Camera Movement Videos

Camera movement is used in every film and TV programme ever made even if it is fairly basic. These videos show camera movement in action:

Tracking:

This shot is from the movie 'Pulp Fiction'. It follows the actor John Travolta (as the character Vincent Vega) around a diner, this shot shows the audience the setting more clearly and sees what the characters sees, this usually sets the scene and the audience will have a clear idea of where they are.

Crane/Aerial:

This shot starts off as a medium long shot then a long shot is shown to the audience. The reason an aerial shot is used in this scene is to reveal some important information to the audience which the character cannot see. This gives the audience an extra piece of knowledge that the characters are not aware of as shown in the clip from Bedlam, the audience can see the giant black X under the car but the character cannot. These shots can give the audience more knowledge or a view of the setting from a higher point of view.

Tilt/Roll:

Although tilt and roll shots are not the same, the camera does move to one side with both shots. A tilt shot can be used to show shock or realisation whereas a roll shot can be used to show disorientation or dizziness. This clip from the program switch shows the roll/tilt shot in action, this shows the surprise in the woman's face as she receives the text. The camera tilts to really show how she feels.

Point-of-View:

Point of view shots are to put the audience into the characters shoes and make them sees what the character sees. The clip from horror movie Halloween put the audience into a young boy's shoes although when watching the audience is fooled into thinking its an older person and as the murder is seen first hand through their eyes we know that this boy is guilty. When the young boy takes of his mask and the camera is no longer a point of view shot the audience is shocked and surprised about who the character really is and what they have just done.

Camera Angles and Movement

One of the most important factors in media studies is where you place your camera when taking pictures or videos. Camera angles and movement is what makes an effective picture or video. Each camera angle can represent an emotion or setting, for example a long shot picture of person standing in a large, empty field by themselves could represent loneliness but also freedom.

Lighting and costumes also effect the picture as well as the angle. If the person that the picture is centred on was dressed in bright colours such as yellow and orange on a sunny beach, the audience will assume that the theme of the picture is happiness or something around that theme.

Facial expressions are also important for closer shots as they help show the theme. However expressions are not important if they are in long shots as they would not be seen. These things are called mise-en-scene.

The picture above is a wide, long shot that can also symbolise loneliness but also the beauty

of the scene which represents peace and beauty.

Camera movement is something that is used in every film and TV program. Mise-en-scene is also very important in film making as it is everything the audience sees other than the actors. Camera movements such as a pan shots shows a lot of the background which bring mise-en-scene into film-making. Film shots can be taken anywhere, for example a crane or aerial shot is taken from a high distance or dolly/tracking shots which are taken from a moving car. Each shot has to match the scene and the background (mise--en-scene).

Camera Movement can also show genre. A quick movement will show that something has happened suddenly, this can happen in horror or action. If the movements are slower it is likely that a sad or dramatic scene is happening.

This link will take you to a website page explaining camera angles and movement in more detail and what they need to include -http://www.mediaknowall.com/camangles.html.