Framing and camera movement
Lesson 5 of 7 · 15 minutes of practice
Choose shots that explain the scene without adding unnecessary movement.
1. The shot decides what matters
A wide shot shows the setting. A medium shot relates the subject to its action. A close-up emphasizes a detail. You do not need all three in every project: choose according to the information you want to show.
2. Action is not camera movement
"The hand opens the notebook" describes the subject. "The camera moves closer" describes the camera. Write them separately to spot when you are asking for too much in one shot. If both complicate the result, keep one still.
3. Three comparable instructions
A: wide shot of a notebook on a table; static camera. B: close-up of the notebook; static camera. C: close-up; slow move closer. Keep the object, light and setting the same so the comparison is useful.
4. Working prompt
Close-up of a generic open notebook on a table. Pages without text, soft light from the left. The subject stays still. The camera slowly moves closer. Preserve the notebook's shape and avoid new objects.
5. Review the full movement
Do not judge only the first frame. Watch the beginning, middle and end; look for changes in shape, jumps or elements that appear for no reason. If the shot fails, reduce the movement or simplify the action before adding instructions.
Your practice
- 1Draw the same object in a wide shot and a close-up.
- 2Write one version with a static camera and another with a single movement.
- 3Explain what information each version adds or loses.
- 4If you generate clips, review the beginning, middle and end; record the priority flaw without hiding it.