Camera shots - Artistic use of camera

Camera shots - Artistic use of camera

The work of the camera defines the story of your film, and the camera is also the protagonist in film making. Yesterday in my post I had written about the significance of camera angles, and every shot is taken in a certain kind of way with a reason behind it which a film maker should have the knowledge about it. There is art also in the way the camera shots have been used in a film as if the frame is not set in a proper manner you will obviously fail in the execution part. In this particular post I will mention about the various kind of camera shots, with their significance as well. Firstly the camera shots is used as a composition, and execute the aspect of setting, themes, characters. There are various kind of camera shots, which is also known as magnification shots such as, Wide shot. This particular shot helps for establishing the area, and this is also categorized as extreme wide shot, and is also known as long shot. Then another magnification shot is a Medium shot where the camera focuses onto the subject's motion, and also from the character's waist till their face. It is also knows as the Mid shot. Moving to the next shot which is the Close up shot. This particular shot is usually used for the viewers's to understand the character's emotion or to show the importance of a particular element as well. This contains the character's face, and also is categorized into extreme close up where the frame is tight, and which just covers the facial expressions of the characters such as the eyes, or lips. It creates intensity and enhances the mood as well. These are the basic camera shots. The advance camera shots are Two shot where it is used when there are two people in a frame. This is used when you want to establish link between two characters or also for people who are beside each other rather than facing each other. There is also a Three shot where there are three people in the frame. Then there is also (OTS) Over the shoulder shot, which is a shot taken for a perspective from the shoulder of another person. This is most commanly used in conversations as well. Point of view shot is a shot which is taken for making the audience see what is happening from the eyes of the character, and also helps create intensity, even realism as well and a very effective shot. Establishing shot is also the most common shot and very important as well to be used to establish the location, time where your character and story is. Master shot is also a kind of shot for establishing and captures all the actions also a way of showing the scenario as well, and is the longest shot taken. 

It's very essential to remember that for being perfect in taking the camera shots Still photography plays a huge role as it helps you understand how to set the frame, and position, elements which will be seen on screen. The camera is also used in an artistic way to take various kind of camera shots.

Significance of Camera angles

Significance of Camera angles

A film maker should ensure that the story which is being executed for the audience should also fit the world of cinema. As you walk into the world of cinema you will slowly see that there are many kind of rules and detailing work, with everything having it's own significance. Personally at start, when I had started to crawl into this particular field I had realized that there is much more than taking a pale shot, and the importance of each camera angle. In this post I will mention the significance of camera angles used to shoot a particular scene. It's very essential for a film maker to know the reason behind taking a shot in a certain kind of way. It is not just a camera behind an actor/actress , and the cinematographer, director with the other members of the crew off screen. A shot is taken according to the ambiance, mood of the character, and the situation created in a scene. Before I go into details there is a major difference between a camera shot and camera angles. Camera shots are used to portray the aspect of setting, themes, characters, whereas a camera angles are used to position the viewers to understand the relationship between the characters.  There are various camera angles and movements having there own significance. The first one is the 'Bird's eye' angle. This particular shot is often used as an establishing angle, and also is an elevated view, and is mostly used for establishing setting and location as well. Then comes the High angle which looks down upon your subject. The subject can be the character or any other element. This makes your scene look more dramatic and also sometime makes your character seem vulnerable as well with the support of the setting, mood, lighting, and also effects. For example, your character hiding from a person under the bridge a high angle shot can be taken to establish the mood. Moving onto the next one which is the low angle, and this particular angle looks up at a character. It makes your character look more powerful, and is below the eye line. There is also an eye level shot which is placed at the subject's height, and is used for making the viewer's feel comfortable watching your character also most commonly used. A Dutch angle is taken when a camera tilts for creating suspense, and also disoriented feeling to the audience. It basically takes the story to a higher pitch and is very sudden as well.

Every Camera angle has it's own significance so as a film maker you should understand the aspect of each and everyone, with applying it in the right manner as well. Make sure the camera angle is according to the mood, ambiance, and setting of your particular scene.  

