What key learning did you do in this week’s workshop?

For our first week, we mainly learnt about basic cinematographic techniques such as framing and shot composition. Importantly, we learnt the importance of utilising these techniques, as the way a subject is shot can help with storytelling, conveying emotion, and setting the mood. The main examples of this weeks workshop centred around Alfred Hitchcock’s work and Better Call Saul.

Reflect and describe the main conceptual elements of this studio that you learnt.

Through Hitchcock’s examples, I learnt the uses for both close-up shots and long shots; how close-ups can help convey the importance of an object or centre the emotions of a character, and how long shots aid in storytelling by setting the stage for the audience. Through Better Call Saul, I was introduced to the usefulness of breaking common cinematography “rules”, as they can help convey uneasiness within the audience.

Reflect and describe the main media making elements you experienced and completed

In terms of media making, we were mainly tasked with using the Sony FX3 to try our hand in filming one-point perspective, although I also dabbled in other techniques. My main takeaway during this activity was the importance of where the camera should be positioned, as even a slight change in angle could make shots look much more flattering.