Benson Marks Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 I'm planning on a career as a writer and director of movies and would like to know about shot sizes and focal lengths, as I hear they're important in directing. So what are the basics and where can I learn more about them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Adrian Sierkowski Posted October 17, 2008 Premium Member Share Posted October 17, 2008 Focal Lenght for any given shot will vary based upon the format and distance to subject. I'd recommend Katz's book, Shot By Shot, which will introduce you to the story-boarding methodology and go into all the shot types and the like in great detail. Simply put it is essentials Extreme Long Shot Long Shot Wide Shot Medium Wide Shot Medium Shot Close Up Extreme Close Up as well as POV (point of view) and OTS (Over the Shoulder). There is no exactly set size for each, 100% (a medium of a building will be much larger than a medium of an ant for example). http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/short/gramtv.html that's a good example. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benson Marks Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 Thanks for the info. I do have Katz's book, but I have to admit that it got boring and I stopped reading it. Looks like I have to get back to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Adrian Sierkowski Posted October 17, 2008 Premium Member Share Posted October 17, 2008 Yeah it's not the best of reads, but useful. Most books on cinematography do go into it though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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