DURATION: 2 hours
KEY TOPICS
- Exploring and analyzing camera shots and angles in media texts
- Developing a shot list for camera work
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After completing this unit, teachers will be able to:
- Identify and analyze the use of camera shots and angles in a variety of media and information texts
- Analyze the effect of particular shots and angles on the messages conveyed and on audiences
- Select appropriate camera work to capture an event, such as a political rally or debate, or a community festival or celebration
PEDAGOGICAL APPROACHES and ACTIVITIES
- Survey the media to find examples of media and information texts that make effective use of one or more of the camera shots and angles listed in the box at the end of the module. Consider checking newspaper photographs, television news footage, film clips or clips from television programmes. Describe the meaning that is conveyed through the camera ‘languages’ used in each text
- Find an example of a still image or photograph, a clip from a television programme or news footage. Examine it closely. Describe how the subject is positioned in the photo or footage. What impression is conveyed as a result? Describe how the audience is positioned in relation to the subject. If you were to substitute a different camera angle or shot, how could this change the meaning conveyed through the photo or footage?
- Imagine you are a videographer or photographer covering a political rally or community festival or celebration. What camera angles and types of shots would you choose to use in your coverage and why? Develop a shot list for covering the event. How would this camera work help to convey the necessary information and the desired impression of the event?