Development Work
Week 4: Cinematography
One of my set tasks is to learn more about cameras and cinematography in Autodesk Maya. Expanding upon this skill is very important when working in pre visualisation, at this stage I need to be able to communicate what I want to happen in the space with the use of the Maya cameras. So the task I have is to create different shots, angles, and movements in Maya with the cameras and film test footage. I would be using a number of sources to help in my investigation.
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Cinematic Language
Knowing how to use the cameras and how to set them up is one important aspect, but the other very important one is having knowledge in the actual language of cinematography. What shots and angles to use, their effect and when to execute them is what really makes a Animation with emotion.
To learn more about this, I have used StudioBinder to help understand the language and their specifics. I specifically watched 3 videos about camera angles, movement and depth of field.
Of course another source of gaining a deeper understanding is simply watching a wide variety films and observe their use of filmic language. As such, I will be frequently watching films.
Dolly Zoom/ Vertigo Effect
A Dolly zoom or Vertigo effect is a very effective and quirky camera movement that can be used to enhance moments in stories. They can really send home the message or emotion that is being expressed to the viewer. It could express extreme shock, fear or sudden moment of realisation. It should be used sparingly as it is such a powerful movement.
Tracking Shot
Tracking shots are a interesting way to follow a character through their surroundings and also generate a sense of immersion and question. It keeps the audience's attention and makes them wonder what will happen when they finish following the subject. It follows to leads.
Handheld Shot
A handheld shot can be used in different ways. It is a more raw movement compared to normal stabilised and controlled shots you see in films. It could be used to show the unsteady state of mind of a character or to simulate a documentary or home video style. I decided to use it in the idea of a home video being films with shaky and unexperienced camera movements.
Camera Shake Movement
A camera shake is another useful movement that can really emphasise the weight and power of a object that appears in the film. It can also help the audience feel disoriented like the characters on screen, it knocks one off their balance for a moment. My use was to really emphasise the weight of the ball crashing down in front of the camera. Which could be compared to scenes of Homelander from "The Boys" whenever he lands from flying.
Panning Shot
A panning shot can be used to reveal information or follow a moving character. Slow pan can build anticipation while a faster one can add energy to a shot to create more action. Its a very useful tool that you can employ frequently in cinematic language. In my own Animation test, I used it to reveal the person that the girl is talking to and to also follow the revealed character.