Author: Lorraine Singletary

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Analog vs Digital

What is an Analog 

An electrical copy of the original  stimulus.

The signals are continuous waves. They can represent natural phenomena like sound or light.

Never skip any part of the original signal.

Ex, somebody singing into a microphone.

What is Digital

Digital is a series of 1’s and 0’s.

A digital signal is discontinuous.

Digital signals can be compressed, and analog signals cannot.

Codecs

Codecs are compressions and decompressions systems.

For example:

Quicktime has its own codecs for sending files over the internet.

Apple has its own codecs.

Why Digital?

Unlimited copies with the last one looking just as good as the original.

You can compress signals to save storage space.

Allows you to manipulate pictures and sound in a controlled way.

Downloading and Streaming

Downloading means files are sent as data packets that are often out of order.

Streaming means you can open the file and listen while the data delivery is still in progress.

The Pros & Cons Of Film Vs Digital

Hollywood utilized analog cameras for a very long period because the filmmakers loved the aesthetic appeal of chemical film, and the image quality was unmatched for a very long time.

What is film stock?

Film stock is a physical analog medium used for recording images made from celluloid and coated with light-sensitive gelatin emulsion. Light is used to capture an image onto the film; it is later developed under a specific chemical process and produces the images. Film stock comes in different sizes and styles; they are also differentiated by their chemical make-up, size of film grain, and color retention.

Photo by Frederic Rolland

Pros of film

  • More control over camera settings. Film gives you complete control over exposure (amount of light that reaches the film), shutter speed, and the development process.
  • High dynamic range. Film is better at capturing subtle details and color contrasts, especially between black and white.
  • Film grain. One of the most characteristic qualities of film is the film grain that some film stocks have. Many directors love the quality of film grain within a picture. This is, of course, a stylistic preference.
  • Lower initial costs. Traditional film cameras are generally cheaper than digital cameras.
  • More purposeful shooting. Film rolls have a limited number of film. Shooting with film makes you really think about every single frame that you’re capturing. “You must be mindful instead of shooting in rapid fire.”

Cons of film

  • Time-consuming development process. Unlike digital where we can instantly see the footage after it is taken, cinematographers have to wait until the film is developed to see if their footage turned out well.
  • More consistent costs over time. Continuously buying rolls of film will add up over the years. While many believe the extra cost is worth the benefits, some cinematographers may find purchasing a memory card (for their digital cameras) much more economical.

Pros of digital

https://fixthephoto.com/
  • Digital filmmaking is accessible. Relatively low cost and user friendly, digital recording equipment is the personal computer of the film industry. While this could be seen as a threat to the establishment, these new voices in film can also inspire others and bring new energy to the film industry.
  • Editing is simple. Like digital recording equipment, editing equipment for digital film is affordable and also easy to master. Postproduction can be less cumbersome in the digital world. If someone with no training in digital film editing can do a reasonable job on their Mac, imagine what someone with digital filmmaking career training could do.
  • Digital distribution reaches a wide audience. You no longer need a big marketing budget to reach a wide audience. Today, your movie could take off on YouTube. Digitally formatted films aren’t bound to traditional distribution methods.A little success could open big doors for your film career.
  • Digital projection saves money. The cost to make and ship a 35mm print is approximately $1,500 while the cost to make a hard drive containing a digital movie is $150. A digital print won’t break or scratch and the format presents the ability for theaters to show alternate programming, such as live theater and opera.
  • https://www.allartschools.com/filmmaking/digital-filmmaking-career/
  • See the image you are shooting in real time. For some cinematographers, one of the best advantages to digital cinematography is the ability to playback or see the image you are shooting in real time. Adjustments can be made immediately and there is no need to wait for the image to develop to see if you got the shot you envisioned. 

Cons of digital photography

  • Higher sensitivity. Digital cameras tend to be more sensitive to changes in temperature and moisture, which means they may be less suited to certain shoots and situations like those in snow, rain, or humidity.
  • Requires battery power. While you can take many more photos with a digital camera compared to a film camera, the amount of time you spend getting the perfect photo may be limited by your camera’s battery life.
  • More distraction during photo shoots. “Digital photography can be more distracting in the moment because, as a human, I can’t resist the urge to look at what I’ve just shot,” says Rubin.
  • Time-consuming review process. When you have hundreds or even thousands of takes after a video shoot, you may spend a significant amount of time editing.
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History, Image Formation, SD vs HD

 

History of Films/Cameras

Early on 1800’s there were only stills/pictures. Eastman Kodak developed the first celluloid film. However, there were no motion film or movies.

In the 1870’s Eadweard Muybridge experimented with moving images / motion (horse legs in motion). 

Persistence Of Vision

Persistence of vision is the optical phenomenon where the illusion of motion is created because the brain interprets multiple still images as one. When multiple images appear in fast enough succession, the brain blends them into a single, persistent, moving image. 

Thomas Edison and William Kennedy Dickson invented the first early motion picture camera.

How do cameras work?

Video cameras transduce (translate) the optical image that the lens sees into a video picture. Essentially, the camera converts  the optical image into electrical signals that’s read by a television receiver.

How does this occur?

Light that bounces off an  object passes through the lens, that light is turned into an electrical charge that hits the camera’s video sensor. This results in the camera’s video image.

How are video images formed?

The basic video image is composed of many tiny dots called pixels (picture elements). They are arranged in a stack of vertical and horizontal lines.

To produce the image the pixels have a mixture of primary colors called RGB (red, green, blue).

