Storyboarding Camerawork: Camera Framing

 Introduction    

    Camera framing is another key element when it comes to creating a film. Camera framing sets up the scenes and structure of a movie. It also keeps the audience and their eyes engaged in the movie they're watching. Camera framing can be used for multiple things such as suspense to create a sense of confidence, or even to insinuate that the character is on an adventure. However, there are different types of camera framing, and it's crucial to know which type of frame needs to be used. Popular examples of camera framing that are used constantly are Over the Shoulder shots, POV shots, three shots, and more. This assignment's objective was to explore different camera framing and use them to take camera shots. 

Reflection

    Working with my group on this assignment was a positive experience. We took on different roles and split up our work so we could all do an equal amount in an orderly fashion. I used my phone to take the pictures and even recruited my mom to participate as an actress in the shots. I enjoyed doing this assignment and I believe it helped me understand camera framing better and become more advanced in the topic.  

 

Storyboarding Camerawork: Camera Angles

 Introduction

    Camera angles are important in filmmaking, playing a major role in telling a story by setting the scene, showcasing characters, illustrating dynamics, and establishing the plot. Various camera angles serve different purposes in progressing the story's narrative. It’s important to not only understand how to execute specific angles but also to recognize the differences and the context each would be used for. For example, a cowboy shot recognizes a character's dominance and assertion against another character. The goal of this assignment was to practice capturing multiple camera angles to effectively use them in my movie. 

Reflection

Working with my group on this assignment was a great experience. We made sure to split the tasks equally, which allowed us to work more efficiently and at a good pace. Technology was a critical factor when it came to completing the project. We used our iPhones to capture the images, then transferred them to a laptop where we added them onto slides. The main focus of this assignment was understanding the differences in camera angles and how to properly create them. Experimenting with various camera angles gave me a better understanding of how camera angles are used to establish storytelling in films. 

Storyboarding Camerawork: Shot Sizes

 Introduction

             It can be said that camera shot sizes play a crucial role in a film’s ability to tell a story by setting up the background, characters, character dynamics, and plot. Shot sizes can vary from an establishing shot to an extreme close up. It extremely important to know not only how to take specific shots, but also the differences between shots. Different camera shot sizes are used all the time in film, but there’s a time and place for each shot. An establishing shot, for instance, introduces the setting and the world of the movie for viewers. For this assignment, the objective was to practice taking camera shots in different sizes to later implement them in my movie. 

Reflection 

           Working with my group on this assignment was an enjoyable experience. We split up the work evenly to ensure it would be fair, but also so we could do the assignment at a better pace. Technology played a critical factor in this assignment. We used our iPhones to take the pictures and uploaded them all to a laptop, where we put them on slides. Key concepts of this assignment was the different in shot sizes and how to create those differences using your camera. Taking different camera shots helped me better understand shot sizes and how they are used in a film. 

Analyzing Film Genre

Introduction Paragraph

                 In this assignment, I analyzed genre, specifically horror, and its subgenre, slasher. Using my previous knowledge, I analyzed the subgenre, slasher, with Mise en Scene elements. Genre in film is a stylistic category based on similarities either in the narrative, aesthetic approach, or the emotional response to the film according to Wikipedia. It is important to film producers because it can attract an interested audience and it could make advertising to the intended audience easier. Examples of film genre include action, romance, sci-fi, comedy, and more. A subgenre is drawn from a main genre and is more specific, it is important because it can help a producer cater to a certain audience. For instance, horror is a genre and a subgenre of horror is slasher. The film genre I enjoy the most is horror because it is very entertaining and tends to have great cinematography. Visual and audio signs the producer of horror films uses to engage me are dark lighting, weird and creepy costumes, loud noises, etc. Some movies that I have consumed are Terrifier, Scream, The Conjuring, The Shining, IT, Hereditary, The Nun, Insidious, and more. I selected these options because they have had the most impact on me and I find myself thinking about how amazing they are.

Reflection

                  I ended up creating a bubble diagram poster and the purpose of it was to analyze genre using Mise en Scene elements. I made a blank PowerPoint slide where I added an image of Art the Clown, then  inserted various shapes, some with lines to create a bubble diagram. I used different fonts like Jumble and Chiller as well as a red, black, white, and grey color scheme to make the poster match the horror-slasher genre. I used my iPad and the PowerPoint application to create the bubble diagram. In this exercise, I learned how to analyze specific genres such as horror and their subgenre like slasher. I even used my knowledge from the previous assignment involving Mise en Scene to help me analyze these genres. 

(Work-Cited)

Deathrow Productions (no date) Costume & make-up, Home. Available at: http://ctkdeathrowproductions.weebly.com/costume--make-up.html (Accessed: 08 November 2024). 

G, E. (no date) 8 great horror film lighting examples, Tutti.space. Available at: https://www.tutti.space/blog/8-great-horror-film-lighting-examples (Accessed: 08 November 2024). 

Gonzaba , E.N. (no date) The second wave, Slasher Films: Location. Available at: https://www.ericnolangonzaba.net/slasher/location.html (Accessed: 08 November 2024). 

Lannom, S. (2021) Watch: Frame your shots like a master filmmaker [camera framing techniques], StudioBinder. Available at: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/types-of-camera-shot-frames-in-film/ (Accessed: 08 November 2024). 

Shawn Yeo (2022) How to shoot a horror film that terrifies audiences, Stage 32. Available at: https://www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-shoot-a-horror-film-that-terrifies-audiences-3149 (Accessed: 08 November 2024). 

