Cinematography & Videography Exercise

If I were a cinematographer reshooting the Northern Exposure scene we saw Tuesday, how might I change the following cinematographic aspects? How how would that change affect the viewer's understanding of the scene?

1. Discuss the aspect assigned to your group and be prepared to explain what it is to the class.
2. Imagine how you might hypothetically have shot this scene differently. What impact would these cinematographic changes have on the viewer?

Group One

• Explain what focal length is -- using the textbook illustrations.
• How does a zoom in/out look different from a track in/out?

Group Two

• Explain what depth of field is -- using the textbook illustrations.
• What is the difference between deep focus and deep space (as in mise-en-scene)?

Group Three

• Explain what aspect ratio is -- using the textbook illustrations.
• Also explain letterbox and pan-and-scan.

Group Four

• Explain the significance of camera framing, height, and movement -- using the textbook illustrations.
• When might movement be used that does not follow a character? How is a Steadicam shot different from a handheld shot?