Grammar of the Shot / Edition 3

by Christopher J. Bowen, Roy Thompson

Overview

Tell effective visual stories by utilizing the “grammar” of film and video with this elegant, modular reference. See what you absolutely need to know to put together your own film or video, shot by shot. Whether you're just learning how to frame a shot or simply looking for a refresher, Grammar of the Shot gives you a toolkit to help you build a successful visual story that flows smoothly. Understand the basic building blocks essential for successful shot lighting, screen direction, 3D elements, camera movement, and many general practices that make for richer, multi-layered visuals. Expand your visual vocabulary and help jumpstart your career in film and video. Get ample examples and further instruction on the new companion website. Designed as an easy-to-use reference, Grammar of the Shot presents each topic succinctly with clear photographs and diagrams illustrating the key concepts. Simple and easy to use, Grammar of the Shot is a staple of any filmmaker’s library.

• A simple and clear overview of the principles of shooting...timeless information that will improve your work
• Companion website offers video instruction and examples to bring the book's lessons to life
• Together with its companion volume Grammar of the Edit, these little books are all the beginning filmmaker needs

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780240526010
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	02/22/2013
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	312
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Instructor of cinematography and film production at Framingham State College, formerly of Boston University; Avid certified instructor; Creative Director/Production Manager, Fellsway Creatives

Table of Contents

I. Introduction A. Define the material to be covered B. Define the Audience for this material C. Define the Purpose behind covering this material D. Define what one can expect to learn from this presentation II. Basics of Film Language A. Basic Building Blocks
1. Shot Types As if still pictures a. Wide Shot b. Medium Shot c. Close Up d. ETC.
B. Aspect Ratio
1. Frame Size a. Brief History b. Technical Explanation (numbers)
c. Physical Frame yields aesthetic conventions III. The Art of Composition A. Framing
1. What Portion of the World do you Frame?
2. Simple Rules of Framing People a. Head Room b. Look Room c. No funny objects behind the head B. Illusion of 3D on a 2D Medium
1. Horizon Line
2. Parallel Lines / Vanishing Point
3. FG / MG / BG —object size
4. Atmosphere to infinity C. Mise-en-Scene Arrangements of Objects in the Frame
1. Rule of Thirds
2. Objects Size Equates Object Importance
3. Object 'Weight' in Frame a. Higher = Dominant b. Lower = Submissive
4. What's in Focus?
a. Depth of Field b. Focus Pulling
5. What's in Light or in Darkness?
a. Chiaroscuro b. Brightness leads the eye c. Colors lead the eye, too D. Camera Angle
1. Normal view
2. Low Angle view
3. High Angle view IV. Putting it together: Pre-thinking the editing process A. Shooting-for-Editing: Get the coverage
1. Provide New Information / Detail
2. Focus Viewer's Attention on Action in Scene B. Match Your Shots
1. Continuity a. Screen Direction b. 180 Degree Rule (or Director's Line)
c. Matching Action across edits
2. Reciprocating Imagery a. Matching Shot-Reverse-Shot: Angles on Action b. Singles c. Over-The-Shoulders d. Eyeline Match V. Dynamic Images: Talent and camera in motion A. Moving Talent B. Moving Camera
1. Pan
2. Tilt
3. Dolly
4. Zoom
5. Hand-held VI. General Practices and Good Advice A. Know the Rules Before You Break the Rules B. Make Appropriate Choices C. Enhance the Story D. Involve the Viewer movies as a participatory experience

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Roy Thompson and Christopher Bowen provides a clear and concise explanation of motion picture visual language. This universal language (or grammar) is an essential foundation for filmmakers to produce a film or video....I highly recommend Grammar of the Shot for film and video production classes. In addition, it would be useful for emerging filmmakers and for those who need a refresher." —Amazon reviewer of the second edition.

Editorial Reviews

"Roy Thompson and Christopher Bowen provides a clear and concise explanation of motion picture visual language. This universal language (or grammar) is an essential foundation for filmmakers to produce a film or video....I highly recommend Grammar of the Shot for film and video production classes. In addition, it would be useful for emerging filmmakers and for those who need a refresher." —Amazon reviewer of the second edition.

From the Publisher