Researching Filming Movements

Before I start filming and editing my video, I have brushed-up on my knowledge of camera movements and editing transitions, so that I am fully prepared when out filming.

Pulling focus: is a technique where the focal point of the images is adjusted to shift the audience’s attention from one part of a screen to another.

Static Shots: A director may decide to keep the camera still and move the characters within the frame.

Pans and Tilts: When the camera head makes a pivoting movement from side to side it is described as a pan. When the camera pivots up and down, it is described as atilt. A very fast pan is known as a ‘Whip Pan’.

Tracking: A movement, which takes its name from the tracks, similar to railway tracks, to take the wheels of the dolly on which the camera is mounted. The use of tracks ensures a very smooth movement, but a ‘tracking shot’ may be any travelling shot in which the camera is moving along with the action. In terms of representation – allows the audience to follow the action.

Reverse Dolly/Zoom (zoom/reverse zoom or track out zoom in): A technique whereby the camera pulls back away from the subject whilst simultaneously zooming in on it. In terms of representation, this helps position the audience by drawing attention to particular objects, or letting them see the bigger picture.