Reading & Writing

• Chapter 3 – Basic Sequence
  • It is much easier for humans to stay focused on shorter, varied, images than one longer one. That is why it is important for productions to be shot from a variety of different angles instead of focusing the camera on one thing the whole time. Generally, the first shot is a wide shot that establishes the scene. After that, there are a lot of breakups between different shots giving a collection of assorted perspectives. Medium shots are typically used to focus in on one person, most likely the one who is speaking. Cutaway shots are similar to medium shots, but instead of it being the person talking, it is the other person, giving their reactions.
  • While filming these different shots, the camera is what moves from place to place around the scene. To transition from one scene to another smoothly, is to cut the two when something is happening. This gives a start of the action in the first shot and then a follow through of the same action on the second. It is vital to remember to have objects match up as seamlessly as possible when putting the shots together.
    • The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video
• Chapter 4 – Screen Direction
  • Screen direction is the way in which people and objects face. If a camera ‘crosses the line’ that means whatever is shot will look as if it is reversed from previous shots. If this happens, it is generally instantly noticeable. The person will be facing in the complete opposite direction.
    • The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video

Research to Inform

• Kenobi: Episode 3
  • https://youtu.be/Y3AInU4YCQo?si=qc7a3JFNiZIqHbDb
  • In this scene, there is an establishing shot of them walking, followed by multiple angles of each character’s perspective.
• I Love Lucy: Season 6, Episode 20
  • https://youtu.be/IhWzMap01iE?si=HJrZhfqFjt8crNHH
  • This was one of the first multi-camera productions and even then they had great continuity between the different shots.
• The Big Bang Theory: Season 5, Episode 6
  • https://youtu.be/mxSL1I4tNDs?si=FVs0nakrbxlc2U9j
  • Even though most of the characters are not directly involved in the dialogue, there are still close ups to them to see their reactions about the main conversation.

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