Camera Framing: Shot Composition & Cinematography Techniques Explained [The Shot List, Ep 2]

Summary

In 'The Shot List' episode 2, the focus shifts to framing techniques in filmmaking. The video explores various framing conventions like singles, two-shots, over-the-shoulder, point of view, and insert shots, explaining their impact on character relationships and audience perception. It also demonstrates how these techniques are applied in Bong Joon-Ho's 'Parasite' to illustrate connections between characters, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful framing in directing a scene.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The script discusses various framing techniques used in filmmaking to compose subjects within a frame effectively.
• 📏 'Singles' are shots featuring one character, with 'clean singles' showing no other characters and 'dirty singles' including a limited presence of another character.
• 🔍 'Clean singles' are used to convey a character's isolation, while 'dirty singles' suggest a subtle presence or interaction with another character.
• 👥 'Two-shots' show two characters in the frame, emphasizing the visual relationship between them, which can be affectionate, contentious, or imaginary.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 As more characters are added, the terminology evolves to 'three-shot', 'four-shot', and so on, with no official limit, often referred to as a 'crowd shot'.
• 🗨️ 'Over-the-shoulder' (OTS) shots are a hybrid between a single and a two-shot, providing perspectives from both sides of a conversation and making the audience feel included.
• 👁️ 'Point of View' (POV) shots allow the audience to experience the perspective of a character, which can vary widely from a person to a shark.
• 🔊 POV shots are often paired with POV audio to immerse the audience in the character's sensory experience.
• 🔍 'Insert' shots focus on details, with the framing of the information being as important as its prominence on screen.
• 🎨 The script uses Bong Joon-Ho's 'Parasite' as an example to illustrate how framing decisions can tie characters together and convey connections.
• 📝 Planning shots in detail before production is recommended, and tools like shot-listing with StudioBinder can be beneficial for filmmakers.

Q & A

What is the main focus of episode 2 of 'The Shot List'?

Episode 2 of 'The Shot List' focuses on framing, discussing how to compose subjects in each frame once the camera shot size is determined.

What are the two types of single shots discussed in the script?

The two types of single shots are clean singles and dirty singles. A clean single shows only one character with no part of any other character visible, while a dirty single includes a limited presence from another character.

What is the purpose of a clean single shot?

A clean single shot is used to convey a character's isolation, focusing solely on one individual character without any visible presence of others.

How does a dirty single differ from a clean single?

A dirty single includes a limited presence from another character in the frame, unlike a clean single which shows only one character without any visible part of others.

What is a two-shot and what does it aim to create?

A two-shot is a framing convention where two characters are visible together in the frame. It aims to create a visual relationship between the two characters, which can be affectionate, contentious, or even imaginary.

What is an over-the-shoulder (OTS) shot and how does it function in a scene?

An over-the-shoulder shot is a hybrid between a single and a two-shot, often used to cover a conversation. It provides perspectives from both sides and gives a sense of inclusion in the moment.

What is the purpose of a point of view (POV) shot?

A point of view shot is used to allow the audience to experience the perspective of a character, covering a wide range of perspectives such as a person, an alien, a camera, a disembodied spirit, or even a shark.

How can an insert shot be used effectively in a scene?

An insert shot is not just about focusing on a detail but also about how the information is framed. It can be combined with POV shots to provide a first-person perspective or viewed from a third-person perspective.

What is the significance of the framing decisions in Bong Joon-Ho's 'Parasite' as discussed in the script?

In 'Parasite', framing decisions are used to tie together the physical and ideological connections between family members, showcasing how the director uses various framing techniques to convey relationships and dynamics.

What advice is given for planning shots in the script?

The script advises planning out shots in detail before production and suggests using tools like StudioBinder for shot-listing and collaboration.

What is the next topic to be explored in the 'The Shot List' series?

The next episode of 'The Shot List' will explore every camera angle, providing further insights into filmmaking techniques.