1. Different types of shot size will convey a wide variety of messages purposefully relating to the selected media’s conventions. Our sub-consciousness picks up these rules from an early age, allowing the director to signify chosen points through shot sizes. Examples:
Wide shots establish surroundings, long shots are used to reveal everything going on in the scene which can exacerbate the action in fight scenes etc; close-ups are used as a door way into a characters emotive personality and more specifically in pop videos: to sell the band.
2. Different camera positions and angles are incorporated as a film-makers technique to insinuate certain points about the actor and/or film subject. It is common for reporters to change the camera angles and positions to either favour or reject the film subject. The camera positioned flat on the subject tells our sub-consciousness that they are boring where shooting from high could mean they are humble and down to earth, and from low could mean they represent power. Placing the camera 32 degrees to either the right of left; makes the subject attractive and inviting.
3. Camera movement is divided into three main styles: Tracking, panning or the crane. The tracking shot (also known as a dolly shot or trucking shot) is a segment in which the camera is mounted on a wheeled platform that is pushed on rails while the picture is being taken. This is done to build emphasis or allow the audience to follow the subject while it moves. The pan (taken from the word panorama) is one of the most common movements in film. The shot means to turn, or pan the camera horizontally so that it sweeps around the scene. The crane shot is something taken from a special device called a crane which resembles a huge mechanical arm. The crane carries the camera and cameraman, and can move in virtually any direction.
4. Lighting is commonly used in pop videos to enhance aesthetic pleasure. At Hurtwood, we have in our possession two types of lighting: redheads and blondes. These are standardized lights ranging between 1000 to 2000 pounds. These provide artificial lighting which is more commonly known as “tungsten”.
5. The rule of thirds is a concept in video and film production in which the frame is divided into nine imaginary sections. This creates reference points which act as guides for framing the image. It is not uncommon to break this rule, but always to convey a certain message.
6. Film makers commonly “lead the eye” for various reasons but above all; to put over a meaning. An example of this would be in the 1969 cult classic “The Wild Bunch”. The editing suggests that a squad of policemen on horseback are the hero’s while a group of bandits residing on a rooftop are the villains. This turns out to not be the case when the bandits kill innocent citizens and the police rob a bank. This technique subverts our expectations to create dramatic effect.
7. Colours can portray an assembly of emotions to the audience; mainly by incorporating lighting and effects. Colours also notify the audience on the physiology behind certain characters. If a character wears all black; generically, he or she is considered sinister whilst if a character wears all blue; he or she is considered caring and thoughtful. The themes of a film can also often be expressed through colour for example in The Wild Bunch, the lens appears to be dirty, which gives the film a dark, seedy, pasty and gritty feel, correlating with the excessive violence and effectively sinister narrative.
8. Shapes and lines either in the foreground or background can influence many atmospheric possibilities. In a pop video, jagged lines running through the background could convey feelings of chaos and fragmentation while smooth circular shapes can instigate a sense of calm in the audience.
9. The arrangement of detail in the frame is an issue of much importance when creating atmosphere, for example: a shot with not much detail will sway the audience into focusing more on the intended subject, where as a lot of detail can either create chaos or a sense of sophisticated intricacy.
10. There are many styles of editing to choose from in the post-production phase of a project. The choice in style will completely affect the outcome of the film by how it attracts viewers or repels them. An example of this would be a style named “Balletic Editing”. This style calms the viewer due to the fact that it cuts around in a circle. The sub-consciousness is attracted to and eased by the fluid, eternal motion of a circle. Editors and directors may choose to use this style for subversive effect. A violent battle edited in this style will not seem as shocking so therefore can be used to attract a larger audience; one that may not generally enjoy violence in film.
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