Not only does the reestablishment shot keep the audience oriented at all time, but it
lends variety in camera positions which is always a desirable factor.
(2) Instead of ending a sequence with a closeup, use a reestablishing shot. This
leaves the spectator with the satisfied feeling that he has seen all the important
details as the sequence ends, and is not left "hanging in midair" on a closeup while
expecting a continuation of the action.
(3) Reestablishing is also used to tie two sequences together. One way of
accomplishing this is to reestablish at the end of one sequence and have the person walk
out of the scene. Now, by showing the person entering in the establishing scene of the
second sequence, a definite relationship has been achieved between the two separate
actions even though there may be some distance between the locations of the two
sequences; the audience accepting the fact that the story has continued uninterrupted up
to this point. This technique is called "moving out and in the frame."
(4) Two sequences also can be tied together by making the reestablishing shot and
then panning with the person as he moves from the location of the first sequence, using
the pan shot as the opening scene of the second sequence, and continuing the second
sequence with medium and closeup shots.
(5) Where two sequences take place near each other, a reestablishing shot can be
made in which both locations can be seen. When sequence number 1 is finished, move the
camera back to include the location of both number 1 and 2, thus establishing the second
location in relation to the first location. The camera can then be moved in for the
story taking place at location number 2. This conveys to the spectator the exact
distance between the two locations.
c. Methods of reestablishing.
(1) There are three methods of reestablishing a scene. The first is by pulling
back; we pull or move the camera back away from the subject. In other words, we go from
a closeup to a medium or long shot. We could possibly go from a medium to a long shot.
The second method is pulling back and panning. This method is used to follow a subject
from one location to another. This is normally used for covering short distances only.
The third method is shooting a reverse angle. This is done turning the camera around 180
from the preceding shot. It is usually used to show a subject changing location over a
great distance.
(2) Transitional devices are sometimes used to reestablish action. These devices
are: gesture or implication; in and out of frame; clean exit and entry, and optical
effects.
(3) The gesture or implication is used to show that something is about to happen
and the audience knows by the gesture or implication what is to happen next.
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