CAMERA COMPOSITION

CAMERA COMPOSITION

Before We Start…Shot Jargon • Pan • Tilt • Zoom • Dolly • Truck

THE RULE OF THIRDS • When framing your video pictures it is important to utilize the Rule of Thirds. • Definition: Where the Horizon and Eye lines are placed within the video picture. The line is always in the upper third quadrant of the video screen/grid. • The Rule of Thirds deals with two principals. • Head Room • Nose Room

The Five Basic TV/Film Shots • XLS • LS • MS • CU • XCU

XLSExtreme Long Shot • Sometimes referred to as the ESTABLISHING Shot. • This shot will show a person within their surroundings • The shot usually tells some kind of “story”.

XLS • Here is an example of how an XLS, should look like utilizing the rule of thirds. • Pay attention to where the Horizon Line is placed.

LSThe Long Shot • Also Known as the “Body” shot. • This shot will frame an Actor/Actress, from Head to Toe. • When framing several different sized actors, always use the tallest person’s eye line.

LS • Here is an example of a Long Shot. • Notice that the body fills as much of the frame as possible.

MSMedium Shot • The Medium Shot is also known as the “Waist” shot. • This shot is most commonly used during newscasts.

MS • Here is an example of a Medium Shot. • Notice the Headroom.

CUCLOSE UP • Also known as the “Bust” Shot. • The Bust is mid-chest to the top of the head. • The cut-off line is just below the shoulder.

CU • An Example of a Close UP • Pay attention to where the body is cut at the shoulder and mid-chest line.

XCUEXTREME CLOSE UP • Also known as the “Face” Shot. • Make sure to place the eyes in the upper third of the screen! Even if it just cuts off a portion of the actor’s head. This is normal, it is called-CLOSURE. • CLOSURE: The phenomenon of when the human mind “fills in” or completes a picture, that has been cut.

XCU • An example of an Extreme Close Up. • Remember it is normal for you to “cut” off some of the subject’s head (Closure).

QUIZ • 10 QUESTIONS • USE LOOSELEAF PAPER ONLY! • INCLUDE NAME AND PERIOD • ONLY PROVIDE THE TERM AS YOUR ANSWER.

QUESTION NUMBER 1 • What kind of shot is this?

QUESTION NUMBER 2 • Identify this shot.

QUESTION NUMBER 8 • What “Phenomenon” is happening here?

QUESTION NUMBER 9 • Why has the director chosen not to frame “Batman” using the Rule of Thirds?

Question Number 10 • This picture has a unique look to it. This image is much more interesting due to the director’s manipulation of the __________ line. Clue: Think Rule of Thirds.

Question Number 11 • Although the Characters are “crouching,” we must conclude that this is still considered a _____ shot.

Question Number 12 • What kind of shot is this?

Question Number 13 • What camera movement was more likely used to follow the “Batcycle” in this shot?

Question 14 • Instead of focusing on Rule of Thirds, the composer of this shot utilized what framing technique?

Question 15 • Identify this shot.

CAMERA COMPOSITION