Planning Cinematography

Planning Cinematography

This is an example of the planning of cinematography that we will use in our own sequence. We have included the different shots we intend to use and in which parts of our clip. Planning the different shots for our thriller sequence is imperative because we need to ensure we can use certain shots to create the most effective scare points in our sequence. We need to plan to make our sequence as professional as it can be and to ensure that it doesn't look messy and unstable at any points throughout.

Cinematography is a key element in film production as it creates many different atmospheres and emotions in various film genres. They create different moods and feelings towards the audience and this is why different uses of cinematography are important for different genres. They help the audience to understand the genre of the film by changing the different shots and creating different angles and positions for us to watch during the sequence. For example a close up shot of a characters face is effective in the thriller genre as it shows characters facial expressions which are usually shocked or frightened.

The first piece of cinematography we choose to use in our sequence is a low angle shot. The purpose of this shot is to show me once I have killed the victim. The shot will show me looking bigger than I am as the camera is at a low angle looking up on me. We decided to use this shot as we are hoping it portrays me as a  powerful and scary character. We are hoping it does this as it will show me looking superior and in control of the situation This is conventional to the thriller genre as the antagonist is usually portrayed as superior and in control at some point of the film when things are usually going their way. Using this type of shot will help the audience build a relationship with the character as they will feel almost intimidated by me as I am portrayed as the antagonist, I am in control of the situation and therefore the audience will feel sympathetic for any characters that come in my way.

The second piece of cinematography that we have planned to include in our sequence is a high angle shot. The purpose of this shot is to show vulnerability. The shot will be used to show the characters walking through the forest and the beginning of our piece. This is to portray the sense that the characters almost don't know that they are being filmed which makes it seem more realistic but also to give a sense of foreboding. We are hoping to portray the characters as normal people which makes the atmosphere seem more realistic but also make the audience feel that something is looming and that the characters may be in danger. This will help the audience to build a relationship with the characters as they will feel on the edge of their seat as they anticipate what will happen to the characters. We decided to use a high angle shot as the high shot shows the characters looking small and almost hopeless, this is what we wanted to portray as it gives the sense of foreboding which we want the audience to feel. This is conventional to the thriller genre because the victims are usually portrayed as hopeless and out of control, this makes the atmosphere seem more dull and scarier because the audience know that if something bad begins to happen there is nothing the characters can do. This also builds tension as the audience anticipate what will happen.

The third piece of cinematography that we planned to use in our sequence is en eye level shot. The purpose of this shot is to portray casualty and make it seem more realistic to the audience. This type of shot will portray the characters having a normal conversation and it will help for the sequence to flow. The eye level shot makes the audience feel as if they are involved I'm the conversation and as if they are part of the scene. This us conventional to the thriller genre because they want to make the audience feel comfortable and secure about the characters. By making the characters seem normal and casual it makes it easy for the audience to build relationships with the characters and makes it seem more shocking when the antagonist attacks the characters. We wanted to portray the characters having normal conversation to help make our sequence seem as realistic and professional as possible.

 

The fourth piece of cinematography that we plan to use in our own thriller sequence is a zooming in technique. The purpose of this shot is to emphasise on certain parts we want the audience to fixate on. For example once I have killed Kane the camera will slowly zoom into my mouth which we will make evident that it is covered in blood. We chose this shot as it will ensure that the audience realise what has happened but also it will shock the audience as it is an unusual narrative and they would probably have expected me to have used a weapon to kill him like a knife of a gun. Zooming in is conventional to the thriller genre because it builds tension and makes the audience feel scared as it gets closer, they would usually expect something to jump out and they don't usually want to see what the zooming in is leading up to as it is usually leading to a scary part of the film. We want to portray tension as the zooming in will be slow and gradual , this is because we want the audience to anticipate what has happened, we want them to wonder whether I have killed Kane or any of the other characters.

 

The fifth piece of cinematography that we are planning to include in our opening thriller sequence is a close up shot. This shot will be evident when the characters in the scene realise what has happened, we want to use the shots to show the characters facial expressions and to portray fear. A close up shot will ensure that the fear on the characters face will be shown. This is conventional to the thriller genre as close up shots show the clearest picture of how a character is feeling, for example a close up shot it used in thrillers to help the audience to understand how a character is feeling and to predict what may happen next. It helps the audience to build a relationship with the characters as they can sympathise and feel sorry for characters that portray fear and shock, this is how we want the audience to feel when they see the fear portrayed on the characters faces in the close up shot.

 

The final piece of cinematography that we plan to use is a panning technique. This is when the camera pans across the screen from side to side usually showing a long shot and showing a wide range of the setting. We will use this shot when in the forest and throwing a stick for the dog, also to show the setting and the wide open area. We want to portray that the forest is a huge open space and we want to create an atmosphere which makes the audience feel worried for the characters, we also want to make the audience feel as if the characters aren't alone. We want to make them feel as if the antagonist is an unknown presence but then reveal that it is already someone inside of the group. Panning is conventional to the thriller genre because it shows the setting and also the narrative as it is usually to show an action which requires space. For example throwing a stick for the dog. It helps the audience to build relationships with the characters as it makes them clear to see what the characters mare doing and whether they feel comfortable in the setting. We decided to include this shot as it will reveal a lot of information in one shot and will also give a sense of foreboding and create an eery atmosphere.

 

In conclusion this planning will help me when creating my own thriller sequence because to has given me ideas about the narrative and I have a clearer understanding of the different techniques we are going to use as a group. It has helped me to understand what different shots are effective and can make certain parts of our sequence seem more frightening which is conventional to the thriller genre. These techniques make the sequence more conventional because their different angles and speeds create different emotions towards the audience such as shock, surprise, suspense and tension. For example the panning shot can be shot at a slow pace to create tension and leave the audience wondering if something is about to pop out and scare them.