Visual Storytelling Through Cinematography PDF

Visual storytelling and narrative through cinematography. PRESENTATION BY: KYLE ANDREW PANGAN OVERVIEW This topic examines how cinematography functions as a vital storytelling tool in film. Students will explore how elements like camera angles, lighting, composition, and movement...

Visual storytelling and narrative through cinematography. PRESENTATION BY: KYLE ANDREW PANGAN OVERVIEW This topic examines how cinematography functions as a vital storytelling tool in film. Students will explore how elements like camera angles, lighting, composition, and movement express emotions, establish atmosphere, and develop narrative, all without depending solely on dialogue. Importance in Film Movies are significant for various reasons. They serve as a powerful storytelling medium, enabling audiences to experience a range of emotions, perspectives, and cultures through their characters and narratives. Additionally, films can entertain, inspire, educate, and inform in ways that few other mediums can match. Cinematography as a Language Cinematic language encompasses the methods and conventions used in cinema to communicate with audiences, often referred to as visual storytelling. It includes various techniques such as lighting, performance, cinematography, and editing, all of which help express emotions and ideas visually. The Role of Cinematography in Storytelling What is Cinematography Cinematography is the art of visual storytelling through photography in film or television. It encompasses all on-screen visual elements, including lighting, framing, composition, camera movement, angles, film selection, lens choices, depth of field, zoom, focus, color, exposure, and filtration. Cinematographer’s Role The cinematographer is responsible for shaping the overall visual style of a film, including its look, color, and lighting. They translate the director's vision into tangible images, creating a visual atmosphere that can convey a story independently. This role involves meticulous attention to detail, from lighting a scene to precisely positioning the camera. Visual Consistency Camera placement is crucial for establishing perspective and can significantly impact the audience's understanding of characters' behavior and emotions. For instance, a close camera position can create intimacy and engage viewers, while a more distant placement might create a sense of separation. Ultimately, the choice of camera placement goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about aligning with the story’s emotional tone. Camera Angles High-angle shot High-angle shots typically convey a sense of power for the viewer while making the subject appear smaller and less in control. The psychological effect can differ based on context, but this technique generally emphasizes dominance and vulnerability within a composition. Low-angle shot Low-angle shots involve positioning the camera below the subjects, angled upward. This technique often makes the viewer feel smaller and more vulnerable, while the subjects appear stronger and more in control, emphasizing their dominance in the scene. Medium shot It’s crucial to distinguish low-angle shots from other types, such as high, canted, and other angled shots. Understanding camera levels is also important, as both the angle and height of the camera play significant roles in shaping the viewer's perception and the overall impact of the scene. Eye Level Shot An eye level shot is when the camera is positioned at the same height as the characters' eyes. This type of shot doesn't require the viewer to see the actors' eyes or for them to look directly at the camera. Eye level shots mimic standard human vision, providing a familiar perspective that presents visual information in a relatable way. Ground Level Shot A ground level shot places the camera at the same height as the subject on the ground. This angle is often used to show a character walking without revealing their face, encouraging the viewer to engage more actively with the scene and rely on the actor's performance to convey meaning. Dutch Angle A Dutch angle, also known as a Dutch tilt, canted angle, or oblique angle, involves tilting the camera along its "x-axis." Directors often employ this technique to indicate that something is amiss, creating a sense of disorientation or unease for the viewer. Bird's Eye View Overhead shots, also known as bird's eye views or elevated shots, are positioned near the action, distinguishing them from aerial shots. While aerial shots provide a broader, satellite- like perspective, overhead shots focus more closely on the scene, resembling a bird's eye view. Thank You! ACTIVITY Create 1 minute video using different shot angles. Use smooth transitions between shots to maintain flow. Consider a light background score that builds with the narrative. REFERENCES Niche Film Farm. (n.d.). Why movies are important. Retrieved from https://nichefilmfarm.com/blogs/why- movies-are-important/ Industrial Scripts. (n.d.). Cinematic language. Retrieved from https://industrialscripts.com/cinematic- language/#:~ =The%20elements%20of%20cinematic%20language,and%20music%2C%20editing%20and%20performance. Boords. (n.d.). What does a cinematographer do? Retrieved from https://boords.com/blog/what-does-a- cinematographer-do MasterClass. (n.d.). Film 101: What is cinematography and what does a cinematographer do? Retrieved from https://www.masterclass.com/articles/film-101-what-is-cinematography-and-what-does-a-cinematographer-do Soundstripe. (n.d.). Understanding shot angles and levels. Retrieved from https://www.soundstripe.com/blogs/understanding-shot-angles-and-levels StudioBinder. (n.d.). Types of camera shot angles in film. Retrieved from https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/types-of-camera-shot-angles-in-film/