5.
There is, in the art of cinematography, what is known as the Absolute Rule.
This
rule states, "Whenever the camera is stopped, change the angle and/or image
size
before you resume filming." Sometimes it is preferable to change both. This
rule
must be followed at all times when shooting action of any type.
About the
only
time it is not used is when you are filming animation or inanimate objects.
a. With the filming of sequences comes the problem of visual retention versus
close-ups. The average person viewing a film or tape on a screen will ordinarily
retain only one or two scenes immediately preceding the scene being projected.
With so much of the surroundings being eliminated in close-ups, the audience
occasionally must be reoriented in relation to those surroundings.
Close-ups
without reorientation will tend to confuse, and may even completely "lose" the
spectator; especially where several close-ups appear consecutively.
This
reorientation is accomplished by making what is generally termed the re-
establishing shot. This will be explained in the next learning event.
b. When we speak of the extended sequence we mean the basic sequence, that
is; long, medium, and close-up, with the addition of extreme long shots and extreme
close-ups.
c. A final point to remember is that the entire sequence can be reversed.
Start with a close-up and move back to the long shot.
6.
Sequence development.
a. The basic sequence technique is the fundamental step in producing a 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. 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.
b. Maintaining audience interest is the main consideration of a good motion
picture or television story. The picture is a failure and is not doing the job it
was designed to do if the interest of the audience is lacking. In the case of an
instructional or research film, the result is more than just a loss in
entertainment value.
A new rifle can look good, it can be sturdily constructed,
and it can have the latest features; but, if it won't shoot, it's like a movie that
can't keep the audience interested -- it just is not doing the job it was designed
to do.
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