Cinematography Techniques

**Camera Framing Size** - **Extreme Close-up (ECU)**: Focuses on a small portion of the subject like a mouth or eye. Highlights important sensory moments and details. - **Close-up (CU)**: Frames the subject from the neck to the top of the head. Emphasizes facial expressions and gen...

**Camera Framing Size** - **Extreme Close-up (ECU)**: Focuses on a small portion of the subject like a mouth or eye. Highlights important sensory moments and details. - **Close-up (CU)**: Frames the subject from the neck to the top of the head. Emphasizes facial expressions and generates strong emotions. - **Medium Close-up (MCU)**: Frames the subject from above the head to midway of the upper torso. Shows a combination of facial expressions and background. - **Medium Shot (MS)**: Frames the subject from the waist up. Allows for dialogue scenes while showcasing body language and setting. - **Cowboy Shot (CS)**: Frames the subject from the face to just above the knee. Used to signal heroism and confidence while showing action near the hip. - **Medium Full Shot (MFS)**: Frames the subject from the knees up. Captures emotion and body language, useful for multiple characters, and shows character & setting. - **Full Shot (FS)**: Frames the subject from head to toe. Shows a character\'s actions, establishes the setting, displays their wardrobe, and demonstrates body language. **Camera Framing Figures** - **Single:** Frames one person. - **2-Shot:** Frames two people. - **3-Shot**: Frames three people. - **4-Shot**: Frames four people. - **5-Shot**: Frames five people. - **Crowd Shot**: Frames a large group of people. **Camera Shots** - **Extreme Long/Wide Shot (ELS/EWS) or Establishing Shot:** Shows the scene\'s location from a distance. Establishes time, place, and character\'s relationship to the environment. - **Long/Wide Shot (LS/WS):** Shows the subject from head to toes, but not necessarily filling the frame. Emphasizes the actor and its location. **Camera Angles** - **Over the Shoulder Shot:** Positions the camera behind one character, facing another, creating intimacy and showing who is talking to whom. - **Over the Hip Shot:** Used when one character is sitting and the other standing, connecting the two and implying power imbalance. - **Knee-Level Shot:** Positions the camera at the subject\'s knee level, emphasizing character superiority or focusing on characters walking. - **Ground Level Shot:** Captures the frame at ground level, highlighting the feet or a character lying on the ground. Builds suspense and intrigue. - **High Angle Shot:** Looks down on the subject from an elevated perspective. Signals superiority, vulnerability, or a sense of being trapped. - **Over the Head Shot:** A bird\'s-eye view of the subject or scene. Creates an objective view of the situation or a sense of being watched. - **Low Angle Shot:** Looks up at the subject from below eye level. Conveys power, confidence, and can be used for dramatic effect. - **Dutch-Tilt Shot (Canted Angle):** Tilts the camera creating a feeling of disorientation and unease. Signals something is wrong or unsettling. - **Point of View (POV) Shot:** Mimics the character\'s perspective, allowing the audience to see what the character sees. - **Insert Shot:** Focuses on a specific detail within the scene, directing the audience\'s attention to it. **Camera Movements** - **Zoom:** Creates an illusion of moving closer or further away from the subject. - **Dolly:** Moves the camera towards or away from the subject. Builds drama or tension and adds significance to the subject. - **Tracking:** The camera follows a moving subject. Helps capture movement and action. - **Pan:** The camera moves side to side while staying fixed in place. Reveals a broader perspective or follows a moving object. - **Tilt:** The camera moves up and down while stationary. Creates an effect similar to a person looking up or down. **Types of Videos** - **Films / Cinema:** The traditional form of storytelling with immersive narratives and theatrical releases. - **TV Series/Programs:** Episodic storytelling with a continuous narrative arc. - **Video Blogging (Vlog):** Personal videos that capture everyday experiences and lifestyle. - **Music Video:** Visual accompaniment to a song. - **Tutorials:** Informational videos that teach a skill or technique. - **Short Videos / Reels:** Brief videos often shared on social platforms. - **Streamers or Game-play Videos:** Live or pre-recorded videos of gameplay. - **Animation:** Films or videos made using animated visuals. - **Compilations:** Videos that combine different clips or segments. - **News:** Informative videos reporting on current events. - **Ads:** Commercials used for marketing and promotion. **Film/TV Program Genres** - **Action:** Focuses on physical stunts, high-speed chases, and adventure. - **Romance:** Focuses on love stories and romantic relationships. - **Comedy:** Intended to entertain and make the audience laugh. - **Drama:** Focuses on serious and emotional stories. - **Horror/Suspense/Thriller:** Focuses on fear, suspense, and psychological tension. - **Adventure:** Focuses on exploration, danger, and journeys. - **Animation:** Uses animated characters and storytelling. - **Fantasy:** Incorporates magic, mythical creatures, and fantastical elements. - **Sci-Fi:** Focuses on science, technology, and futuristic worlds. - **Family/Kids:** Content suitable for all ages. - **Real Life:** Focuses on true stories and documentaries. - **Documentary:** Nonfictional films that explore real-world events and issues. - **Explicit/Adult:** Contains mature themes and content.