Shot and Camera Movement
Shot and Camera Movement
Pan Shot – This shot is basically used to show the distance between two characters or places in a scene. The speed of the pan is determined by the effect that is desired by the director. A quick pan says that there is no time to waste, and the action occurs quickly. A slow pan might show a conversation between two or more people. This shot scans the space of the scene horizontally.
Tilt Shot – Usually a diagonal shot. It can be used to show superiority, possibly to exaggerate the difference between character heights.
Tracking Shot – This shot follows the subject, or the action of the scene. Not only are you watching the character move, it’s almost like your moving with the character. In this style the camera moves along tracks or anything with wheels to get a steady movement of the camera.
Crane Shot – This is usually an aerial approach. Usually starts out high in altitude and far in distance and then moves in.
Steadycam – One of the hardest shots to perfect in the business. This is done by a man or woman for that matter wearing a harness and stabilizer. Cameras are quite the piece of heavy equipment. Yet it allows a greater sense of flexibility while trying to get that perfect shot. It tends to be a bit jerky feel for the scene, perfect example The Blair Witch Project. Some directors like this feeling; it gives more to the scene apparently.