University of Washington Basics of Cinematography HCID 521 January 2015 Justin Hamacher University of Washington Cinematography Basics INTRODUCTION 2 Justin Hamacher Overview University of Washington 30% SENIOR ON-SHORE 3 Justin Hamacher University of Washington Cinematography Principles Storyboarding 4 Justin Hamacher University of Washington Cinematography Principles 5 Justin Hamacher University of Washington Planes of the Image • Background = part of the image that is the furthest distance from the camera • Middle ground = midpoint within the image • Foreground = part of the image that is the closest to the camera Justin Hamacher University of Washington Framing Framing = using the borders of the cinematic image (the film frame) to select and compose what is visible onscreen In filming, the frame is formed by the viewfinder on the camera In projection, it is formed by the screen Justin Hamacher University of Washington Cropping Cropping refers to the removal of the outer parts of an image to improve framing, accentuate subject matter or change aspect ratio. Justin Hamacher University of Washington Framing: Camera Height Relative height of the camera in relation to eye-level At eye level Below eye level Justin Hamacher University of Washington Framing: Camera Level The camera’s relative horizontal position in relation to the horizon • Parallel to horizon • Canted framing Justin Hamacher University of Washington Framing: Camera Angle Vantage point imposed on image by camera’s position Straight-On High Angle Low Angle Justin Hamacher University of Washington Speed of Motion Rate at which images are recorded and projected The standard frame rate for movies is 24 frames per second Filming at higher rate (>24 fps) results in motion appearing slowed-down when projected at 24 fps Filming at a lower rate (<24 fps) results in motion appearing sped-up when projected at 24 fps. Justin Hamacher University of Washington Shot Duration Length of time the shot is held before an edit • Long Take = shot that lasts for an extended period of time before cutting to the next shot in the scene • Sequence Shot = when an entire scene is shot in one take with no edits and no interruption in filming Justin Hamacher University of Washington Types of Shots 14 Justin Hamacher University of Washington Extreme Long Shot Content of shot appears at an extreme distance. If figures appear in the shot they are too small to clearly identify. Justin Hamacher University of Washington Long Shot Figures can be seen in full view (body fills the frame) with some area above and below visible. Background can also be clearly seen. Justin Hamacher University of Washington Medium Long Shot Figures can be seen from the knees up. Background is largely visible within the frame. Justin Hamacher University of Washington Medium Shot Figures are visible from the waist up. Some background is visible within the frame. Justin Hamacher University of Washington Medium Close-Up Figures are visible from the middle of the chest to the top of the head. Limited back-ground is visible within the frame. Justin Hamacher University of Washington Close-Up In the case of figures, a single part of the body (most often the face) fills the frame vertically. In the case of objects, the object fills the frame vertically. Justin Hamacher University of Washington Extreme Close-Up A single detail of an object or a figure fills the entire frame. Justin Hamacher University of Washington Storyboarding 22 Justin Hamacher University of Washington STORYBOARDING 23 Justin Hamacher University of Washington TOOLS Pencil/Blue Line Pencil Paper (with Panels) Ink 24 Justin Hamacher University of Washington BLUE LINE 25 Justin Hamacher University of Washington EXAMPLES Justin Hamacher University of Washington THINGS TO REMEMBER: • Shoot more than you will use • Connect emotionally with viewers • Do not be afraid to be bold • Importance of sound • Consider your audience • Keep narrative moving • Check your audio/film for quality regularly • Have fun • Environment (weather consistency, etc) 27 Justin Hamacher .