Eli_Chapter9

     Chapter 9 explores the different types of shots used in film and the coverage of filmmaking. The idea that stuck with me the most was that individual frames can convey a story to the audience. It made me think about what can be set up in a shot: information about a character, a motion, or an environment can be highlighted.

https://blog.suitestudios.io/article/framing-the-narrative-how-composition-tells-a-story-in-film

    The article I linked above goes over some of the shots discussed in this chapter, such as the close-up, over-the-shoulder, and medium shots, as well as concepts from previous chapters, such as contrast and the rule of thirds. There are also three videos provided that actually show how composition can capture certain emotions or establish story details for the audience.  

Eli_Chapter 8

     What stuck out to me in this chapter was the explanation of needing to have motivation for moving the camera. Sandler names emotional changes and physical changes as the best two motivations to move the camera. Emotional changes give the camera an opportunity to make the viewer feel what the character is feeling, whatever it may be, pulling the camera back to create a feeling of isolation or a close-up shot to capture their reaction. Physical changes within a frame allow the camera to follow a character or create more tension.

https://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/cinematography-tip-motivated-camera-movement/

    The article linked above expands on this idea of having a “motivated camera.” McCullagh describes motivated camera movement as “following the action,” allowing the viewers to better understand what is happening in a scene.

Eli_Chapter 7

   The idea that stuck out to me the most in Chapter 7 was the last of the six techniques to draw the audience's eye. Using words such as signs or graffiti to give the audience subtext or set up a story detail. Going beyond words, this made me think of how props, lighting, and the set are used to give the audience information.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB5HTcFhCso

    The scene I linked above is from Spider-Man: Homecoming and uses lighting as a sign to inform the audience. Peter Parker is being driven to prom by his date’s father, who is also the Vulture, the film’s main antagonist. As he drives them, the conversation changes to Spider-Man and how Peter was absent whenever he showed up during a class trip to Washington. At 1:06, the traffic light turns green as Vulture realizes Peter is Spider-Man, with the changing light informing the audience that he has made the connection.

Eli_Chapter6

 Chapter 6 covered how lighting serves as a tool for storytelling; the idea that stuck out to me the most was the section covering the use of color in film. Sandler provides a list of colors and their meanings in Western society to illustrate the emotions and ideas associated with each color. The importance of a color palette for the look of a film.

https://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/color-schemes-in-filmmaking/

In this article, a brief summary of the meanings that can be attributed to colors and an explanation of the color wheel are given before the writer breaks down color schemes seen in films, explaining why they were chosen and what effect they create in the highlighted scene. 

Eli_Chapter5

     The idea that interested me the most in Chapter 5 was the technique called forced perspective. The book explains forced perspective as an “optical illusion created by wide-angle lenses,” which alters the audience's perspective, changing how something looks or from what angle the audience is viewing it. The book explains how a wide-angle lens captures a large field of view and stretches out space. A wide-angle lens also makes anything closer to it appear closer and larger, while anything farther away will look small and distant, explaining how forced perspective is created.

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-forced-perspective/

    In the article I linked above, Ms. Maio gives a detailed overview of forced perspective, giving the reader a guide on how to pull off a forced perspective shot and giving some examples of free-continuous perspective being used in films, such as the opening scenes of Elf when Buddy is in the North Pole with the elves. 

Eli_Chapter4

    What stuck out to me the most from Chapter 4 was this statement on the first page: “It is often said that each lens has its own ‘personality.’” The way this was worded made me think about different lenses and how they affect the tone of a scene, or what can be said about a story based on the lens used.

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/different-types-camera-lenses-explained/

    The article I linked above gives an in-depth look at different types of lenses filmmakers use. Along with the descriptions and specs, there are multiple video links for a more in-depth look into each lens, showcasing what can be shot with them. The article gives information on standard forms of lenses, such as the prime lens, which is the industry standard, and more niche specialty lenses, like the fisheye and macro lenses.

Eli_Chapter3

     After reading Chapter 3, the idea that stuck out to me the most is how scale can be used to help enhance a story. During the section covering the “Rule of Thirds,” the author talks about how it can be broken, and a character can be put in the lower part of a shot to either show how they lost power, how they are feeling insignificant, or just to show the scale of the environment the character is in. This idea is expanded on with the idea of “leading room”, the author describes how in a horror movie, a subject can be in the front of the frame with a lot of space behind them to make viewers feel uneasy, or how a subject being put toward the edge of a frame can create a feeling of being trapped.

https://medium.com/@luispeaks/appreciation-for-scale-in-cinematography-d6d3b66a179a

    In the article linked above, the writer discusses how scale is used in the short film The Last Black Man in San Francisco. He describes how different shots in the film help show what the main character feels and the themes of the short. 

Eli_Chp2

 

        After reading Chapter 2, I have been reflecting on the difference between having an active protagonist and a passive protagonist. An active protagonist is a character who drives a story forward and is someone the audience wants to follow and connect with; in contrast, a passive protagonist waits for what they want and lets the story unfold around them. This made me think about my favorite movies and why I care about following the story, and it’s because of the characters and the choices they take.

    https://mystorydoctor.com/writing-a-passive-protagonist/

    In the article I linked above, the writer discusses what a passive protagonist is and how having one can negatively affect a story and make it harder for the audience to get invested in the story. In the latter half of her article, the writer gives ways of how to make a passive protagonist more active for anyone struggling with writing their story. 

Eli_Chapter1

     

    Chapter 1 covered the different elements of visual storytelling and the roles of each member of a “visual storytelling team.” The idea I am reflecting on is the importance of using visuals to establish a main character and give the audience an idea of who they are and what type of person they will be spending time with.

https://bybrittonperelman.com/writing/12-examples-of-excellent-character-introductions

    The linked article lists twelve scenes that introduce a character. From the Joker's bank heist in The Dark Knight to Willy Wonka's tumbling entrance in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. The article covers various genres and explains how dialogue, lighting, music, and camera work inform the audience about each character.