Positioning of the frame

Positioning of the frame

Film making as we all know helps in putting our creativity on screen for the audience. But with creativity it also simultaneously is very technical as well, not only regarding the camera, or editing, etc. but also technicality in setting the elements, and characters for the frame. It is very essential to go into the datelining part, as anything can become a distraction from what you want to put in focus. As a film maker you should have the knowledge of how exactly you want the frame to be set according to your scene for taking the specific shot. The positioning of your characters, and the other elements such as the props matters a lot as well. It is vital for the positioning to be done according to your audience's point of view. With the help of the positioning it will give greater impact on the camera work, as the movement of the camera will be according to how the particular set up is done as well. In a lay man's language the better the positioning more the frame looks organized. When the positioning is taken place it is also ensured that where the protagonist or the character which is in focus is placed, and where the co star or the antagonist is placed. In the term of film making this is also known as 'Film space' where the space within the frame where the characters are positioned or moving as well in order to convey something. Positioning is the main role in the Mise-en-scene which includes the arrangement of everything that appears in the frame such as the lightning, props, actors. and so on. It also analyses the directional part as well. Positioning also depends upon the set up, lighting, and also most importantly the amount of space available for taking a shot as well.

The importance of positioning for the frame in making the scene look much organised, impacting the camera movement, and helps in taking the shot in a much better way as well. It's very essential to remember that for this to become successful planning with full detailing, and going into the depth should be taken place as a film maker. The audience will like what they see in front of their eyes, and will be keen to watch it.

Impact of Lighting

Impact of Lighting 

Lighting as we all know plays an essential role for shooting a film. It just does not provides the frame the light for the characters and elements to be visible on screen, but also describes the moment, ambiance and the mood as well which is to be created. Every film maker ensures that the scenario which is created will be successful, and the lighting plays a pivotal role in this. The cinematographers or the Director of Photography (DOP) will have the best knowledge regarding the lighting. With the help, and coordination with the director the lighting also helps creating a particular scenario the way it is imagined to be done, and also enhances the shot as well. The lighting defines the character also, for example split lighting is mostly used for creating suspense. Lighting also should be perfect and not over exposed, or under exposed. The lighting also creates emphasis on the subject, and helps to draw the attention. It's also very vital for it to look relaxing in front of the eyes. Sometimes lighting can give pressure to the audiences eyes which distracts their concentration from the film, but there are also exceptions as a film maker at a certain point of time intentionally wants the audience to feel pressurized, but not at every part of the film. A film maker should ensure that the lighting which is used is according to the required shot and also followed by the rules of using the technical aspect.

There are various lighting used in a film, with different purposes giving significance to a particular scene. But remember that the impact of lighting helps the mood, ambiance and the particular shot enhance, as well as without lightning the film would look pale. So the much better lighting, the much better the shot will be taken as well. 

Editing a Film

Editing a Film

What completes a film? From a shot to different shots making a particular scene, and at last forming them into a sequence, and this is all possible just by editing. Editing a film is one of the most technical job in film making with having the art to include every stage such as the music, shots, correcting the color tone to adding the transition of the film as well. After the shot pre production and the production stage the editing which is in the post production is one of the most detailing task as well. The raw footage is selected, then formed into a sequence with every shot and it's elements which is visible in the frame is added and edited. Basically, in my point of view the execution part is totally depended in how good the editing of the film is done, after the director and the cinematographer have taken the shot. This element can create magic on screen. The story which a writer has written, and a director has directed the film is enhanced through the editing part. Now a days people get to edit their work through user friendly software's, but the advance and the challenging part of editing comes later on where every single part of the frame is to be looked upon with more of technicality.

Film making is mad work. From sitting to the desk creating your story to shooting for days or months even sometimes years then the editing stage arrives where the film will be completed, enhanced and also remember the second chance to fix the problems which was created during the shoot. Without editing there will be no credits, no sequence and most importantly, no film!

Importance of Establishment

Importance of Establishment

When you write a story, as a writer you know where the story has been established, and taken place considering the time and location as well. But when you make a film you make it for the audience where indirectly you are portraying your vision on screen. As a film maker you should make sure that whatever you are shooting will be very clear especially regarding the location, and the time where the event has taken place. For the establishment in a film there is a particular term known as an 'Establishment shot' where before you go into the dialogues and story of the film as an audience it will be clear that where the story is at that particular point of time, and at which place as well. Without establishment there will be confusion created as well as giving your audience half knowledge about the character's movement, and present location or time. Sometimes film makers creates their own fictional location so the establishment part will help the audience get to know about the location, and the importance of it as well. Establishment shot itself shows the importance of that particular location or time, and the reason of the character being over there as well. When you are making a film you are also making the audience believe that whatever is happening in front of them is realistic, so establishment will also play an essential role, because as a film maker you are showing everything what you have created into your mind from the positioning of your characters to the ambiance which is present.
Establishment shot is needed for everything you have set in front of the frame, because there will never be any element without a reason. From your setting to your location, and time with your characters positions are all established for the audience to have a clear picture of what exactly is happening on screen, and hold them through the film as well. 

