Reflecting So Far
Wow, so since the last time I posted, let's just say I've learned a lot of interesting information about the magic of camera movements, shots, and angles. It's funny because now every time I watch a film, I can't unsee all that I've learned about movements and shots. So, I just wanted to share and discuss a bit about the projects we did, what I've learned, and my learning process throughout.
Camera Movements Project
We started this lesson by learning about all the different camera movements and the meaning behind each movement. I have to admit that it was honestly a lot to take in at first. When we watched an example video, it was hard for me to keep up with most of the movements because of how fast they were going, but the more I reviewed and studied the movements, the easier it got for me to point them out. But what really helped me learn the movements was the project we did.
We were assigned to create a film with our group table (3 other people). We first had to create a draft sheet that described what each shot was going to show and what camera movement we were going to use in that shot, while also following the prompt of 'Surprise'. This was the hard part for me because I really don't consider myself a creative person; however, I thought of this as an experience to enhance my personal growth in creativity. After we made our plans on the draft, it was now time for shooting.
I would have to say, this was honestly my favorite part. While my group members were doing the acting, I was the one behind the camera, filming and creating all the movements. It was really eye-opening to get a feel of what it's like actually filming a movie. From challenges like retakes on acting, mistakes with achieving the perfect camera movements, and ensuring the hallway was clear and empty, to successes like that feeling of finally getting to see our end result and how everything came together. However, since this was my first time filming like this, I feel that what we could do better next time is to focus more on keeping the camera movements steadier, smoother, and making the camera work look more natural to give the feeling to the audience that they aren't just watching something, but experiencing it and becoming a part of it as well.
Below is an example of our draft for our final project, along with our final video below it.
Camera Angles/Shots Project
Now it was time for our second project, camera angles/shots. For this project, we had to take pictures using different camera angles and shots. But it wasn’t only that—no, we also had to create a story with an inanimate object. At first, I was really confused because I thought, how could we create a story with something that can’t show expression or pose properly for different actions? Yet, that's when I realized, we aren't trying to tell the story through the characters, but instead through the camera angles and shots.
So, I decided to use Lego versions of the characters from Harry Potter. Not only can these inanimate objects show expression and pose differently, but this could also enhance the performance of the camera angles and shots, backing up what story it's trying to tell.
Just like the first project, we started with a draft paper, in which we then wrote down what each scene would be about and what camera angles/shots we would be using. I decided to take the pictures outside to get a change of scenery. However, the drawback was that the wind kept knocking the characters over, and bugs kept getting in the way, so it wasn’t the most ideal place to shoot. Still, I was determined to see it through. After many retakes, I finally finished taking the 16 pictures I needed.
Then, it was time to put it all in a PowerPoint presentation, where I submitted the picture chronologically and also added what camera angle/shot was used and how it tells the story of that scene. I honestly loved how the story came out and how everything came together in the end.
Below is the draft for our second project.
Wrapping It Up
All in all, I really loved making these projects. They not only helped develop my creativity, but also my understanding of all the different camera angles/shots and movements, a lot more than I originally expected. Anyway, that's everything for now, can't wait to update you guys later on in my journey in the world of Media Studies!