Viramontes, D. (2020) 13 movies with the Spookiest Production Design, Variety. Available at: https://variety.com/lists/best-horror-movie-sets-production-design/ (Accessed: 08 November 2024).

Wikipedia (2024) Film genre, Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_genre (Accessed: 08 November 2024).  

Winter, D. (2024) Blood red to morgue blue: The role of colour in horror, Lightworks - Easy to Use Pro Video Editing Software. Available at: https://lwks.com/blog/blood-red-to-morgue-blue-the-role-of-color-in-horror (Accessed: 08 November 2024). 

Analyzing Mise en scene

 Introduction

    Mise en Scene is the arrangement and usage of tools in order to set the stage of a film or movie. For this assignment, I am analyzing the graphic organizer we made for our chosen movie (see last post). The movie we chose is Barbie and its genre/subgenres are romance and comedy. The main theme the film producers are communicating is feminism and self-confidence. The opening of the movie includes young girls who are playing with baby dolls and treating them as if its their own children. This sounds innocent until the movie explains how young girls in the past were pressured by society to grow up and be mothers/housewives. An enlarged version of the first Barbie introduced in 1959 appears and the girls are in awe and become inspired by her confidence and independence. They then destroy their baby dolls trashing them which  represents the destruction of gender norms and ideals placed by society. The film producers introduce the elements of mise en scene by deliberately using a darker lighting or brown traditional dresses for the children, and Barbie wearing a black and white swimsuit followed by a red lip.  The main message the director, Greta Gerwig, is trying to communicate is that Barbie became a role model for young girls around the world by breaking gender stereotypes and expectations. 

Setting

Definition

Setting is the place and time the film takes place, as well as the environment of the film.

The setting is a desert-like environment that is very dry and dark. It is also looks old fashioned too with the colors used.

Message: This world is very boring and tiring.

The atmosphere/mood of the opening sequence: The mood is encouraging and rebellious.

Location (Where and geographic description):Desert/barren land

Time Period:1959;20th century

Time of Day: Daylight

Culture/moral values of the setting:

Job title: Set Decorator or Builder

Acting

Definition: Acting is the practice of portraying a character through expressions, dialogue, and body language.

The acting is good at representing happiness and inspiration.

Message: She is trying to encourage the little girls in this scene to rebel against fascist, gender norms.

Atmosphere/mood of the opening sequence: The mood is revolutionary and encouraging.

Character portrayed: Barbie doll

Character appearance:  A tall woman who is attractive.

Character actions: She is smiling in happiness and encouragement.

Facial expressions and body language:

Voice quality/ tone: No voice in this scene.

Job title: Actor or Actress

Set Design: Décor and Props

Definition: Set design and props are the tools and materials use to set the stage and contribute to the setting of a movie.

Set design (décor and props)

Message:It deluvers a message that this scene takes place during older times where brown clothes were worn more and tea was a common staple.

Atmosphere/mood of the opening sequence:

Décor: The décor is the blue teapots with the brown clothes of the dolls.

Props:The props used in this scene aare the baby dolls with the teapot set.

Job title:Set Designer

Costumes, Hair and Make-up

Definition: Costume, hair, and make-up are temporary modifications made to an actors face or body that lets them get into character and portray it easier.

The costume is oufit she is wearing along with her accessories.

The hair and make-up is the hair style of the actor or actress’s along with the produucts used on their face.

Message: Barbie is the start of a new movement of feminism and womanly strength.

Atmosphere/mood of the opening sequence: The mood is confident and inspiring.

Costumes: The black and white striped swimsuit and the white sunglasses, as well as ther large hoop earrings.

Hair: Straight ponytail with curly bangs

Make-up: A red lip

Job title: Costume Designer, Make-Up Artist, and Hairstylist

Lighting

Definition: Lighting is the specific arrangement of lights in a film .

The lighting is a dark lighting accompnied with a bright one in the background.

Message: The time this film takes place is dark and tiring.

Atmosphere/mood of the opening sequence:The mood is depressing and sad.

Light Direction: The light direction is coming from behind of where the scene takes place.

Light Source:The light source is the sun.

Light Quality: The light quality is very hard and harsh.

Job title: Lighting Technician

Composition

Definition: The angle or shot a movie is taken at.

The composition is the enlarged Barbie with the smaller girls.

Message: The barbie is a huge idol for young girls around the world.

Atmosphere/mood of the opening sequence: The mood is shock and surprised.

Blocking in the frame: The chaarcters are right netx to each other with the barbie in the middle.

Framing Balance: The framing balance is a mainly symmetrical.

Depth of Field: The characters are close to the camera.

Focus: The focus is on the Babrbie.

Job title: Composer

Color

Definition: The bright, dark, or neutral colors used in a scene in a movie/film.

The color is the orange and brown, as well as the beige in this image.

Message: It is a desert like environment from 20th century times.

Atmosphere/mood of the opening sequence:The mood/atmosphere is revolting.

Dominant Colors: Orange and Brown

Meanings of colors: The colros are dry like the desert and also represent the sun.

Job title: Film colorist

Reflection

    The activity's objective was to help me analyze a movie using mise en scene so I could understand it more. The task's process was very lengthy and time consuming, but it was definitely worth it. I created a presentation for this assignment and the purpose of making it was to break down the movie Barbie by finding the elements of mise en scene in it. The application I used was Word and I would say I've definitely have become more proficient with mise en scene and I am advanced when it comes to it. Thanks to this exercise I've learned the specifics of mise en scene as well as what makes up the elements of mise en scene.