Task
Complete the action & reflection sections of your portfolio page on framing for meaning. Deadline – Monday 19th October
Answer the following questions and, in each case, consider the meaning that you were seeking to communicate through framing and/or directing.
Remember to use terms wherever possible
Questions for Action
- How did you use the tripod for some of the shots?
- Why is important to use a tripod for filming?
- How did you use the tripod to angle steady shots?
- How did you use the function on the camera?
- (Auto)Focus
- Zoom
- Other settings
- How did you include / exclude elements of the frame for composition?
- How did you direct your actor to communicate the emotion?
- How did you position and block your actor in the frame?
Example
‘My group and I were given a list of shots that we each needed to take and then edit our own into a short video showcasing the emotion that can be conveyed through each shot type. This were a series of static camera shots (CU, ECU, Wide…). Also listed were specific focal objects which would need to have their place in the shot composition considered by the individual cinematographer, such as elements of mise-en-scene or other students. I immediately found it difficult to get a stable focused shot using the tripod so I had to carefully lock the tripod down, frame and focus the shot and then avoid the temptation to touch the camera or tripod whilst filming.’
Questions for Reflection
- Choose some key moments from your video (one will be an image you use in your page)
- How does the directing / framing communicates meaning in each case?
- What difficulties did you encounter and how would you overcome those next time?
- Did you have to reshoot any of the clips – why?
- What have you learnt about filming / directing that you will take forward into the next task.?
- Add 2-3 targets for your next shoot.
Example
‘When making my video I was able to successfully record a range of camera angles and movement to express my character’s thoughts and feelings. Significantly, I did this through the use of two shot, high angles, low angles, close ups and extreme long shots and blocking. These camera angles and movement convey a sense of speed, excitement, constructs relationships, emotion, intensity and suggests status of the character. Before shooting I examined my surroundings to find the best location to shot the specific shot, taking into consideration how the shot would communicate meaning with the character’s body language, expressions and emotion.‘