Choosing the Framing of your Shot in Filmmaking

Framing is a very important aspect of filmmaking. It helps a filmmaker relay the ideas and images of his or her story story to their audience. Without proper framing, a story can become unclear and distract or mislead the audience. Framing refers to the edges of the image that are composed in a shot. This image is referenced through a camera's viewfinder, LCD display, monitor, and event the final product shown on the Internet or Television. 
In this article, I wil discuss the general types of framing used in film, the role framing plays in pre-production, and how framing is utilized on set.

TYPES OF FRAMING IN FILM
Although there are dozens of creative and unique was to frame a shot, the film industry has a general list of framing types. These standard frames, or shots, help a director communicate his or her vision to their cast and crew. The figures below indicate the general standard of framing used in the film industry and a brief description of their use in filmmaking.

Wide / Long Shot (WIDE / LONG)
A wide shot is generally used as an establishing shot at the beginning of a scene. It brings the audience into the scene and helps them establish where the characters are in relation to one another and the surrounding environment.

Medium Wide Shot (MEDWide)

Also referred to as a 'Cowboy shot', a medium wide shot allows the audience to see any movements by the characters, important background subjects, and other characters that might enter into the scene.

Medium Shot (Med)

Medium shots are most popular in comedy films because it allows the audience a good perspective of the scene, including surrounding characters, body movements, and facial expressions.

Medium Close-Up (MedCU)

A medium close-up provides a view of the character's expressions without getting too intimate. This shot also allows for shooting over the shoulder of another character when engaged in dialogue.

Close-Up (CU)

A close-up shot is a dramatic shot that is used to focus the audiences attention on a character's expression(s). The framing can be very intimate and is also used to help the audience focus on what the character is saying, rather than what's going on around them.

Extreme Close-Up (ECU)

An extreme close-up shows extreme details and is generally used as an artistic shot. ECU's are rarely used for coverage in dialogue situations, but can often be used when framing an insert shot.

For more information on how to become the complete filmmaker, visit the Online Film School Boot Camp for an affordable Film School educational experience.

Online Film School Boot Camp at MegaCon 2013

MegaCon 2013 was a blast this year! There were an enormous amount of costumes flooding the walkways, most of which were good. We had a booth set-up, featuring Jason Voorhees and the Online Film School Boot Camp's filmmaking kit. While we were there, Indie Cinema Showcase stopped by to do a quick interview with Director Trent Duncan. Check out the link below to view Trent's interview on Youtube!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc3VpgTHWxk

As always, Good Filming!

Trent Duncan

www.TrentDuncan.com

Film School Boot Camp now an official sponsor of the Short 10 Cinema Competition

I am excited to announce that The Online Film School Boot Camp is now an official sponsor of the Short 10 Cinema Competition.
I enjoy film festivals but even more so I enjoy film competitions. On one hand, I believe film competitions challenge filmmakers to think outside their initial realm of creativity. But on the other hand, many competitions place restrictions on time, genre, and other rules that inhibit the overall creativity of filmmakers. These constraints ultimately produce films of lower story, character, and visual quality. This is why I was pleased to see a film competition that prides themselves on allowing filmmakers to utilize their maximum potential without tight constraints.

Short10Cinema is drastically changing this equation, by creating a series of challenges that produce genre specific short films that stand alone as art and entertainment, opening screening opportunities far beyond the ultimate film competition.
To accomplish this, Short10Cinema has first lengthened the challenge duration from as little as 24 hours to universally 100 hours, while not lengthening the maximum film length. This allows filmmakers to concentrate more on the quality, and less on speed. Rather than assign film genres randomly, Short 10 Cinema has multiple challenges throughout the year that each concentrate on a specific genre. This focuses each challenge to the film creators that are specifically skilled in these film types, and capitalizes on an audience that is uniquely interested in each challenge.

Short 10 Cinema has 5 genre's available in 2013, including:
Horror, Drama, SciFi/Fantasy, Comedy/Dark Comedy, and Music Video

Short 10 Cinema will also be handing our rewards in the following categories:

• Best Director
• Best Cinematography
• Best Actor/Actress
• Best Supporting Actor/Actress
• Best Costume/Makeup
• Best Screenplay

So, if you're up for a competition that allows you to stretch your wings of filmmaking creativity, check out the Short 10 Cinema Competition!
For more information, visit http://www.short10cinema.com/

Begining Filmmakers Frequently Asked Questions

What camera should I start filming with?
Any camera you can get your hands on. Beg, borrow, but don’t steal. The most important thing is that you’re practicing what the world looks like through the eye of a lens. Even an old camcorder may not look pretty, but it will help you develop the skillsyou need to succeed.

