Storytelling Techniques for Digital Filmmakers : Plot Structure, Camera Movement, Lens Selection, and More

The key elements of creating an effective film narrative-which involves a significant shift in mindset from still photography to motion capture-are detailed in this guide to becoming a standout digital videographer. Through teaching classic cinematic techniques for storytelling while addressing contemporary digital equipment and customer standards, the guide instructs such elements of filming as mixing the types of shots used, charting the plot, and introducing characters. Equipment use is also explored through the analysis of gear for camera mo.;Front Cover; Copyright Page; Table of Contents; Introduction; Understand the "Why"; People Need Stories; Our Minds Are Wired for Stories; The Path to Successful Filmmaking; 1. The Structure of a Story; Aristotle's Unified Plot; Freytag's Plot Structure; Plot Structure in Practice; Exposition; Characters; Setting; Relationships; The Hook; Rising Action; exposition objectives; Climax; Falling Action; Resolution; Acts 1, 2, and 3; The Nature of Conflict; Relational Conflict; Situational Conflict; Inner Conflict; required viewing; Paranormal/Possibility Conflict; Cosmic Conflict; required viewing. Front Cover Copyright Page Table of Contents Introduction Understand the "Why" People Need Stories Our Minds Are Wired for Stories The Path to Successful Filmmaking 1. The Structure of a Story Aristotle's Unified Plot Freytag's Plot Structure Plot Structure in Practice Exposition Characters Setting Relationships The Hook Rising Action exposition objectives Climax Falling Action Resolution Acts 1, 2, and 3 The Nature of Conflict Relational Conflict Situational Conflict Inner Conflict required viewing Paranormal/Possibility Conflict Cosmic Conflict required viewing. Social ConflictOther Issues of Conflict Perception of Conflict Simultaneous Conflicts No Conflict? No Plot concept films 2. Shot Sequencing Filmmakers Create a Story Forget About What Happened The Camera Is the Viewer Types of Sequences Wide Shots Medium Shots Close-Ups The B-Roll The Order of the Shots Medium, Wide, Close Close, Close, Wide, Medium, Medium Close-Ups in Context Shot Order and Flow 3. The Art of the Close-Up Types of Close-Ups Uses of Close-Ups Identify the Character Emphasize Important Lines Show the Reaction and how about point of view? As Establishing Elements4. Perspective and Point of View What to Show Trust the Viewfinder, Not Your Eyes The Camera Is the Viewer What the Character Sees Camera Angles High-Angle Shot Low-Angle Shot Eye-Level Shot Point-of-View Shot Bird's Eye-Angle Worm's-Eye Angle An unusual example Dutch Angle The 180 Rule How the Concept Works Implying Movement controlling negative space Cat in the Window Lens Selection Sensor Size Aperture focusing 14mm, f/2.8 Lens 24mm, f/1.4 Lens 35mm, f/1.4 Lens 50mm, f/1.2 Lens 85mm, f/1.2 Lens 135mm, f/2.0 Lens 180mm (Macro), f/3.5 Lens. 5. Camera MovementCamera Movement and the Impact of 3-D is movement required? One More Time: The Camera Is the Viewer Composition The Rule of Thirds Filling the Frame Pan and Tilt Tripod and Fluid Head Panning Follow Movement Introduce a New Subject Add Movement The Quick Pan Tilting Follow Movement Transitional Movement cranes/jibs The Fly on the Wall A Human Feeling Shoulder Mounts required viewing Tracking Shots The Dolly Types of Shots Straight Dolly Shot Curved Dolly Shot Dolly In Dolly Out Vertigo (Push/Pull) Effect Telephoto Lens on the Dolly. Tracking Dolly ShotSteadicam A Final Thought required viewing So, What Do I Really Need? Monopod Dolly/Slider Tripod Shoulder Mount Steadicam Car Mount Crane 6. Lighting, Color, and Exposure The Power of Lighting Camera Controls ISO Setting use a light meter Frame Rate and Shutter Speed Justify the Light Find the Light Enhance the Light Realistically Consider Showing the Light Source lighting outdoors Cheating the Light Shadows Shadows on the Subject Shadows Cast by the Subject Lighting the Mood lighting for effect A Particular Challenge Lighting Color Red. The key elements of creating an effective film narrative—which involves a significant shift in mindset from still photography to motion capture—are detailed in this guide to becoming a standout digital videographer. Through teaching classic cinematic techniques for storytelling while addressing contemporary digital equipment and customer standards, the guide instructs such elements of filming as mixing the types of shots used, charting the plot, and introducing characters. Equipment use is also explored through the analysis of gear for camera movement and how to create ideal lighting. With a focus on high-definition filming, the book also provides invaluable information on obtaining high-quality audio and how to make the most of video editing.