Exploring yourself as an individual

Exploring yourself as an individual

As we all know that every individual should explore themselves as it can help you to improve in what you are doing, and also you may realize that you have a better scope somewhere else. As a film maker you have your own pattern of making a film, but in my point of view sometimes you should also get out of that regular way of film making and experiment in the style of film making. By exploring yourself it will help you realize in which other styles you are even talented. There is no harm in continuing just on style of film making, but also there is no harm in exploring yourself in different kind of styles. For example, sometimes a director is recognized by a genre, and sometimes a director is claimed to be stereotype as well. You never know where you can reach until, and unless you will experiment right? An actor/actress can experiment with his/her acting skills as well. 

One more thing I personally feel is that you should experiment the most, and explore yourself when you are at the stage in trying to enter the film industry. This will help you to realize what you are best at just before you are successful.

Challenges in creating a short film

Challenges in creating a short film

What is a short film? A ten minute, a 5 minute, and even can be a 2 minute film where the audience can understand what has happened on screen, the genre, the subject, and also the story as well. But creating all these elements including the stages of film making is a challenge to execute a story which is crisp and clear as well. For that to be possible your subject which you have chosen should be very strong as well as connect your audience so that it would become a success. The first challenge comes in thinking of an idea which will be unique and also the way the story will move later on. The other challenge can be the way you will sequence the scenes, and establish it on screen. It is very essential for the pre production to be done in an organized manner, and even without any kind of confusion as well. Watching other film makers short films will also help you understand how to portray your story on screen. The 3 act structure should be as well as established in those minutes which trust me is not very simple, but not impossible as way. If your a clever film maker you will make sure that each and every point will be clear, and the story moves forward in the right way as well. Now a days especially short films are very common for people to watch on websites, and also make their own. Due to advance technology people also shoot on their phones which also can be a way for learning how to handle the camera movements, and stability. Usually these kind films can be made in such way that the audience can even learn something, enjoy, or just watch for relaxing in a short span of time. In my point of view, I personally feel that creating a short film is more challenging than making a feature film, as in short films you need to take a person to another world within at least 15 mins or less than that. The advantage of this kind of film making can also be that a common person can also try creating short films.
As a film maker this will also help you thinking even much better ideas, and without any unnecessary exaggerations it will teach you how to connect and hold your audience. Remember holding your audience even for 2 whole minutes with them liking your film is another achievement. 

Impact of Narration in a film

Impact of Narration in a film

Narration is used in many films which is generally non - diegetic, and helps create an ambiance as well, which takes the audience into the story. These voice overs are very helpful in making the audience gain more interest while watching the film, and also helps in developing the character after the story grows with the conflicts arising in the protagonist's life. The narrator can either be off-screen, and sometimes even on-screen as well. The narration of the film can be successful when the voice which is given by the person will suit the story as well as holds the audience for watching the film. Narration also is taken place helping the film enhance as well. The narrators are also story tellers, which mostly are in animation film helping the children to enjoy the film even more. Usually children love to hear stories by their parents or guardians, so it helps in making the children concentrate watching the film. Where as if we talk about other genres, the narration in a film will mostly be for a purpose. The narrator as I had said previously can be present within the characters or just off screen. The narrator can be a protagonist himself/herself, so if there will be any incidence taken place, the story will move on with his/her point of view only. The thoughts about the other characters, are all shared by the narrator who can also be a second or third person in the film. It also helps in quickly briefing the background and the behavior of the character. Using narration in a film also helps to make the audience curious about what will happen next.
 A film maker makes sure that the voice which is given to the film will effect, and also with the proper voice modulation, and diction the impact of narration in a film helps it to become successful as well.

