The world of cinematography is a world full of creativity and innovation. One very important aspect of filmmaking is shooting cinematic videos. Good video shooting techniques can draw the audience into the story, create a mood, and improve the visual quality of the film.
Cinematic Video
Cinematic video is a style of video creation that imitates the look and feel of feature films, with the aim of providing a rich and immersive visual experience. The term "cinematic" comes from the word "cinema" which means cinema, referring to the quality and style of storytelling that is similar to films shown in cinemas. This type of video emphasizes visual composition, careful lighting, and smooth editing to create a strong dramatic and emotional effect.
By using special shooting and editing techniques, cinematic videos are able to attract the attention of the audience and leave a memorable impression. Aspects such as a wide aspect ratio, distinctive lighting, careful composition, focus on objects with a blurred background, smooth camera movements, and the use of high-quality sound and music are some of the characteristics that differentiate cinematic videos from ordinary videos. Apart from that, color grading that is adapted to the scenario and highlighting the story and characters in the video is also a characteristic of cinematic videos.
Cinematic Video Capture Techniques
Here are six cinematic video shooting techniques that you can play to improve the quality of your videos.
Pan & Tilt
Pan movement is when the camera moves horizontally, while tilt is vertical movement. These two movements are very basic but effective for following a subject or exploring the surrounding environment. With smooth, controlled movements, pan and tilt can add dimension and depth to a scene.
Tracking Shot
Tracking shot is a technique where the camera moves to follow the subject. This can be done using a dolly, steadicam, or even a drone. Tracking shots are very useful for scenes that require constant movement, such as chase scenes or when introducing the audience to a new setting.
Crane Shot
A crane shot involves using a crane to lift the camera into the air, providing a wider and more dramatic perspective. This technique is often used to show the large scale of a location or to provide a strong emotional effect, such as when ending a film with a sweeping view.
Handheld Shot
Handheld shot is when the camera is held directly by the camera operator. This style creates a more intimate and realistic effect, as if the audience is inside the scene. Handheld shots are very effective for scenes that want to show tension or rawness.
Zoom In & Zoom Out
Zoom in and zoom out are techniques that change the focal length of the camera lens to move closer or further away from the subject. Although often avoided because it can look unnatural, when used properly, zooms can add a dramatic effect or draw the viewer's attention to important details.
The Jib Shot
A jib shot is similar to a crane shot, but uses a jib, which is a more compact and portable device. Jib shots allow the camera to move up, down, and across space smoothly, often used to add dynamics to a scene without the need for large equipment such as cranes.
Mastering these techniques requires practice and experimentation. Each technique has a right place and time to use it, and a good understanding of when and how to apply it will greatly improve the quality of your video production. In addition, combining several of these techniques in one scene can create a very cinematic and stunning effect.
Difference between Cinematic and Non-Cinematic Video
The main difference between cinematic and non-cinematic videos lies in the style and purpose of making the video. Cinematic videos, as the name suggests, attempt to emulate the aesthetics of feature films, using sophisticated shooting and editing techniques to create a dramatic and emotional look. This often involves wide aspect ratios, careful lighting, interesting compositions, focus on objects with blurred backgrounds, smooth camera movements, and the use of high-quality sound and music. On the other hand, non-cinematic videos usually do not prioritize these cinematic aspects and may focus more on conveying content or information in a direct and simple way.
Different Duration
Cinematic videos often have a shorter duration and are made for artistic or commercial purposes, such as music videos, advertisements, or short films. They are designed to grab the viewer's attention and often use a strong visual narrative to convey a story or emotion. In contrast, non-cinematic videos may include event documentation, tutorials, or vlogs, which may be longer and focus less on visual aesthetics and more on content and clarity of information.
Camera Equipment
In terms of equipment, cinematic videos may require more sophisticated cameras and accessories, including special lenses, stabilizers, and professional lighting equipment, while non-cinematic videos can be made with simpler equipment. The editing process for cinematic videos also tends to be more complex, often involving color grading, visual effects, and careful audio editing to create an immersive experience.
Overall, cinematic videos are about creating a film-like experience, with a focus on aesthetics and the viewer's experience, while non-cinematic videos focus more on function and conveying clear information.
Remember that tools do not make the artist. The camera and equipment you use are just tools to help you realize your creative vision. The most important thing is how you use these tools to tell the story in a way that is interesting and arouses the audience's emotions.
Hopefully this article can help you understand and apply cinematic video shooting techniques. Keep experimenting and don't be afraid to try new things. The world of cinematography is an infinite world, and you are the director. Happy creating!