Anyone who watches movies knows that filmmakers utilize different kinds of shots, angles, and frames to create their cinematic experiences. A skilled cinematographer will consider everything when it comes to creating the perfect scene–whether from the lighting used to illuminate subjects, the shadows used to contrast against them, or even the lenses used to zoom in on a subject or out on a scene.
In many ways, a cinematographer’s job is to look through something like they are looking through a pair of glasses frames. Not only do they have to capture pivotal moments in films in a technical manner, but they have to do it in a way that incites feeling within their viewers.
What is “Framing?”
In film and television, the act of “framing” refers to the way a scene is deliberately composed. This can include everything from the placement of objects, background elements, lighting, and even camera angles to direct focus and attention and to convey specific emotions and information about the scenes.
Composing a scene requires skills that are refined not just through trial and error but also through higher education. Learning how to balance subjects in film–whether they be from capturing a single actor in a single-shot, a group in a two-shot or three-shot, or even from utilizing over-the-shoulder (OTS) and over-the-hip (OTH) shots–is not only technically necessary, but a crucial tool needed to convey narrative structure as well.
Basic Shots and Their Effects on Mood
Crafting a shot list is essential to the filmmaking process. In doing so, this creates a blueprint that lets crew members anticipate the shots required for each scene, which streamlines the setup process when production begins. Shot lists not only ensure seamless and efficient filmmaking processes but also let actors and other technical crew know what to expect.
A variety of different basic shots are used to create mood. Some of these include:
– The Wide/Long shot, that captures a broad view of a scene and can help create context and atmosphere.
– The Medium Wide shot, which captures an actor’s upper body and can highlight body language to create depth in character portrayal.
– The close-up, which can help aid in creating tension when an actor’s face is exclusively focused upon.
Recent Oscar highlights show that filmmaking is a dynamic process that focuses on controlling the mood of a piece. A skilled cinematographer knows how to focus on performers with specific shots to create the most effective performance possible.
The Rise of AI in Film Production
Artificial intelligence has become prominent in the world of the arts. Whether it be from generating images, extending video clips, or even aiding in the production process, AI will make film production cheaper to produce and buy as well. While many tend not to be keen on its usage, AI is now being used to supplement work, and film production is no different.
In many instances, artificial intelligence is now helping assist in the pre-production processes. Film editors can further amplify a cinematographer’s vision by utilizing it to help edit scenes during the editing process, as well as in creating music. Some speculate that AI might even be able to assist in fully creating movies someday.
Presentation in film is important, and while movie making is a team effort that requires intense collaboration from many sources, cinematographers are, in many ways, the backbone of the creation of a film, as well as what makes it a success. Whether it’s in capturing beautiful landscapes with wide lenses or homing in on an actor’s impeccable ability to convey emotion, filmmakers understand that creating the perfect picture, or “frame,” will shape the way a scene, and even a full movie, performs.
[Image via Adobe Stock]
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