Aspects of Cinematography To Be Used in My Project, Part 1 – Shots and Movement

 AS Level Media Studies Final Project

January 20th, 2026, Post 8

Aspects of Cinematography To Be Used in My Project, Part 1 – Shots and Movement:

   One of the shots that I absolutely want to include within my project is a tracking shot. I want this tracking shot to be much longer than most of the other shots within the opening, and follow only one character within a set FOV, or field of view. I think it would be best if the character that is to be followed were to be one of the more active characters, obviously. I would want for this shot to be all around the house and the backyard, as to give examples of the family's living conditions. I also think it would be best if the camera that would be following the subject would always have the character's back facing the camera. This would add some characterization to whichever character I choose.

(This is a tracking shot from the film 'The Shining.' This is considered one of the most famous shots in film history. The way it is shot is rather similar to the way I want my tracking shot to turn out in my final project, hence why I'm including this picture in this post.)

    I think it would be best if I were to use a form of a Steadicam for the tracking shot, as a more handheld 'feel' would add nothing to the shot, and in some ways hinder it as well. Wide shots will, of course, be heavily utilized throughout my project, possibly for the scene in which the family is eating and watching the propaganda channels. I've never truly been a fan of mid-shots, and they won't really be used, but may be used if the situation calls for it. Close-ups are obviously a staple within almost every film, and could be useful in highlighting the government's importance in the family's life, with propaganda and whatnot. Over-the-shoulder shots will also be used as well, most likely during character's conversations. Overall, tracking shots, wide shots, close-ups, and OTS shots will be the main camera shots used during the opening.