This lesson provides an introduction to common shots. It also provides an introduction to camera movement. The lesson uses images from Priscilla Angelique's animated music video called Soul Love. http://youtu.be/RBGJmcHyYj4 The video was made using Moviestorm. You can try the lesson by downloading a trial of Moviestorm at their website http://www.moviestorm.co.uk

1. Camerawork:
Camera Shots
Student Tasks
by Priscilla Angelique
lesson resources for you to share and adapt

2. TASK 1
Camerawork
Types of Shots
Take a short scene involving two or more
characters. Use a medium size interior set
or an exterior set.
Choreograph the scene using no character
movement, but add in gestures so that
they are acting naturally.
Close Up?
Film the scene using close-ups wherever
possible. Use the standard lens setting.
Film it again using the exact shot sequence
and editing pattern, but use long lenses to
make the shots look different.
Extreme Close Up?
1. Compare the difference between the two versions. Which looks more natural? Which is easier to watch?
2. What difference does it make when doing an extreme close-up compared to a head and shoulders shot?
3. How easy is it to keep the characters in frame when they perform simple gestures and talk?
4. Do you have to light the scene differently to make the different versions work well?
5. What physical constraints did you have with camera placement (walls, other characters, props etc) that
influenced your choices?
(this exercise has been adapted from Making Better Movies with Moviestorm Vol 1)
Priscilla Angelique - Camerawork: Shots [2] http://www.priscillaangelique.com

3. TASK 2
Camerawork
Types of Shots
LONG SHOTS VS CLOSE-UPS
here’s an exercise to help you develop your skills
Preparation Review
Take a short scene involving two or more 1.How does the shot size affect the
people. You can use action or dialogue storytelling?
scenes, though dramatic dialogue scenes are
probably easier. Either an interior or exterior
2.Is it clear to the audience who is the focal
location will work.
point at any one time?
Exercise 3.Does the audience have an awareness of
a) Film the scene using entirely long shots. the space and the relative location of the
You should be able to see the head and feet characters?
of your target character at all times.
4.How do you edit the scene differently? Do
b) Film it again, but this time start with a you cut in the same places?
master shot and then use close and medium
shots only. Do not frame below the chest at
any point. 5.If you use more camera movement, how
does this affect the flow of the scene?
6.Which scenes work better with long shots,
and which work better with close shots?
(this exercise has been adapted from Making Better Movies with Moviestorm Vol 1)
Priscilla Angelique - Camerawork: Shots [3] http://www.priscillaangelique.com

4. TASK 3
Camerawork
Types of Shots
LONG SHOTS VS CLOSE-UPS - cont’d
now have another go to get even better!
Now you’ve done Task 2 film the scene with a
combination of long and close shots to get a
feel of how to mix them.
Great idea. Then I’ll do it a few more times
until I’m really good at doing it!
(this exercise has been adapted from Making Better Movies with Moviestorm Vol 1)
Priscilla Angelique - Camerawork: Shots [4] http://www.priscillaangelique.com