Framing-Fixed Shots and Suspense Scene

Check out all the shot types here:

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-camera-shots/

 Background: Most people use their video cameras to document an event rather than tell a story.  Although we quickly learn to read the visual language around us, “writing” visually is a skill that takes time to master.  A test of this is to pick up a camera and communicate fear and suspense.

🎯 Objective: You will be able to design and produce a door scene that uses creative shots and audio editing to create suspense using at least 1 of each of the fixed shots.

🚅 Prompt: 

• A person is about to open a door. The person hears a sound and becomes mildly concerned. The person finds the door locked and searches for his or her keys. The person hears the sound again and becomes visibly apprehensive. 

  • [As the filmmaker, your goal is to build tension and growing panic, using any visual element or device that you can think of.]

• The film closes with the person finally opening the door and getting to the other side safely.

🚦 Procedure: 

1. Form your group and brainstorm ideas for your story (Door Scene Shot Order List).

2. Pitch your idea to the teacher and gain approval.

3. Design storyboards for your scene (jamboard -label shot type).  Every detail must be included in your storyboard.  It must be so visually clear that a stranger, unfamiliar with the scenario, could take your storyboard and shoot the film exactly as you visualized it when creating your storyboard.

4. Record your shots at a door that is assigned by you.

5. Transfer all footage to each computer and then each group member will edit their own individual project.

🚧 Parameters/Limitations:

• Neither the character nor the audience ever sees the source of the sound.

• The film can have only one actor.

• The film may not exceed 90 seconds (min. 45 seconds)

• You must use at least 9 types of shots.

  • But you will have more than 9 shots in your story.

• No speaking on-camera may occur.

• Audio must be heard throughout the scene and must help to enhance the suspense.

• You will be assigned a door location by your teacher.

• Include an opening title sequence that is included as part of your recorded video shots (extra credit).

• The title of the film CANNOT be “The Door Scene”.

🔴 Things to Remember:

• Try to stabilize or use a tripod for all of your shots

• Use appropriate headroom/leadroom/noseroom/ rule of thirds

⭐ Exhibit:

Each production team will screen it’s finished film for the entire class for feedback.

• Did it communicate the rising tension and relief?

• What could you shoot differently?

• What would make your film more understandable?

• What would give your film more emotional impact?

🔺 Grading Information

Grading will be based on the project rubric.  Grading will be based on the following categories (if applicable).  This is your final project of TV Broadcasting and should reflect exceptional quality on all levels.

• Video Quality - White Balance, Exposure

• Shot Composition - Correct framing of camera shots

• Shot Variety - Amount of different types of camera shots

• Audio - Selection of audio tracks and final mix of all tracks

• Editing - Cleanly edited with effective timing and pacing

• Suspense/Tension - Effective combination of camera shots, audio and editing to create maximum tension

• Opening Titles - Inclusion of opening titles that enhance the video

Adherence - Ability to follow all project parameters/limitations

Project docs:

Jamboard

Example Video