatural and therefore create a sense of unease.

Over the shoulder shot:  These camera angles create suspense, as the audience never gets to see the face of one of the characters. Predominately using with exchange in dialogue the mystery is continued as by only showing a shoulder the audience becomes intrigued.

Long shot: Within film production these can also be referred to as “full shots” or “wide shots”.  These shots generally focus on a specific character. However due to the positioning, the details of the background can still be distinguished. It also can be used in scenes of movement allowing the viewer to get a sense of the general environment.

Medium shot: (generally shot from the characters waist upwards) This camera angle is within closer proximity to the characters than long shot. Therefore the use of this allows for more empathy as the viewer gets to see the characters facial expressions alongside the general backdrop. This type of camera shot is best used for dialogue scenes.

Close up: Emphasis is put on the given character, as this camera angle focuses on small details such as facial expressions. The use of this shot within my video would be suitable as these shots are often used as reaction shots creating suspense and shock in many

instances.

Extreme close up: Often used for dramatic effect, these shots focus on one specific part of the scene. In order for the close up shot to be clear, there is often no background detail. This shot is used to create tension within a scene or image.

Thriller films also use Camera Angles such as facial close up shots and mid – range shots . An example of a close up was used in a film called ‘Band of

Brothers’. In the film there is a close up of the mans face after he has been shot, showing that he is in pain.

These help to show facial emotions/expressions and also shows body language, which helps to show tension, and helps the audience to feel as if they are in the film and gets them to start asking questions. Some Camera movements also make the audience feel tense and helps to make them feel like they are actually in the filmBirds Eye View – a shot that looks directly overhead is a very unnatural and strange angle. It puts the audience in a God like position.

High Angle – camera is elevated above an action using a crane to give a general overview.

The use of high angle in the television programme ‘Scrubs’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8V1uE1-wTPs

Eye Level – the Camera is positioned 5 or 6 feet from the ground as if a human being is observing a scene.

Low Angle – gives a sense of confusion, shows little background (of the sky or ceiling). This adds to the disorientation of the viewer.

Canted Angle – This is where the camera is tilted and becomes the eyes of a character. This shot shows confusion or disturbance within a film.

Pan – This is where the camera is on a tripod and follows a moving object.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgkWPAS6Ur8&playnext=1&list=PLEH229ZeqHFGORO6lyNOO7nReeo-9xS3t&feature=results_video

Tilt – This is the movement of a camera that scans a scene vertically.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Slu6Leds5IA

A Dolly Shot – sometimes called trucking or tracking shot. The camera is placed on a moving object usually a vehicle and moves alongside the action generally following a moving figure or object. The camera might be mounted on a Car, a Plane or even a shopping trolley. These types of shots are a good way of portraying movement. This makes the audience more tense and also makes them quite nervous and makes their heart beat fast, as they know that something may happen next due to the fast pace.

Hand Held Shots – The hand held camera allows the operator to move in and out of scenes with greater speed. These shots are very good for portraying gritty realism.

Crane Shot – This is using a Crane to follow movement or swoop in on action.

Zoom Lens – Can zip a camera in and out of a scene very quickly making objects appear closer than they really are.

The Ariel Shot – A variation of a Crane shot usually taken from a Helicopter. It is often used at the beginning of a film in order to establish setting and movement.

POV – The camera is in the position of a performer who is actually watching the action or scene. It is as if the audience are experiencing everything the character goes through within that scene. It is a technique used to make the audience feel like they are part of the film. It is typically used so that the audience can engage with the film and it’s characters.

The use of POV Shot’s in the film ‘Breaking Bad’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JwbqHbRq24

Steadicam – This shot combines the stabilized footage of a Tripod with the movement of a Dolly shot and the flexibility of a hand held camera.

Wide Angle – A shot of broad action taken with a wide angle lense

CUTTING

Jump Cut - A cut to later action from one filmed scene to the next creating an effect of discontinuity or acceleration. Jump cuts are often used to create an immediate transition from one shot to the next. Here (below) is an example of a jump cut.

Cutaways - This is the interruption of a continuously filmed action by inserting a view of something else. It is usually, although not always, followed by a cut back to the first shot, when the cutaway avoids a jump cut. Here (below) is an example of a cutaway shot. 

Cutting may:

Change the scene

Compress time

Vary the points of view

Match Cut – are used to make a change seem smooth and also used to show:

A completed Action

Continuity of Direction

Change of Angle

Cutting Rate – Cuts are used as deliberate interruptions to shock, surprise or emphasise.

Cutting Rhythm – This may recreate an exciting, lyrical and staccato effect in the viewer.

Cross Cut – Simply a cut from one line of action to another.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-A69UHFk4s

Fade/Dissolve – These are gradual transitions. A fade in is usually used for a quiet introduction to a scene and a ripple shows flash backs in time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHIJ3JCOrvw

Wipe – A wipe wipes an image of the screen. This is a clear marker of time change.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVW_fdPVQHQ

Inset – Used to reveal a close up of the main shot.

Split Screen – The division of the screen into parts which can show the viewer several images at the same time. This can convey the excitement and frenzy of certain activities but it can also overload the viewer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuC-hVVmbcw

Stock Shot – Footage already available and used for another purpose than the one for which it was originally filmed.

SOUND

Sound Bridges – Sound that carries over to another scene.

Sound Effects – Creates a sense of realism or psychological impact.

Music – Within a film music creates an atmosphere and also helps to shape the narrative.

Silence – Silence is used to provoke a reaction for the audience. Silences are used in many crime, horror and thriller films.

Loud Sounds – “Boom” and “Crash” create a dramatic point.

Background Sounds – Always used to create ambiance.

ADR/Looping – Are used for dialogue recording.

Foley Artists – Responsible for the sound effects within a film.

Sounds can either be:

Digetic – These are sounds that emerge from the world of film.

Non-digetic – These are sounds that emerge from outside the world of film. An example of this is a voiceover.

Synchronous – These are sounds caused by the event on screen. For example a car crash.

Asynchronous - These are sounds that are separate from the visuals. An example of this is a voiceover.