Technology/Technical Elements

Thoughts

Before I begin discussing what technical elements I would like to use and the methods I would like to achieve them, I would like to clarify that my filming and editing knowledge is very limited. With the iPhone 15, I took the initiative to discover how to create homemade cinematic scenes.

This was an unusual course because most of the videos discussed the technological features of these elements using cameras I do not own. I want to ask to borrow some of my cameras, but for the time being, I think learning technical elements that I have learned this year with my iPhone 15. Wish me luck!

Beginning

Cake Scene Example 

One of my favorite shots that I want to entice the audience is the first shot of the cake scene. I took some inspiration from this video I found on YouTube. I felt that the focus of the candles and the closeness of the shoot were just the right amount. The background gives the illusion of a cake, but I believe it is crumbled paper. I do love the lighting; however, I feel that the tone I would like to present involves warm hues.

Warm hues such as orange and yellow provide an optimistic route. Grace, the daughter, is celebrating her birthday and I would like to demonstrate that across the scenes, to showcase she is continually happy as her parents are getting along. The girl will be wearing pink, to demonstrate innocence, sensitivity, and love for her parents. Then I would like to transition that color immediately after Mary, the wife, finds out her husband is cheating. The lighting would dim darkening the orange hue to grey creating a dull and empty feeling.

I would like to use Capcut for some of my editing effects. I researched a video on how to use Capcut and how to use the color features. One of the methods is that I will utilize different filters to work in my favor, and then adjust the lightening, intensity, and speed.

 --à This is me playing around with the effects.

Color Capcut Tutorial:

Another example of how I would like to illustrate the birthday scene:

The video provides focus pulls from the background objects, which I found appealing, and I can utilize to provide purpose to some important mise-en-scene elements I would like to highlight. It provides me examples regarding the setting pieces to fill the shot frames with flowers, gifts, and cake.

Key Takeaways of Lighting Hacks:

• Must manipulate shadows, not make the room brighter.
• Windows=Natural light source (I might add if it provides a clear effect on the character's features)
• Angling light adds more dimension. (I will use it to showcase some serious facial expressions from the parents when they are about to argue)
• Backlights cause separation.
• Contrast in lightening colors is visually appealing. (Might insert at the beginning to entice the audience)
• Background objects- (ideas: balloons, banners, drinks, gifts)

Camera Techniques 

Handheld: 

Lastly, I decided to incorporate a camera technique with the use of my iPhone: Handheld movement. The scene where Mary begins to walk hurriedly after discovering her husband’s secret will be filmed through an over-the-shoulder shot. I believe this will be the most difficult scene to film. I took the liberty to research these techniques that are filmed through an iPhone. Luckily, I found these two YouTube videos.

This one explains the Do’s and Don’ts.

The video explained how handheld movements are not easily made. This technique demonstrates the emotion the subject is carrying, which is perfect because Mary is negatively pacing towards her husband out of rage. The shakiness is meant to create discomfort, suspense, and fright of what is next. The experience and energy brought will allow the viewers to move along with the subject. The subtle imperfections provide a natural feeling, so handheld movement is not to be taken lightly. It must feel natural and intentional. To do that, I learned that it requires shoulder and hand stability as the cinematographer moves along with the subject.

How?

This video explains how to create that stability and control through handheld movement using an iPhone.

Key Takeaways:

• Glide with the camera (knees bend and slow movement)
• Exposure locked.
• 0.5 Shots create a wider clearer view of what is going on.
• Hand placement

Hand Placement Technique 

(Index holding the bottom of the phone)

(Thumb/Middle finger holding the side of the phone)

(The other hand’s index and thumb holding the top and bottom of the phone)

This creates stability.