When it comes to telling a story without words, the framing of the subject matter is crucial. For example, in the video linked below we see the subject engaging in a pre-game ritual. As the audience, we can infer the subject is preparing for a game by the shots of her putting on her shoes and ponytail. These slow and deliberate shots create an atmosphere of calm but focused preparedness, prepping for a battle on the court. We are also given the chance to gleam a deeper narrative from the basketball spot with the shot of the subject and her necklaces. These necklaces were given to her by grandmother and are an important part of the subject's confidence to play the game. The shot allows the audience to momentarily connect with the subject before we see her on the court, and provides us something to ponder as we walk with her towards the game. This feeling of walking with her is accomplished through the use of tracking and leading shots, which is then contrasted during the game with the use of fast-paced hand held shots. These shots were filmed moving on the court to create action and intensity, almost as if we are on the court with them. These were some quick breakdowns of our camera shots and expositions of the hidden narrative of the necklaces.
What types of camera shots and angles do you use in your videos to tell a story and set a pace? Let us know in the comments of the video!
