Part of Lesson Plan: Basics of Camera Movement and Perspective

Activity Overview / Details

Ask the class the following question: "If I were to ask you to film me walking into this classroom, how would you do it?"

(pause to wait for answers*)

*If no body says to put a camera on a tripod and record you walking in the room, then offer to the class that option;

"Couldn't I just place a tripod right here, and capture myself walking into the room?"   (yes)

Here's another way I could film that same 'story':

Using your own environment tell them something like this–   "I could get an establishing shot of the campus from across the street, then I could cut to a long shot as I get out of my car, and panning as I begin heading toward this building.  Then I could have the camera follow from behind me, and capture a point-of-view shot using an over the shoulder shot of as I walk down the walkway towards my classroom.  Then cutting to a close-up of my eyes as they turn toward my classroom door.  At this point I could cut back to a medium-long shot of myself walking up to the door - then straight to a subjective shot (handheld) as my hand reaches to the door lock. Then an extreme close-up of my keys entering the lock.   Back to a medium shot - that zooms-in as I release the lock and open the door.

Now, from inside the classroom, I could show the door opening, and cut to a medium shot of myself walking into the classroom.  Then a tracking shot using a dolly to follow along as I head to my desk."

Now ask your students, "Which version do you want to watch?"  Why?

(Guided discussion introducing the concept of using a combination of shots, angles, movement and perspectives to tell your visual story.)

Pass-out the handout titled, "Camera Tips -n - Tricks"