SHOT DESCRIPTIONS
1. Explain 3 camera techniques for creating storyboards.
The three camera techniques for creating storyboards are camera framing, camera angles, and camera movements. First, camera framing is the technique that requires creative ways to zoom in and zoom out to the desired closeness and framing of the subject. Camera angles are the techniques that grabs our attention by creating dynamic scenes. They often influence how an audience responds to a character or situation on the screen. Lastly, the camera movement is the action showed between characters or objects, which the camera may remain static or move amongst the characters. Where there is minimal action in a scene, the camera movement creates energy by moving within the environment.
2. What is a two shot? When should two shots be used?
Two shot is when two characters occupy the frame. There are many different variations of the two shot that includes positioning characters face to face, placing one character one behind another to create depth, and turning one character slightly toward the camera while the other is turned inward. Two shots are often used to convey a conversation, whether an argument or discussion between characters.
3. What is a canted angle? What types of films use canted shots?
Canted angle shot views an image off-centered, or tilted, so that the subject appears to be diagonal and off-balance. This shot is also called the Dutch shot. This unique shot creates an unsettling feeling with the audience. Canted shots are mainly used in horror films, psychological dramas, and crime pictures.
4. When should close-ups be used?
Close-ups are used quite regularly in television, particularly in soap operas, creating a close connection between the audience and a character. The intimacy of close-ups focuses on the most expressive part of a person - the face. The close-up is also great for isolating significant detail. For instance, a gloved hand turning a doorknob might provide the audience with necessary clues.
5. What type of shot would you use to establish two people arguing? Why?
I would use the two shot technique when I would film two people arguing, because this shot captures two characters in one frame (whether they are facing each other, placing one in front of another, or turning one character inward while the other is facing outward). This type of shot creates a wide variety of shooting a scene with just two people arguing with each other.
6. Who made the zolly shot famous? How does it work?
Alfred Hitchcock made the zolly shot famous. Zolly shot is a combination of a dolly shot and a zoom. An example is in Jaws, Spielberg used the zolly effect when Brody witnesses a little boy eaten by the shark. Brody is sitting on the beach and as the camera dollies toward him, the zoom lens is pulled back. Spielberg used this shot to communicate Brody's sudden surprise and disorientation.
7. When would you utilize a tilt-up shot?
Since tilt shots are often used to reveal a subject by degre4es, such as showing a character's feet first as the camera travels up the body to the face, I would utilize a tilt up or down shot the side of a skyscraper which will convey a feeling of height.
STORYBOARDS
1. What is visual storytelling?
Visual storytelling is a form of storytelling but with a visual flow to the narrative, used to communicate a message to an audience.
2. How does visual storytelling differ from film and animation to interactive games?
Films and animation are linear forms of visual storytelling where the audience listens and watches passively. But on the other hand, games are interactive programs where the user both actively views and manipulates the program. A user of a game doesn't just sit back and watch, but interacts with the message that the game is trying to convey.
3. What are two ways to format a story?
Two ways to format a story is telling a story and showing a story.
4. What is the difference between showing and telling?
When you are telling a story, it is up to the audience to imagine the expression and actions of the characters. However, when you are showing a story, the audience can see the actions of the characters, the aesthetics of locations, and how the characters feel.
5. What are the elements of the hero's journey?
The basic elements of the hero's journey are the calling, threshold, initiation, the abyss, transformation, and the return.
6. What is the hook of a story?
The hook of a story is a catch that grabs the audience's attention, such as a murder or kidnapping at the beginning of a story. For example, the hook in a story may be a couple breaking up or it may be as simple as a character receiving an eviction notice. The hook should leave the audience asking questions. For instance, why did the woman get evicted from her apartment? Who kidnapped the girl? What caused the couple to split apart? If the audience is hooked, they will undoubtedly want to know what happens next and keep watching.
7. What are storyboards? How are they similar to the comic strip?
Storyboards are a series of sketches that are used as a planning tool to visually show how the action of a story unfolds. The closest visual relation to the storyboard are comic strips, minus the dialogue balloons. But whereas comic strips entertain, the storyboard is a tool that facilitates production.
8. What industries use storyboards?
Storyboard use may vary within each industry, but the purpose is the same and that is to visually communicate project ideas and objectives. Storyboards are incorporated into many industries including industrial, advertising, and interactive design. These include: advertising campaigns, video games, television series, multimedia, web design, and industrial/governmental videos.
