In this hands-on course, we will explore the vocabulary of camera movement and the dramatic impact of the long, single take. Single Shot Cinema is a filming method that re-interprets film language based on the technical developments and possibilities of filmmaking in the digital age. What once only was possible with cranes and the Steadicam is now accessible to everybody. Students will learn the film language based on new technologies and discover how to block actions and characters in a scene and how to choreograph one single shot, using smooth and flexible camera movements that express the drama, emotion, and vision of the director. An important tool will be the ORBIT camera rig, an invention of the professor especially made for the Single Shot Cinema methodology. The following subjects will be discussed: history of film, significant authors concerning camera movement, holistic approach during film making, objective and subjective reality, means of expression, differences and similarities between “point of view” and “point of you”, development of SSC, using orbits as an essential part of SSC, emotional point of view and narrative function of camera movements, interrelationship during filming, collective shot by multiple operators and the camera choreography.
Intended Learning Outcomes:
The participants of this course will learn the film language of camera movements. The participants will be able to apply this knowledge to film production methods, which have been changing rapidly as a result of recent technological developments. During the course that will be practical, the participants will develop skills that enable them to narrate their story by moving the camera in ways that express their artistic goals.
Teaching and Learning Methodologies
– The teaching method will be focused on “learning by doing” and “learning by discussion and conversation”. Before the course it would be good if the participants would have read the article: Single Shot Cinema: a different approach to film language by Leonard Retel Helmrich and Anton Retel Helmrich, Avanca 2013
Day-by-Day Course Topics and Contents
Based on 5 days x 5 hours (25 hours in total)
Day One:
General introduction Introductions of the participants and the work of the teacher concerning Single Shot Cinema as used in his films Eye of the Day, Shape of the Moon, Position Among the Stars and Raw Herring, etc. -Coffee break History and Philosophical Foundation of SSC “History of Cinema” seen from the perspective of cinematic technological developments. Using clips from classic and contemporary films, we will analyze the vocabulary of current fixed-frame film language and consider how camera movements may expand and enrich this vocabulary. Assignment: Read the article Single Shot Cinema: a different approach to film language by Leonard Retel Helmrich and Anton Retel Helmrich, Avanca 2013
Day Two:
Audio Visual (shooting with your ears) In this practice each participant discover the many different camera angles to shoot a scene when shooting blindfolded. -Coffee break The Orbits in SSC We will analyze and practice 9 Camera-orbits (Orbital camera movements) that will be the significant part of SSC and the shooting method of the collective shot by multiple camera operators). Students can handle the Orbit rig in groups of 5.
Day Three:
Light and movement Each participant will experience basic principles of available light by shooting a still life situation using auto camera settings (like auto iris) and basic camera movements and camera angles. -Coffee break Shoot and being shot To learn what freedom you have when shooting people it is also important to know how close you allow the camera to shoot you. In three groups of five people each participant will shoot a discussion between other participants in a role-play situation using orbital camera movements.
Day Four:
Visual Story Telling Each participant will pitch a short single shot film to be shot in the second part of day 4 and the first part of day 5. -Coffee break Shooting a short Single Shot film. In small groups each participant will shoot a single-shot short film (min 60 sec, max 5 min) that has at least one collective camera pass among camera operators. Each participant will also shoot at least one of the other participants behind the scene situation.
Day Five:
In small groups each participant will shoot a single-shot short film (min 60 sec, max 5 min) and each participant will shoot at least one of the other participants behind the scene situation. -Coffee break Presentation of all the short films made by the participants.
