Cinematography Techniques

Main Resource: StudioBinder

CueNotes
Lighting effects perception, a character’s state of mind, and even critical beats of a scene.
The Key lightThe main light source in the scene
The Fill lightCounters the shadows cast by the key to filling exposure in the shot.
Why does placement of the fill light matter?Fill lights are placed at certain angles to complement the key light to increase or decrease the contrast of the lighting.
Three aspects to consider to utilize the fill light.Motivation – where is the light coming from? This will create the key light.
Angle – the geometric relationship of a key to fill light.

The Smart Side: A traditional angle to introduce a key light. The side of the subject facing away from the camera.
SO
The Dumb Side: As a result, the fill light is introduced on the Dumb Side. This is where the shadow will be. This is the side facing the camera.
Ratio – how much fill should be used?
Contrast Ratio: this makes the fill light vital to the lighting scheme. It helps to set a certain mood.

Summary

Keying a subject from the smart side and filling them from the dumb side offers the highest potential for depth in the image. You must consider Motivation, Angle, and Ratio when using this technique.

CueNotes
Establishing ShotUsed to open a scene or film. Wide, to establish geography, time of day, scale of subjects in relation to their environment. It is a crucial introductory shot for any scene. It can mark a transition to a new location or introduce important details about the location or world.
Master ShotConfirms the geography and location of the scene and clarifies which characters are in the scene and where they are in relation to each other.
Wide ShotWide shot positions the subject(s) far from the camera to visually represent their relationship to their environment. Used to show the scale of the subject which can relate to the characters emotions or the mood or tone of the scene.
Full ShotWhen the subject reaches the top to the bottom edges of the frame. Usually shot with subject in the center. Used to make statements about a subject’s physicality and present a character in “all their glory”.
Medium Full ShotA shot reaching from the top of the subject’s head to their waist. Known as a Cowboy shot. Used particularly for showing a character to be strong and confrontational. Especially when firearms/ weapons are being used.
Medium ShotA neutral shot. Captures the subject in a size similar to how we interact with people. It is shot above the waist and ends just above the head. A great way to utilize a true middle-ground approach that is neither jarring or dramatic.
Medium Close up ShotMid-chest to just above their head. It is about reducing distraction and prioritizing story and character details.
Close Up ShotA powerful way to show a change in emotion or a dramatic beat. Usually shot at eye level. It gives a “front row seat to a character’s thoughts and feelings”.
Extreme Close Up ShotFrames a subject to isolate a specific area. Like lips, ears, and nose. But eyes are typically used. For instance in Kill Bill at – 10:57. Also used to highlight objects that are key in the story, scene, or shot.

Summary

There are many different types of shots. Each of them help establish the rhythm, tone and meaning of a scene. I noticed that the farther the subject is from the camera the more the location, geography, or surroundings of the object are relevant in telling the story. As you get closer to the subject the more the emotions of the subject tell the story.

0 comments