(2) Very often mechanical features of the terrain force you to make a change in
camera angle. Using Figure 21 as an example, it is possible that an object such a
cabinet might be in the way, causing you to shoot from the rear of the table instead of
the side. Each separate scene will vary as to shooting possibilities, and it is
impossible to make definite rules; or if they were made, they would be impossible to
follow. Here again, your judgement, and eventually your experience, plays a large part.
By combining the three different techniquesvarying subject distance, changing camera
angle, and changing camera heightyou reach the ultimate in getting the most interest
and variation from the basic sequence. This is not to say that you must use all the
variations at all times. It may be that a change in camera angle will not help the
scene, or it may be impossible to vary the camera height. So once again your judgement
and experience, coupled with the story and combined with the many other consideration,
will determine your approach.
(3) By regulating the angle at which the action passes across the axis of the
lens, angle shots can serve to speedup or slowdown action. Objects moving at right
angles to axis of the lens appear to be the fastest, while objects approaching the lens
directly, or going straight away from it, are the slowest. Any degree of apparent speed
can be obtained by selecting some angle between these two extremes.
d. The mood of a scene and its psychological effect on an audience can be molded by
a proper choice of angle. For example, in some of the horror movies you have seen, the
villain is usually shot from a low angle to make him seem huge and menacing, while the
heroine would be seen from a high angle to emphasize her helplessness. The scene now
gives you the feeling that the villain is allpowerful and cannot be overcome. But when
our hero comes to the rescue, he is given the low angle treatment making him the strong
personality.
e. The one important thing you should remember when using angle shots is to be
careful that your angles are not obvious. Your audience should be aware only of the
action and the mental impression being conveyed. If they admire the terrific angles in
your sequence, the main objectivetelling the storyis lost.
3.
Sequence development.
a. The basicsequence technique is the fundamental step in producing good
storytelling documentation. Remember that your job is to tell a story. The basic
sequence breakdown, camera angles, and overlapping action all play an important part in
maintaining continuity of the story. In a motion picture, continuity is the continuous
and coherent flow of the action and story. In the various camera angles that carry a
sequence of scenes from a long shot to a closeup, each shot must match the other so
closely that anyone viewing the picture on the screen will feel as though he had actually
stepped closer to the person or object shown. If you shoot the proper amount of
overlapping action, the transition from one scene to the next is unnoticeable, thus
contributing to a smooth flow. All of these things play a large part in the production
of a good documentary. However, this isn't the entire offering of a good story. Many
other factors must still be considered.
22
Previous Page
