What did you do?
This week consisted of the Cinematography masterclass, which was led by Daren Eagles who teaches part-time at Sheffield Hallam University. In this session we covered the more theoretical and skilful part of cinematography, as we learnt what certain shots are trying to say, through the positioning of the characters(whether there is looking space or not, where they are on the rule of thirds…) and how this creates a deeper meaning to the scene, how focus is important to the shot- including depth of field and what you are trying to demonstrate through use of the camera.
As well as learning about different types of shots, e.g extreme long shot, long shot, establishing shot, mid shot, closeup, extreme closeup… I also learnt that through cinematography, each shot in any film has a purpose, and is used to either convey a specific meaning, emotional response or is used to drive the narrative forward.
In the next session of the day, we were then introduced more into the practical side of film making, lead again by Daren Eagles and also Rob Speranza, a film producer. In this part of the day, as the DOP (Director of Photography) for my short film, I worked especially close with the cameras, learning and getting used to using them, in preparation for Shoot Day. The equipment we looked at were the cameras, tripods, boom mics and radio microphones, where both Daren and Rob gave us a demonstration before allowing us to experiment.
What have you learnt?
Today I learnt how to actually use a high end camera and shot some scenes using it to experiment and get used to my role as Cinematographer. This was as a result of getting to know my way around a camera, through focus, white balance, zoom, and microphones.
How have you worked with others?
Today new were split into groups of five to look at the cameras and test them out by filming a short sequence of shots, where we used teamwork through working together closely and helping one anther when we struggled setting up the cameras.
What do you need to develop?
I feel as though when I am filming in the future, that I need to be thinking about continuity, such as boom mikes/feet/reflections/positions of actors or objects, otherwise the film will not flow and will make it difficult for the viewer to focus if there is so much chaos and un-organisation going on, on screen.
I also feel that I need to include more complex shots on the actual shoot day to convey more meaning to the scene.
BFI Film Academy NCFE 