Pixels are scanned when they receive an electrical charge. The scanning cycle is either “progressive or interlaced.”

Progressive scanning: Pixels are scanned from left to right from the top to the bottom completing a video image.

Interlaced scanning: Pixels are scanned by every other line (skips a line), reading only the odd numbers. The next scan reads the even numbers and a complete picture is produced.

SD VS HD

In video or digital photography, the resolution is the ability of a video or digital camera to record details, such as the number of pixels and their size.

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HW#1 Scene Analysis

DUE: November 21st, 2023

(1 to 2 pages, double-spaced, 12 point font)

For this assignment, you will choose a short film clip (no more than 3 minutes) and analyze it in terms of its composition, lens choice, lighting, depth of field and use of color. What can you tell about the framing, camera placement, shot sizes, camera height?  What type of depth of field: shallow or great? What type of lighting: was it high key or low key? What can you tell about the shadows? The use of color? Most importantly, why were those choices made, in your opinion?  What were the filmmakers going for? What were they trying to express?

Please go to YouTube, select a scene and post the link on Blackboard along with your analysis.

You will also present part of the scene in class. Make sure you clip is accessible on the day of the presentation. Each of you will have 3-5 minutes to show part of the clip and present your findings. There will be time for one or two questions after each presentation.  

Here are some examples!

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HW# 2 Visual Language Assignment: Look Book

DUE: January 9, 2024

Pick from the list 3 themes. You will take 3 images of each theme and create a “Look Book” of Visual Language. Archive each assignment in a separate folder for each theme.

All of the folders should be in one folder entitled: “Visual Language Look Book.” You will present this in class towards the end of the semester.
Examples of each theme can be seen below.

Themes
1 – Repetition
2 – Leading Lines
3 – Unique Shapes
4 – Shadows
5 – Architecture
6 – Landscape – Panoramas

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Production Cycle, Production Crew

Pre Production – Planning stage

Director – Creative, Turns scripts into movie, test shooting

Director of Photography – Creative, Responsible for the look of the film.

Script Writer – Write the film

Producer – Handles the business side. Responsible for hiring, firing, budget, insurance

Location Scout – Find great locations to shoot

Production – Filming stage

AD (Assistant Director) – Director’s right hand. Keeps the set running smoothly.

Director of photography or Cinematographer – Head of camera department. Creates the look as far as lighting, composition, etc.

Camera Dept – Gaffer – Head electrical, 1st asst. 2nd asst

Grips – Move equipment

Production designer – Set design. Works with props, creates atmosphere for film. Hair, makeup, wardrobe.

Post Production – Editing, finishing touches

Editing film – Cut footage together

Color correction – Fix any color issues

Color grading – Create a special look / mood / theme

Sound mixing- Calibrate audio levels, combine diifferent sources of audio

Sound design – sound effects, score, soundtrack, etc

Graphics

Production Crew Members

Photo by Sippakorn Yamkasikorn

Director

At the start of a project, they are responsible for reviewing and interpreting scripts, establishing the film’s tone, and choosing their assistant directors. Directors then begin working with other department heads on set, including those involved with casting, design, and camera work.

Director of Photography (DP) / Cinematographer

The director of photography (also known as DP or cinematographer) works with the director to design each shot and makes decisions on what lens, filter, and lighting to use to achieve the desired look of the project. They are responsible for both the artistic and technical details involved when filming. The DP is often the second most senior member of a production crew behind the director and oversees the camera and lighting crews.

Camera Operator

While filming, the camera operator is the person who physically controls and moves the camera. They work with the director of photography to ensure each shot meets the director’s vision. Stand-Ins work closely with the director of photography, camera operator, and assistant cameras. If you’re booked as a Stand-In, it’s a good idea to get to know the camera crew on set.

First Assistant Camera

First assistant cameras (1st AC or focus puller) are responsible for maintaining and pulling focus while filming a scene. They also put together the camera at the beginning of the day and take it apart when filming has finished.

Second Assistant Camera

The second assistant camera (2nd AC) labels and operates the clapper/slate for every take. When shooting on film, it’s their job to load and unload the film in the camera. They also maintain the records and paperwork of the camera crew.

Grips

A grip is a technician on a production crew who is responsible for building and maintaining camera and lighting set-ups. They assemble and build the dollies, tracks, cranes, and other equipment needed to film a shot. There are different kinds of grips, including the key grip who is the head of set operations and dolly grips who operate camera dollies and cranes.

Gaffer

The gaffer is the lead technician of a production crew and is responsible for all the lighting set-ups for filming. While the director of photography is in charge of creating the project’s overall aesthetic, the gaffer finds a way to make their vision a reality.

Boom Operator

As part of the sound department, the main responsibility of the boom operator is to hold the boom mic (a long pole with a microphone attached) near the actors, but out of view of the camera. When needed, they also place microphones on the actors or around the set.

Production Designer

The production designer’s job is to create the overall visual aesthetic of a TV show or movie, including the set designs and costumes. They work with the director and DP to visualized the desired look of the production.

Script Supervisor

It’s the script supervisor’s job to maintain the continuity of the production. They take notes on every shot, keeping track of blocking, props used, and other details to make sure everything is the same from shot to shot. If there are inconsistencies, the script supervisor will tell the director so they can reshoot the scenes.

Knowing the on-set production crew members will help you be successful when you’re booked by Central Casting. Want to know what else you can do to be a pro on set? Know these common production terms and find out what dress codes really mean so you can show up with the perfect wardrobe.

Source: https://www.centralcasting.com/production-crew-members-you-should-know/?location=newyork