Research: Cinematography

Cinematography

Cinematography is the frame of the shot i.e. the different movements and the angles and the distance they are taken at.

Extreme Long shot- this is used to show the character(s) at a distance, this is primarily used to show the background or setting, this is used to show type(s) of surrounding where the character operates.

Long Shots are used to focus on the character and their profile; this can give the audience a clear view of the characters height, gender and any costume that they may be wearing. Unlike the Extreme long shot, the long shot only shows the character and what’s directly behind the character. This will give the audience a better look at the character’s costume and their stance; this may also give an insight into the characters personality.

Mid Shot – Mid Shot’s are used to show the character from the abdomen up this gives the audience a better look at the characters features e.g. facial expression.

Mid-Close-up - this is used to show the character in more detail, this is a shot taken from the chest up and gives the audience an even more detailed look at the characters face this shot will reveal whether the character has any features like scars.

Close Up – a close up is used to display the characters face fully and either create a sense of comfort or discomfort depending on the type of character. This is also used to show the audience in detail what sort of facial expression the character has.

Extreme Close Up – An Extreme Close Up is used to zoom to look directly into the characters face, this is normally done to show the characters eyes and reveal an in depth look into to their eye colour and show pupil dilation.

Establishing Shot – An Establishing Shot is used to build the setting and give a wide view of the surrounding. This is used to show the area where the story is taking place.



Camera Angles

The camera angle is important to the shot especially when it comes to character representation, this is because there are certain ways the camera will ca the 

High Angle - A high angle is where the camera is placed above a character looking down on them, this usually makes the character diminutive and weak. this may the audience to feel pity for the character 

The high angle makes the character look less powerful and as an audience we are looking down upon this character. This then generates feelings of pity towards this character.

Low Angle - A Low Angle is where the camera is placed underneath the character and usually represents them as mighty, this is because the character looks taller and powerful.

this example was taken from the film 'Se7en', in this mage we see a low angle shot of both Detective Mills (left) and Detective Somerset (Right), the use of the low angle establishes their power; this also connotes that they have power or hold rank.

 

Eye Level - This is used to put the audience on the same height of the character and look directly in the characters face to either create attraction or maybe instill fear among the audience depending on the character depicted.

This example was taken from the film 'Exorcist' here we are looking at the character at eye level, this is used to instill fear into the audience
 

Camera movement


 

Panning- panning is the movement from left to right with the camera this can be used to give a wider view of the scenery, this can be used in action shots such as a high street chase. This can also give the audience a better look at what's going on amid the action.

Tilt- tilting the camera up and down and lets the audience see the height of the scene, this can also be tied in well with the point of view shot to give the effect of someone looking up and down.

 Crane - a crane is used to capture things at a higher vantage point, this may be used to capture an establishing or extreme long shot. The crane can be placed on a helicopter to add extra and more flexible movement and more height; This can be done to show the audience an even wider look at the city that the story may be set in.

Zoom – zooming is a technique done to either move in or out of a scene, this would normally be used to focus primarily in on one thing.

Point of View- This is where the camera is used to show someone’s perspective; this is used to give the effect of looking straight out of the characters eyes.

Handheld- this is where the camera is held in someone’s hand and filmed as if it’s actually being filmed by a character in the film, this is good for depicting scenes of paranormal interference or like a video diary.

Paranormal Activity 4 is filmed mostly using the Handheld camera technique, this is to give the impression of watching the characters actual video footage of paranormal interferrences happening in her home. This is very effective when using unexpected scares, this because the audience feels as if that they are at the very front of the action. It's almost like a point of view shot with the exception seeing the camera record time or battery life guage being displayed around the edge of the frame, or that character may occasionally put themselves in the shot by turning the camera.



Conclusion 

looking at cinematography techniques has furthered my knowledge on the different camera elements and the different types of shots and angles used in filming; accompanied by other various on screen elements to get great shots that can be used to add a more thrilling, suspenseful or chilled feeling among the audience. This will help me to understand and know what shots to use and how to use them to generate certain emotions within the audience.