British Pathe

TV Training. Interesting training film for television cameramen.

Over blank screen, we hear voice-over explaining that the object of the film we are going to see is to give us some idea of the things camera operators should and shouldn't do.

We then see demonstrations of long shots,...

TV Training. Interesting training film for television cameramen.

Over blank screen, we hear voice-over explaining that the object of the film we are going to see is to give us some idea of the things camera operators should and shouldn't do.

We then see demonstrations of long shots, mid long shot, mid shot, close mid shot, close ups - all shots of a man in a tweed suit standing in a studio. Cross C/U of man talking to woman. Then one shot (man on own), two shot (man joined by woman) and three shot (joined by another man).

Instructions on how to frame shots - sequence includes upside down shot of man, sound boom operator at work, producer (man in wig), sitting at table and tearing his hair out, composition of different shots. Then we are shown panning shots as woman walks around and sits down; tracking (or zoom) in and out on woman's face; craning up and down (with unwanted camera jerks!). Right and wrong ways to use movement shots together.

Sequence illustrates cutting (of shots of man and woman talking), mixing, fade out and fade in (on ornaments on table). Importance of matching shots - wrong way to do it is demonstrated by cutting between shots of different lengths (man and woman talking). Right way shows both shots on a level that match together well. Correct matching demonstrated with woman sitting and man standing. Correct way to anticipate cuts from producer with movement shots of man and woman walking and getting up from chair. Importance of holding camera steady for mixing.

Use of different lenses and how they can distort perspective - wide angle and medium angle compared. Good shot of woman taking unlit cigarette out of mouth and holding it near camera so it looks enormous! Final shot demonstrates superimposition by vision mixer as credit 'Produced by William Skinner' over shot of the producer pulling out the last of his hair, wiping his face with it and sticking it on his chin!