Importance of Research

Importance of research 

As a film maker you make a film which is either fictional or non fiction, or some events which is true in the story which you have created right? But in every kind of film the research work is very essential. Before you execute something to your audience there will always be a subject in your story which should be justified through your film. If your story will for example be situated in the era of the 15th century, then the research should be thoroughly taken place, and as a film maker you should ensure that the characteristics, set up, and every element which will be set in the frame is according to that very century. This will add realistic elements as well. Even the research for every culture for example which you will execute should be taken place for the respect firstly of that culture, and also adding more realism into the film. Doing your research will help enhance your film, and make it look more sensible on screen. It is very obvious that every film maker will do their research work, but their are also some film makers who in spite of doing the research sometimes ignores the small elements which will disturb the particular frame which is set.Regarding research work it should be taken place in every stage of film making, such as the art direction part, the characteristics of your character according to where he/she belongs, the costumes needed as well, etc. At the end of the day you are showing your blind audience something which they will believe during watching the film, so if there are some wrong facts added your hard work will go in vain and you are also giving a chance to the critics to criticize your film. There is no harm in expanding your knowledge right? Being a director especially, you are the one at the end of the day who will answer the questions of your cast and crew, so it's very essential that you should be 100% sure that whatever you plan to execute will be justified, and also researched very well.

Research work will also help your film look more real, and it will make your audience connect with the particular situation which you are trying to portray on screen.

Can Simple be Unique?

Can Simple be Unique?

As a film maker you crave for your work to be out of the crowd either if it's a feature film or a short film. Before you are a film maker, or after entering the industry you are at two different stage of life ultimately doing the same thing, but there is one similarity, and that is both want their work to look very unique on screen, well most of the film makers will aim for this first as well. Before you write a story sometimes you think about how common is it or how simple will it look on screen, but remember that simple things can also be unique. It just depends on the way you execute it on screen. If you pick up one of the most simple topic, and decide it to make a film on that particular subject it depends on your execution level, as simple subjects can be portrayed in a unique manner, making the audience connect as well. Just craving for something to be out of the box is not wrong, but at a certain point of time it might turn out to be a pressure for you when you are not able to get an idea about a different subject. A film maker is successful when the film looks perfect on screen with the audience enjoying the film whatever your subject will be. If you are able to think of a topic which will be very distinct will help you for sure, and if you also think of a very simple topic this will also help you surely but at the end of the day the result of your film will come out the way you have planned, and executed the particular subject with the stages of film making. Simple subjects can also help adding more realistic feelings in the story, and as a film maker you should try avoiding exaggerations where it is not needed. I can give one example of an Indian film director that is 'Rajkumar Hirani'. He is one of the most clever film maker in my point of view who picks up a story which is simple and realistic as well, and then executes it in a very unique manner making the audience enjoy his film at the end of the day.
Sometimes when you are not able to get a distinct topic this might de motivate you as a film maker, but then remember that simple things can also be unique. 

Arrangement of the frame

Arrangement of the frame

A director knows what is going on inside his/her head, and where the story will take place with imagining the character, location, set up, etc. For a cinematographer to understand how to take a shot I have mentioned about the elements of the pre production such as the screenplay, short division or the story boarding stage. This makes the cinematographer not only understand the story, but also gets to see what is almost exactly going into a director's mind, helping the film to execute just the way it is imagined to be. But before taking a particular shot it is but obvious that the arrangement of the frame should be done in a proper manner for the scene to look perfect as well. The arrangement of the frame will include the elements which is the props being placed at the right place, with the characters, and even the set up being balanced as well. Until, and unless the frame is not arranged in a proper way then the scene will be destroyed. It's very essential for a film maker to make sure that the arrangement of the frame is taken care so that it will make the story look real as well connect the audience. The foreground, midground, and the background should be arranged in an appropriate manner with the support of the required elements, including the characters of the story, helping the shot to look perfect as well. Cinematographers are also the ones especially who looks upon the fault points where the shot is lacking, and will also have the liberty to improvise the particular shot which is to be taken. Making a film is not just a random thing. Everything is very detailed, including the movement of the characters to the positioning of the props.  The arrangement of the frame is itself done on set when the cast is told to stay in their position, and where the other elements are positioned as well, but a clever film maker will ensure go into the detailing part where the shot will look perfect in the frame through the view finder of the camera. Due to the arrangement of the frame the camera angles are also dependent on it obviously. For example if you character is placed in the left side of the frame with the prop which is the glass on the right side. The positioning should be done in such a manner that the shot will not be very complicated.
So as a film maker especially a witty one make sure that the arrangement of the frame is perfect for the shot to be taken in a much better manner, making the scene as well look flawless on screen.