Motion Picture Photography

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The Key Rule• All motion pictures, no matter how

long, must be planned. Once planned, always stick to the plan.

• Prepare a storyboard.• Find out what equipment is available

and if it is sufficient.

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StoryboardsBasic Information

Identification of scene and shot by scene name and /or citation of dialogue

Type of shot and any other information that the production crew might need (special effects, props, etc…)

Look like extended comic strips

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Motion Picture PhotographyBasic Equipment

Video Camera

Sound Equipment

Lighting Equipment

Editing Equipment (VCR/VTR, Computer with editing software)

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Tips of the Trade• Actors “cheat” to make their facial

expressions show up better on camera.“Cheating” occurs when two actors talking to one another turn slightly toward the camera

• Pausing between lines helps make editing easier and ensure words do not get cut out accidentally

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Tips of the Trade (cont)• Matching Shots

Responsibility of the Script person

Ensure all details in one scene match details in other scenes

Example: Holding pen in right hand in throughout a series of shots, not different hands or setting it down.

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Tips of the Trade (cont)• Using your time efficiently means:

Shooting scenes at same place at the same time instead of going back and forth from location to location

Setting up lights/equipment one time rather than taking it up and down

Backup plans -- indoor scenes might need to be shot in case of bad weather

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Shot SelectionMaster Shots

Master shots present entire sceneTwo-shots show two actorsEstablishing shots intro scenes/backgroundsReversals & close-ups give variety and add dramatic emphasisCutaways show people or objects that relate but are not part of the scene

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Camera WorkCommon Camera Movements

Pan - horizontally across screen

Tilt - vertically up or down

Tracking shot - follow character’s actions

Body cam - to simulate movement of a person

Steadicam - Harness worn by camera operator that helps hold the camera steady.

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Optical EffectsTransitions Between Scenes/Shots

Fade - slowly dim scene to nothing

Dissolve - bring scene out of focus

Wipe - One scene replaces another by wiping the previous one off the screen

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LightingTypes and Uses

Directional - from a single source that casts definite shadows (like the sun on a clear day or flashlights)

Diffused - does not seem to come from a single source, illuminates large spaces, and does not cast clear shadows (like the sun on a cloudy day or floodlights)

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EditingDifferent Types of Cuts

Match cuts - unobtrusively alternate distance and angles within a scene

Cutaways - momentarily take viewers away from main scene

Compilation cuts - rapid succession of shots designed to give the viewer an impression of a person, place, or action

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Editing (cont)Ground Rules

Make a preproduction shot chartList of all shots you plan to take, labeled and identified

Slate (and, if possible, time) each shotIdentify shots on camera

Keep a running record of your shotsLog shots to keep track during production

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Editing (cont)More Ground Rules

Don’t worry about mistakes -- you can always erase and record again

Remember optical effects can add to your movie

Keep finished clips on videotape separate so as not to overwrite accidentally

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