The Technical Aspect of FilmBehind the Scenes
Creating the right shotWhat surrounds the actors gives
shape to what they sayMise-en-scene – French term
◦“putting on the stage”◦Blocking, camera position, lighting
We will examine the following: angles, lighting, framing, and camera movement
AnglesThe angle is at what height a
shot is takenThe following angles can be used
◦Low angle – looking up◦High angle – looking down◦Eye-level – straight on◦Canted – camera tilted slightly◦Worm’s eye – looking from ground◦Bird’s eye – looking from sky
Low Angle
High Angle
High / Low Angle and PowerIn looking at the high angle and
low angle shots, which conveys more power?
To whom does the power belong in the low angle shot?
To whom does the power belong in the high angle shot?
Canted
Eye Level
Worm’s Eye
Bird’s Eye
Often used in conjunction with the extreme long shot to provide an establishing shot.
LightingThree main types of lighting
◦Soft / Harsh – manipulate a viewer’s attitude toward a setting or a character. Lighting can make a character/scene look ugly, beautiful, artificial, or real
◦Backlighting – a romantic heroine backlit to give halo effect on her hair Used in many old movies
Lighting (cont.)Terms for lighting
◦Key – shines in front of actor Film Noir
◦Fill – angled from sides – fill out shadows Used in 50s, 60s, 70s frequently
◦Back – adds depth, gives 3D quality Romantic, melodrama
Soft / Harsh Lighting
Backlighting
Casablanca
FramingThe cinematographer and director
have to decide ‘how much’ to actually have in the shot
Different frames◦Extreme Long Shot◦Long Shot◦Medium Shots◦Close-up◦Extreme Close-up◦Establishing Shot – set a scene
Extreme Long Shot
Long Shot
Medium
Close-up
Extreme Close-up
Camera MovementCamera movements are vital
◦Pan – camera swivels from L-R or R-L◦Track – camera on railroad tracks◦Zoom – done with lense◦Crane – camera on a crane
Popular but expensive◦Steadicam – a person can move
without the camera seeming to move