Camera Techniques Workshop

Over the last few lessons, as a class we took part in a camera workshop session in which I learnt some important rules and techniques that I should consider when filming my psychological thriller trailer:

• One of the first techniques we looked at during this workshop was the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds is a concept in film production in which the frame is divided into nine imaginary sections. This creates reference points which act as guides for framing the image. Points of interest should occur at 1/3 or 2/3 of the way up the frame, rather than in the centre. This not always necessary but it is one of those rules that should be understood well before you break it.

• In regards to the rule of thirds, we then looked at breaking it by placing the subject in the center of the shot which makes the audience feel uncomfortable and creates an uneasy frame. This is an unconventional technique that some directors use which must be well thought out in order to be effective.

• Another technique we looked at is the use of zoom, we learnt that to capture an effective close up shot you must always use the zoom tool on the camera rather than just standing closer to the subject, this is to prevent the camera from distorting the subject.

•  We then looked at talking room and walking room to ensure that there is always a space in front of wherever the subject is talking or walking to ensure that it is a comfortable shot for the audience to watch.

• We also looked at headroom, where you should always make sure that there is not too much empty headroom above the subject so that the shot is not uncomfortable and unorganised for the audience to view.

• The use of tripods was another essential film making tip that we looked at to ensure that you get a steady framed shot. Furthermore by using a tripod, it helps to make the shot look more organised and professional.

• We also learnt about how to shoot two or three people in conversation, which would consist of a master shot - to establish the characters surroundings, and two over the shoulder shots - one from each character to allow the audience to see where they are in relation to each other.