When you’re using a camera, there are lots of different ways you can ‘frame’ or set up a shot. This will change what the audience sees and focuses on.
The way the camera moves also has an effect on the audience.
When shooting a scene for a film, the director must think carefully about how the camera shots fit together. The choice of shots and the way they are edited together help to create the atmosphere of a film.
Each scene may have been shot using several cameras all shooting at the same time from different angles and positions. Once all the shooting is complete, the director edits the shots – this means cutting the film and putting it together using a variety of shots to create the final film sequence. The mood and atmosphere of a film are strongly affected by the editing. If a scene is meant to be exciting, then a sequence of very short shots might be edited together. If an atmosphere of calm and quiet is needed, shots that are longer will be edited together.
CHANGING FROM SHOT TO SHOT:
The mood of a sequence is also affected by the filmmaker’s choice of how to change from one shot to the next. Here are some of the main options:
A STRAIGHT CUT: one shot cuts to the next in what feels like a ‘normal’ sequence.
A DISSOLVE/MIX SHOT: one shot dissolves into the next. This creates a calm, dreamier mood.
A FADE-OUT: this is when a shot fades to black. This can be used to suggest time passing.
Task: to make notes on the effects of angles and editing techniques.
Below is some information about editing and camera angles. Use the web pages, image, and videos to make notes on the effects of different editing techniques and camera angles.
The way the camera moves also has an effect on the audience.
When shooting a scene for a film, the director must think carefully about how the camera shots fit together. The choice of shots and the way they are edited together help to create the atmosphere of a film.
Each scene may have been shot using several cameras all shooting at the same time from different angles and positions. Once all the shooting is complete, the director edits the shots – this means cutting the film and putting it together using a variety of shots to create the final film sequence. The mood and atmosphere of a film are strongly affected by the editing. If a scene is meant to be exciting, then a sequence of very short shots might be edited together. If an atmosphere of calm and quiet is needed, shots that are longer will be edited together.
CHANGING FROM SHOT TO SHOT:
The mood of a sequence is also affected by the filmmaker’s choice of how to change from one shot to the next. Here are some of the main options:
A STRAIGHT CUT: one shot cuts to the next in what feels like a ‘normal’ sequence.
A DISSOLVE/MIX SHOT: one shot dissolves into the next. This creates a calm, dreamier mood.
A FADE-OUT: this is when a shot fades to black. This can be used to suggest time passing.
Task: to make notes on the effects of angles and editing techniques.
Below is some information about editing and camera angles. Use the web pages, image, and videos to make notes on the effects of different editing techniques and camera angles.
- http://www.mediaknowall.com/camangles.html
- http://www.mediacollege.com/video/camera/angles/
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camera_angle
Task: to analyse some extracts from moving image texts using your knowledge of camera angles and editing techniques
Watch the extracts below. As you watch, make notes on any camera angles or editing techniques that you recognise. Try to make a comment about the effect you think the angle or technique is creating – why do you think the director has chosen that particular one? Don’t worry if you’re not sure: just put down your best idea.
Watch the extracts below. As you watch, make notes on any camera angles or editing techniques that you recognise. Try to make a comment about the effect you think the angle or technique is creating – why do you think the director has chosen that particular one? Don’t worry if you’re not sure: just put down your best idea.