In this studio we learned how to film things, which is more or less what I came to RMIT to do. We thought in depth about how to film each shot, how each shot relates to each other, and how we can approach a whole scene. We had no polished end product in sight, which was incredibly liberating – we could just hone in on whatever we were interested in.
In my studies, I took an interest in investigating where the camera is placed for each shot. In particular, I wanted to know how high to place the camera, and which focal length lens to use (how far back and how much zoom). To do this, I experimented with the camera, drew out diagrams to make sense of the way the camera works in theoretical terms, and analysed how other film or TV makers approached the question of where to put the camera. Aside from this, we also got a chance to learn about lighting, audio, pacing, dollies, focus, exposure, and the different roles on a real shoot.
Before taking this studio I was very unconfident behind a camera, because I considered myself to have no better idea how to shoot a shot than any other person off the street. Now that I’ve been through the 23 fantastic, hands on and theory packed tutorials in the studio, that’s been completely turned around. I love being behind the camera and thinking about how to get a shot, and I can’t wait to film some great material in the future. I’m also always admiring the work of others when I watch great works, and thinking about how and why they made the decisions they made. In this sense, this course has unlocked a new world of thinking for me which will allow me to continue developing my skills well into the future.