Created by Krishna Harrison-Munoz to assist students in making their first movies.

1. Road Map for the New Student Video Producer
By Krishna Harrison-Muñoz
CAMERA TIPS AND TRICKS
Camera Angles
Low Angle: Placing the camera at a low angle makes a
subject more dominant and gives them power over the viewer.
You can use this for subject like, strong rulers, powerful people
or horror figures. Be sure not to overuse this angle.
High Angle: Shooting with the camera at a high angle shows
a weak subject and gives the viewer a feeling of power
over the subject. Use this for subject that are weak, submissive
or in fear. Again, do not to overuse this angle.
Straight-On Angle: Shooting with the camera straight on shows
a neutral relationship between the subject and the viewer.
The subject appears as an equal or peer. This angle may be
used for reporters, documentaries and educational videos.
Camera Moves
Panning: Panning is used to show a wide scene that you can't fit into the camera. Some
examples include landscapes and moving objects. Only use panning when necessary..
Pans should lasts 6-7 seconds. When panning, first hold the shot still for 5 seconds, pan
for 6-7 seconds and then hold the shot for 5 more seconds. Good panning takes
practice, so make sure to practice your shots before you actually shoot them.
Zooming: Zooming in and out is a sign of an amateur. Make sure you have a reason to
zoom. For example, you can zoom in to get closer to something that is far or you might
zoom in on something specific to make a point or to show a dramatic emotion or
expression. You might also try zooming in slowly to give a sense of drama. Otherwise, you
should use zoom to frame a shot and then the next shot. For example, shoot a scene,
stop filming, zoom in and film again.
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2. Camera Shots
1. ls: long shot: Gets most of 2. ms: medium shot: Gets 3. mcu: medium close- up:
a person or place in a scene. upper part of subject. Gets head and shoulders.
4. cu: close-up shot 5. ecu: extreme close-up 6. bust shot: Similar to ms,
gets upper part, chest up.
7. knee shot: Shows the 8. two shot: Shows two 9. three shot: shows three
subject from the knees up. subjects in the frame. subjects in the frame.
10. O/S: over-the-shoulder shot: 11. X/S: cross-shot: A shot sequence
Camera looks at a person or object where the camera looks at one and
over the shoulder of another person then the other person. The person near
or object near the camera. the camera is out of the shot.
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3. Camera Tips & Terms
background: Always notice what is behind the subject or object. Don't let the
background distract the viewer from watching the subject or object.
cut-away shots: A shot that introduces something else that is not part of the action of
the shot. For example, in a video about a the capital building in Sacramento, you may
videotape the building, the rooms and the park and include these in the final project.
headroom: Headroom is the space above a subject’s head. Typically, the top of the
subject’s head should be near the top of the frame.
Improper Proper
headroom headroom
Noseroom: Noseroom is the space in front of the subject’s face when your subject is
looking to one side. Leave enough room in front of the nose so that it nose does not
look squashed.
Improper Proper
noseroom noseroom
ON THE MOVE
What did you learn on these pages? Take notes. Now put it to practice!
Notes:
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4. Tips for On Camera Talent
Everyone wants to look good on camera. It is typical for the person in front
of the camera to ask, “Make me look skinny.” Even if you are not able to
actually make the person skinnier, you can make he or she look good by
following these basic rules.
a. Clothing
a. Wear pastel or solid colors. They are less distracting to the viewer.
b. Avoid busy patterns.
c. Keep jewelry simple.
b. Makeup
a. Be generous with lip and cheek color. More color gives life to the
talent on camera.
b. Use powder to diminish “shiny spots”.
c. Posture
a. Sit or stand in a relaxed and natural posture.
b. Move slowly and steadily while being filmed.
d. Speaking
a. Speak slowly and clearly.
b. Be yourself. Imagine you are talking to friends in your living room.
ON THE MOVE: Back to Our Talent
Watch the video and see if you can see how the subject didn’t follow the rules. Have fun!
Notes:
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