Planning- Character apparel

 

Still from the movie This is Sparta!

In this still, King Leonidas is shown wearing a beige cloak. To replicate this look, I'm using a towel that'll be draped across the subjects. Mimicking the same general appearance.  

This is a picture of the towel I will be using

This is the picture of the towel draped across a subjects body

Planning- Extreme Close up

 

These are examples of stills taken from an original film. Underneath each one is my own replicated version. Where I attempted to recreate the framing, composition and angle. 

Still from the movie This is Sparta!

Picture of a stuffed animal that I took

Still from the movie This is Sparta!

Picture of a stuffed animal that I took

Research- Extreme Close up

 (6) Extreme Close Up [Camera Angles Defined] - YouTube

Extreme Close up [Camera Angles Defined]

An extreme close up (ECU) is a shot that focuses on a very small detail on a subject, whether it is the eyes, mouth, hands or any specific object. 

Pros

-Captures slight changes in emotion

-Emphasizes tension so viewers can feel the same as the subject/emphasizes an object and adds importance 

Cons 

-It doesn't give actors much space to move around

-Actors must act entirely threw emotion and facial expressions

- Usually captures just below the hairline to the chin

Tips

-Extreme close up must be reserved as it attracts a lot of viewer attention

Here are some examples of this camera technique being used!

Still from the movie This is Sparta!

Still from the movie This is Sparta!

Research: Depth & Visual Dimension

 (28) The Art of Cinematic Composition - YouTube

The Art of Cinematic Composition

I learned the importance of depth, midground and framing through this video. Depth is spaced into three sections foreground, midground, and background. This helps get rid of that two-dimensional, "flat" feel but rather a more cinematic look. These are used to draw more focus to the subject as it's now separated from the background, or it can remove distractions. The midground however, is typically where the subject is. This allows the background and foreground to support the image without distracting from the subject. Depth can also separate the subject from the background, making them stand out more clearly. It also helps remove distractions in busy environments by pushing less important elements out of focus. 

Research: Camera Placement & Subject Positioning

 (31) The Art of Cinematic Composition - YouTube

The Art of Cinematic Composition

For this video I also learned about head room, and how it's the amount of negative space around the subjects head. If there is too much or too little head room it can make the shot feel unbalanced. There is also looking room which is the amount of space infront of the subject. Usually, there is more space infront of the subject than behind them. Placing the subjects eyes on rule of thirds normally gives the perfect amount of looking and head room. If placed incorrectly it can lead to the proportions looking uneven. When a subject takes up most of the frame, a close-up, it may indicate importance or emotional intensity. On the contrary, when a subject takes up very little space, a wide shot, it may mean is weak or lonely.

Research: Composition & Visual Structure

(30) The Art of Cinematic Composition - YouTube

The Art Of Cinematic Composition

From this video I learned the vocal points are the areas where the viewers eyes are drawn (rule of thirds). The rule of thirds is an important when positioning the subject in frame. Ensuring the subjects eyes are on one of the upper focal point sis very helpful as well. This creates balance. Leading lines help guide the viewer's eyes to the subject or area with relevance. These lines can be made from roads, walls, nd even objects. I also learned positive space is the area in frame given to the subject, indicating power and importance. While negative space is the empty space around the subject, indicating isolation and insignificance. Framing is a powerful way to direct focus while conveying the story visually. By placing an object inside another object it helps viewers focus shift. This helps the viewers easily focus on what exactly is being shown to them. A small frame can make audience feel uncomfortable or Closter phobic.

Research: Improve Tracking Shots

(26) How to Shoot Better Tracking Shots [Examples of #Trackingshots] - YouTube

How to Shoot Better Tracking Shots

I learned there are three ways to improve a tracking shot. The first being the location, because different areas have different pros and cons. And the layout my help evoke certain emotions needed for the shot. The second is production design and how the use of breakaway props, sets and vehicles so the cinematographer can be able to easily follow the subject without any unwanted shaky camera movement. The third tip is performance blocking. This could be effectively created as the background characters walk behind or infront of the main subject in the opposite direction. This creates depth and helps motivate camera movement. In addition camera movements can also help with the delivery of a tracking shot. If the scene is very suspenseful a shaky/ hand held tracking shot will effectively deliver the desired affect.

Research: Reverse Dolly Zoom

(9) DOLLY ZOOM Effect Examples in Film – Cinematic Camera Movement for Storytelling - YouTube

DOLLY ZOOM Effect Example in Film - Cinematic Camera Movement for Storytelling

Reverse Dolly Zoom 

From this video I learned, the reverse dolly zoom is when the camera starts close and moves further away while zooming in. This is shown when the subject to remains still, as the background appears to be getting closer.

The change in the background makes the setting appear compressed, almost pressing in on the subject. It can be used to connect the subject to what's around them and even highlight how they feel about something. 

Lastly, the reverse dolly zoom can help enhance the character, and even audiences emotions. It can make the audience feel the same as the character, as well as the depth of the emotion bases on the amount of zooming is done. 

Research: Dolly Zoom

(9) DOLLY ZOOM Effect Examples in Film – Cinematic Camera Movement for Storytelling - YouTube

 DOLLY ZOOM Effect Examples in Film- Cinematic Camera Movement for Storytelling

Dolly Zoom

One thing I learned from this video is that, when the subject appears still while the background seems to become further away, is due to the camera moving closer to the subject while zooming out at the same time. 

Another thing I learned is, the dolly zoom can also make the subjects face change, to look skinny and distorted. As the cameras distance and zoom change, it does not only affect the background but also the subjects face and helps add to their expression. 

The dolly zoom is most commonly used during a drastic event or sudden realization in the subjects life. It can also be used without a subject, and show the point of view. Displaying how the subject views something or to highlight any emotions of fright as the view is stretched further back.