Nature documentary cinematograhpy | Field of Mars EEC (1.09min) | YouTube
Beautiful cinematography
There are lots of different types of camera angles, shots and movements you could use to film your documentary.
In this activity we are just going to focus on a few, however you might like to experiment with others.
Activity
- Watch the Nature documentary cinematography video.
- Use a camera or camera app on a mobile device to take videos using each type of angle, shot and movement shown. Refer to the camera techniques checklist.
- View your videos. How could they be improved?
Engaging your audience
The use of different camera angles, shots and movements keeps the audience engaged and interested when watching a nature documentary.
Activity
- Watch the Water habitats video.
- As you view the video, use the camera techniques checklist to identify the variety of camera angles, shots and movements used.
Filming your nature documentary
Documentaries consist of a series of shorter video clips which are edited together into a sequence.
A camera app on a mobile device provides an accessible way to film these clips.
When taking videos, it is important to:
- Film in landscape
- Avoid using digital zoom
- Move the camera slowly
- Use a variety of movements, angles and shots
- Film each clip for approximately 10 seconds in duration
- Film more clips than you need
Helpful tips
- Video clips do not need to be filmed in order as they will be sequenced during the editing process.
- Don't worry about background noise.
- If you can't film an animal you could source a high resolution photo instead.
Activity
- Read your script and create a list of all of the video clips you need. Ensure each video clip complements the sentences in your script.
- Identify the type of camera angles, shots and movements you will use during filming.
- Take your script, video plan and device to your filming location and record each video clip. The duration of each clip should be approximately 10 seconds.
