What we learned: Camera Language and Cinematic Techniques
In Week 1, the focus was on how camera choices affect storytelling and how different cinematic techniques guide the audience’s attention. Key concepts included:
Focus / Depth of Field
Deep Focus: The entire frame is in focus, allowing viewers to explore the scene and discover details themselves.
Shallow Focus: Focuses only on the subject, creating a “tunnel vision” effect to direct audience attention.
Rack Focus: Smoothly shifts focus between subjects to guide the viewer’s eye through the 3D space, following the scene’s logic.
Focal Length, Geometry, and Camera Movement
Dolly-Zoom: Shows a character’s world shifting or sudden psychological horror.
Handheld Camera: Gives a gritty, realistic feeling, making viewers feel like eyewitnesses.
Whip Pan: Connects Point A and Point B visually, suggesting cause-and-effect without a cut.
Establishing Shots: Provide an omniscient perspective and emphasize scale or pattern.
Arc Shots: Make the character the visual center, detaching them from their surroundings.
Assignment:
Choose one version of a buddy’s storyboard and animate it in Maya using the provided scene and character.
Adjust the scene if necessary to better fit the camera storytelling.