Overview
Learn the various video shots and create a short video showing each of the shots.
Part I
While watching the videos below, write each of the types of shots and a short description in your own words in your ideas book so that you will have a list of the shots when you film. Video shots is very important in film and you will be using these concepts all semester so it is important that you take the time to really lean these and take good notes.
In part two you will create a short shallow storyline with a group and incorporate all of these shots.
Subject Shots
Long Shot
Shows entire figure or object in relation to its surroundings; filmed far from object.
Medium Shot
Shot from waist or knees up and shows body language and less detail.
Close Up Shot
Tightly frames person (e.g. head, arm) or object to show emotion.
Extremely Close Up Shot
Very tight frame on a specific detailed part of a person or object to show emotion.
Zoom
Either zooms in to isolate the subject or zooms out to show perspective. Shot zooms on the subject of interest either by walking forward with the camera or zooming.
Action Shots
Write down the list of shots below on your paper in that order and then watch the video and write in your own words what it is based on the video examples and explanations. Don't forget to YT comment.
Establishing Shot
Sets up the scene by showing the location and environment.
Tracking Shot
Follows the action at a constant distance and keeps the subject on screen at all times.
Head on Shot
Action comes straight at the camera (e.g. runner jogging at the camera)
Reverse Shot
Switches between the two subjects in dialog from one person to another.
Vertical Pan
Camera moves vertically over the scene to show more area (usually not a fast pan).
Point of View
Shows the shot from a person’s point of view and usually uses action to emphasis (e.g. little girl trying to cross the road: panning the camera to the left and right to look for cars).
Swish Pan
Moves the camera from one subject to another quickly (eg. boy nervous about opening the door, camera quickly pans back and forth between the boy and the door knob)
Arc Shot
Camera moves around the subject or object in a circular way to show the image in more angles (example)
Handheld Shot
Filmed from the cameraman's own hands and therefore shaky. Used to show the subject's perspective and feeling. Usually used in documentary style movies or zombie movies showing that the person is video recording or is running really fast and scared.
Pan Across
Camera moves horizontally over the scene to show more area (usually not quickly).
Do not have to do since you don't have a dolly:
Dolly Shot
Follows the action but it does not necessarily follow the main action or subject. Example
Part II
Directions
In a group of three during class, film your video shots by according to the directions in the video. You will be demonstrating all of the video techniques listed above that you already learned. Make sure it is a one-shot video and not edited and try to share the filming with the camera equally among your group.
If you are absent or taking the course during the summer you can film it all on your own and just a few of your friends to be actors.
Important Added Specific Directions
If you do this outside of class, find some people (e.g. brother/sister, mom, friend, person on the street, etc) to help you and be the subjects in the video. It does not have to be your classmates.
When you are finished, one member needs to post the group's video to YT (name the video on YT the following: Examples of Camera Shots for Film CAyear (CA1112)).
In the details of the YT video, write a creative title of your film (The Talking Trash) by group classIDs (ca4joe14, ca4jon15). Then write:
A demonstration of the following: Establishing shot, Dolly shot, Pan vertical, Arc shot, Reverse shot, Tracking shot, Head On shot, Point of View, Pan Across, Pan Vertical Hand Held shot, Medium shot, Swish Pan, Wide shot, Medium Shot, Close up shot, Extreme close up shot, Zoom shot,.
Then post the YT link to posterous, and the posterous link to the spreadsheet. They should then email the YT link to the rest of the group who need to post the link to their posterous as well.
Student Example
Do not comment on this video; it is not a mouseflip video. The three students did do a good job on being creative and showing most of the shots correctly (not all).