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Deep Frames, Shallow Frames

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  Shots that accentuate the illusion of depth are referred to as deep frames, while shots that flatten the space along the z-axis are called flat frames. Each type of shot has its own expressive value. The several compositional techniques used to control the perception of depth in the frame are called depth cues. Figure 1This flat frame from Lucas’  THX-1138  (left) intentionally suppresses indicators that imply depth while Kubrick uses several depth cues for this deep frame in  The Shining  (right). Relative size  is the depth cue that arises from the way we judge the sizes of objects in the real world. By their relative size, we judge how far apart they must be in the near and far planes of the frame. In Figure 1, right, the fact that the two little girls are smaller than the boy’s head extends the perception of z-axis space because we understand that, in order to appear so small, they must be far away (in the background) from the boy, who is in the foreground. Receding planes  is an
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9 Basic Camera Moves

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  Professional videographers usually follow this one rule of thumb: when it comes to camera movement, it must be motivated. Because it looks cool, is usually not a valid reason for using tricky camera moves. Instead, you can use camera moves to change the viewer's perspective making what you shoot look bigger, smaller, or even scarier. You should use camera movement to tell your story better and to enhance the viewer's experience. We'll break it down movement by movement so you will know how to execute each shot and why you might use it. We've also divided the column into 3 easy to follow sections: ·  Mounted camera creates the move. ·  Camera and operator or devices move together. ·  Only the camera lens moves. Mounted Camera Creates the Move 1 - What: Pan   How: Move the camera horizontally left or right. Ideally, you should use a tripod for a smooth effect. To be a great "panner", practice the shot several times at several speeds before you feel comfortable
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Nine Digital Cinematography Tips

 So you know the basics of digital cinematography: medium shots, wide shots, closeups and even extreme closeups. But why do your videos still lack that special zing? Next time you're watching your favorite TV show or movie, take a look at the camera angles the Director of Photography is using; they're a lot more varied than you probably think. Let's take a look at a few ways better digital cinematography can get your productions out of the doldrums. 1. Get Up High Shoot from a ladder, a balcony, a window, or even from on top of a chair. This bird's-eye view is a one we're not used to seeing - things look different and exciting - it grabs the viewer's attention. Cooking shows often use shots that look straight down on the action, so that viewers can see over the edge of the cooking pans. It's also a very handy shot for looking at something like a pool game. But why not try an aerial shot of the birthday party or family reunion as well? 2. Get Down Low To get
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Interview Styles

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  Interviews on TV are quite common, and not just during the news. Interviews are so popular, entire shows are built around the idea of one person asking another questions. There are different types of interviews and different ways of setting them up.  The Oprah Winfrey  show is different than  60 Minutes  which is different than the  Nightly News . This issue, we're going to look at several different interview styles, what they work best for, and how to prepare for and use them in your own work. Prepared or Unprepared? Certain types of interviews depend on complete spontaneity - a reporter with a microphone doing "man-on-the-street" interviews where they stop passers-by and ask for an instant response to a question. This works well for getting a quick sample from somewhat random people, but it doesn't work at all for some things. Compare this to and interview between a presidential candidate and a major news anchor. For weeks before the interview, the candidate and h
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20 On Set Film Terms You Need to Know

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  A film set is a wacky place full of nicknames, strange film terms, and abbreviations. There have been so many days when someone has asked me to do something and I’ve enthusiastically responded “Copy that”, before realizing I don’t fully know what they even asked. Before long you’ll be using these film terms like a pro and rolling your eyes when the young film-school graduate doesn’t know what a hot brick is. But for now…here’s 20 film terms to help show off your film savvy next time you’re on set: 1. MOW (Make Own Way) – An actor or crew member will transport themselves to set for their call time as opposed to being picked up and driven by the transport department. Don’t muck this one up or you’ll be waiting for the public bus and late to work. 2. Crew Call – The time of day shooting is scheduled to begin for the day. Your call time may vary. 3. Unit Base – This is where the makeup, costume, and cast trailers are located, as well as crew parking and catering. It’s the largest base an
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Cronkite School Gets $1.9M Grant to Innovate Local TV News

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  The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation today announced a $1.9 million grant to Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication to advance digital and broadcast innovation in local television news. The three-year grant will help to promote innovation in local TV news that fosters informed and engaged communities in three ways: experiments in television news broadcast formats and digital storytelling; leadership program to promote digital transformation, and a digital hub that shares research and best practices. “This partnership with the Cronkite School will support innovation in local television news and support television newsroom leaders focused on driving change,” said Karen Rundlet, program  director for journalism at Knight Foundation. “Cronkite will also create a digital hub that will highlight research and case studies of the best examples of innovation in local television news.” The grant will support the creation of a program for lo
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Casting Shadows

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  When you think about lighting, you probably think about your lights and where to place them. But what about the shadows? Did you ever think about where you wanted to place the shadows or how you could add shadows to your images to make them look less flat and more realistic? TV is a two-dimensional medium. In this article, we will focus our attention on the shadow - how you can manipulate its look and density - and we'll look at some ways in which you can cast it to create a more three-dimensional feel to your images. Shadow Facts A shadow is an area of darkness created by an object that passes in front of a light source. The position of the object in relation to the cast shadow, the type of light being blocked and the amount of other light in the area all affect the quality of the shadow. The Shadow Knows Always remember - everything that is solid casts a shadow. Do you really need to see the gun or will its shadow do? Would the profile of a man with a hat be more dramatic than
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