Lesson 3
Cinematography
Learning intention
We are learning to use a variety of camera techniques to film our nature documentary.
Success criteria
We can identify a variety of camera movements, angles and shots.
We can take videos using a variety of camera techniques.
Activity 1 - 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.
Tasks
- View 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. Download and refer to the camera techniques checklist.
- View your videos. How could they be improved?
Nature documentary cinematography | Field of Mars EEC (1:09min) | YouTube
Activity 2 - Engage your audience
The use of different camera angles, shots and movements keeps the audience engaged and interested when watching a nature documentary.
Tasks
- 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.
Water habitats | Field of Mars EEC (1:17min) | YouTube
Activity 3 - Film your documentary
Documentaries consist of a series of shorter video clips which are edited together into a sequence.
The camera app on a mobile device can be used to film video 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.
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 as it can be muted during editing.
If you can't film an animal you could source a high resolution photo instead.
Tasks
- 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.
A sample nature documentary script
Welcome to the Field of Mars Reserve located on Wullumedegal Country in East Ryde.
Today we are going to explore some the water habitats that make up this amazing ecosystem.
Creeks provide food, water and shelter to a range of species including ducks and turtles.
Natural and built points are perfect habitat for amphibians like frogs.
Water sustains life. Even a bird bath found in the reserve provides water to lots of bush birds.
Next time you are in the bush slow down and take your time to look at some of the incredible water habitats. You might be surprised at what you find.
End of transcript.
Water habitats
Scene 2 – Opening statement (the name of the site and your topic)
Welcome to the Field of Mars Reserve located on Wallumedegal Country in East Ryde.
Today we are going to explore some of the water habitats that make up this amazing ecosystem.
Scene 3 – Describe your first fact
Creeks provide food, water and shelter to a range of species including ducks and turtles.
Scene 4 - Describe your second fact
Natural and built ponds are the perfect habitat for amphibians like frogs.
Scene 5 – Describe your third fact
Water sustains life. Even a bird bath found in the reserve provides water to lots of different bush birds.
End of transcript.