We're just editing video clips at the moment, but I started wondering what kind of equipment is needed for the actual filming, so I did some digging. Firstly, you need a camera–no kidding. A $300 or so camcorder can do the job for an amateur, but further along in your career you'd want a more expensive camera that with interchangeable lenses. It definitely needs a tripod mount–shaky footage screams "unprofessional." HD has become the standard, making it another vital factor, and manual controls allow you to more closely create your vision (this is why I hate taking photos with my phone's camera). Make sure you can zoom! Microphone and headphone inputs are also very useful, though an attached microphone isn't always the best option, since you can't get it very close to the actual sound. With a tripod mount, you obviously need a tripod too, one that lets you pan and tilt. A dolly is great for moving shots, but it is expensive. Another important thing to have is a 3-point lightning kit, with a key light (the main light, for warmth and brightness), a fill light (for getting rid of shadows), and a back light (for adding definition). You'll need lightning stands or clamps with these, and a boom can help to get the right angle. Then there's the microphone. A microphone attached to the camera is great for syncing audio and video, but it has its limits: it's hard to get close to the subject, and can capture noise from the camera. A digital recorder can help with the distance issue, but syncing audio and video is a pain, so it's really a matter of priority. A pair of headphones to monitor the audio also helps. Memory drives are also important–it's good to have two so you can keep shooting while one uploads to your computer. So, to summarize:
Citations:
Perez, J. Carlos. “Basic Equipment for New Filmmaking Students.” About B&H | B&H Photo Video, B&H Photo Video, www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/video/buying-guide/basic-equipment-new-filmmaking-students.
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I learned about different camera shots and angles a few years ago, and since we've moved into video editing, I thought now would be a good time for a refresher. First of all, there's the zoom. It can work for focusing in on a specific part of the picture, and can create a sense of drama, but is best not overused. Then there's the pan, where the camera is turned (but not moved) to the left or right, and the tilt, where it's turned up or down. This works well for fitting more into one shot. Pans also work for following motion–imagine a character sprinting past and the camera turning to follow, almost like a person turning to watch. While more unlikely, a tilt could work with this too, in situations like a rocket launch for example. Of course, sometimes you actually move the camera through space rather than turning it on a fixed point. The dolly shot moves the camera directly towards or away from something (e.g.a character), usually with the camera mounted on a track to keep it from swerving. It looks like the viewer is walking towards/away from the subject. A truck shot moves the camera left or right, often to follow the action. A boom shot moves up or down, such as to showcase a tall building. You have to consider how much is in frame. A full shot shows the character's whole body; this helps give context to the situation or shows the action. A medium shot is knees-up, allowing the viewer to see the character's emotions and some background. A close shot is just head and shoulders, which means emotions/expressions are the main focus. An extreme close shot is only a part of the face–for example, the whole screen is just their eyes. It's great for focusing on details and creating a little drama, but use it sparingly, or it gets claustrophobic. In an up shot, below eye level of a character, the subject seems to tower of the viewer, making them seem powerful. In a down shot, taken from above, vice versa is true. The subject looks helpless. This can be a good way to stir up fear, especially with a shadow looming over the character! Over the shoulder (self explanatory) works well for conversations, and a two-shot (showing both subjects) helps introduce characters with context. A point-of-view shot puts the viewer in the character's shoes–er, eyes? Done from behind a couple trees and focused on another character, it'll tell the audience that someone's about to get attacked by a big scary monster. So, to summarize:
Citations:
Mc Guinness, Karen. “Understanding 16 Types of Camera Shots and Angles (with GIFs!).” Boords, boords.com/blog/16-types-of-camera-shots-and-angles-with-gifs. |
AuthorI'm moving on to my 4th (and final) year as a Game Art & Design student at Durham School of the Arts. I'd like to call myself an artist, but I'm a programmer at heart. Archives
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