Where do I film?
Anywhere and everywhere. Start by filming around your house. Create a movie script or scene that takes place inside a house or in a yard. Then, once you find other locations available to you, write movie scenes involving those locations. Usually small businesses are open to helping student filmmakers, but don’t pay any money for a location at this point in the game. No matter where you film, always remember to respect each location.

Where do I find Actors and Crewmembers?
Family and friends are a good place to start. There are also plenty of students in acting, drama, debate, & TV production classes at school that have similar interests. If you’re a good organizer and you can help them achieve their goals by having them help you, everyone’s a winner. Again, no money should be involved here.

How much money does it take to start making movies?
The real answer here is ZERO. If you can borrow a camcorder, have your friends or family help you, don’t buy any props or outfits, and schedule your time accordingly, you shouldn’t have to pay a dime. The first thing you should ever consider spending money on is food for your cast and crew. Why? Because they’re working hard for you and a good leader always takes care of the people around them. Once you’ve made a few movies or scenes, you can consider spending money on props, wardrobe, special effects, or food for the cast and crew. At this stage in the game, I would not advise paying for actors, crewmembers, or locations.

Where do I show my movie when I’m finished?
The best place to put your first movie is on YouTube. This will give you the opportunity to instantly share your movie with all of your friends and the world. Search for local film festivals and contact them regarding submission standards. Usually film festivals are more lenient for local filmmakers because they know you and your family are guaranteed to attend and purchase a ticket.

I finished my first movie, now what?
Repeat the process and build upon what you’ve already learned. Repetition and knowledge are the keys to becoming a great filmmaker.

Know before you go and check out the Online Film School Boot Camp today.
http://www.onlinefilmschoolbootcamp.com/

4 ways to increase your chances of getting accepted into film school

Many aspiring film students are finding it harder to get accepted to film schools because of the high attendance rate and competition among fellow entrants. So, what are some ways to make your application stand out among the rest?
1. Get serious. This means you must stand out from the crowd. What is the crowd you ask? The crowd is a giant group of kids who just want to be famous. They see Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, or Michael Bay make some box office hit and all of a sudden they think that they can do better. This crowd of kids also thinks that because they go to film school, they will automatically be catapulted to Hollywood stardom. Another widespread misconception. So, it's time to get serious by researching and studying what you'll be learning in film school. There are many websites and apps available with good information. Immerse yourself in the world you are about to enter.
2. Make a movie. Or make several movies. If you want to be a filmmaker, you're going to have to eventually pick up a camera and edit something. So, why not start now? Once you've done a little research and feel comfortable with the basic filmmaking rules and concepts, begin your film. Start by filming something short and simple, 1-2minutes. It can be a simple dialogue scene or a quick action scene. Give yourself something to edit together, so you can practice your editing skills. Do several of these so you can see your progress over time. Film Schools love to see progress.
3. Save your Money. Film school isn't cheap. Save your money for tuition or for expenses after film school. You can never over plan enough when it comes to your future.
4. Choose Wisely. A lot of film schools will try and sell you with their flashy equipment and large facilities. This is all good, but if you follow tips 1 and 2, you'll have a better idea of what a film school really has to offer. Film school tuition rates can range from less than $10,000 to over $100,000. So, is paying an extra $90,000 really gonna get you to where you want to be after you graduate?
Ultimately, this is why I created my Online Film School Boot Camp. My Camp teaches the 6 fundamentals of filmmaking that are taught at film schools around the world. This helps you achieve a greater base of filmmaking knowledge which helps you become better prepared for film school, increases your chances of getting accepted, and will help you graduate higher in your class.
Know before you go and check out the Online Film School Boot Camp today.
http://www.onlinefilmschoolbootcamp.com/

Consumer vs Prosumer Camcorders filmmaking tips for beginning filmmakers

Choosing a camera is an important decision to make when beginning to make movies. As an ultra low budget indie filmmaker you're faced with a decision to find a quality affordable camcorder. The most common types of low priced camcorders available are consumer camcorders and prosumer camcorders.
This video from the Online Film School Boot Camp's Cinematography tutorial gives a brief description of the differences between consumer and prosumer camcorders.

http://youtu.be/bgqUOaRDeaM

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.

Respectfully,
Trent Duncan
http://www.onlinefilmschoolbootcamp.com/