Camera Workshop 2

In our second practical workshop, we continued to look at using cameras, specifically using the Black Magic 4K Mini URSA Camera. We learnt about the 180-degree rule which is used when shooting where the camera should only stay on one side of an 

imaginary line to create a sense of continuity. This is used so that the characters always are facing the same direction to show the left/right relationship of the characters when the camera is at any point of the semi-circle of the imaginary line. For example, this can be shown in a dialogue scene between two characters. One character should be on the left side and face camera-right and the other character should be on the right side facing camera left which creates an eye-line match conveying a sense of visual consistency. 

Another part of the camera workshop we did, was looking at camera composition/rule of thirds. This is when you divide the frame into thirds horizontally and vertically which divides the image equally into 

nine equal sections. Using the rule of thirds makes images more visually captivating as it frames specific elements of the images which are often the focus. When the composition of the image is off-centre it makes it more visually pleasing to the eye as our eyes are programmed to read from left to right. 

When filming, the best order to shoot in is starting with a wide shot first..... Another element of filmmaking we looked at is continuity and why it is so important. It creates a sense of consistency and makes sure the sequence flows seamlessly. Elements of a film that always need to be exact are things such as props, costume, hair, makeup and time so the continuity is exact. 

Callouts are used in filmmaking such as standby, standing by, roll camera, camera rolling, action and cut. These are used to make sure everyone is ready before the scene begins. Stand by basically means is 

everyone ready to shoot, standing by is what is said by the crew when everyone is ready to start filming. Roll camera is the cue for the camera operator to start rolling the film and camera rolling is said when this has been done. Action is said to the actors as their cue to began and cut is said as their cue to stop. We also learnt about how you shouldn't watch the footage back on set as actors can subconsciously alter their performance after watching the footage if there is something they are critiquing themselves about which can be as simple as a walk however this affects the continuity of the sequence. It also wastes time which is crucial when filming.