Cinematography - Activity 2
The filmmakers had to be very patient and also had to use a variety of different techniques to capture the images that we see in the film.
In some places, they have used 'time lapse photography' where we see things that might take days or weeks happening in just a few seconds. In other places, slow motion is used to help us see all the details of things that happen in a flash.
One example of slow motion in the film is the Great White Shark catching a seal. You can see the clip, and learn more about slow motion, by visiting the Earth website - go to making of / Blue water, slow death.
- How does slow motion help you understand what you are seeing on the screen? What do you learn from this clip about slow motion photography?
- Can you explain what you see in the clip, moment by moment? How does it make you feel, watching it in slow motion? What would you miss if you were watching it at normal speed?
Task
Watch the clip of the polar bear mother and her cubs on the Earth website - go to Cast / Polar bear to watch the clip.- What can we see the polar bear and her cubs doing?
- How do you feel about the bears?
- Can you name some of the different camera angles used? *
- How do you think these different camera angles help us to understand and sympathise with the bears?
- How does the voiceover help you understand the images you are seeing? What extra information does the voiceover give you?
* You can find more information about camera angles in Film Education's storyboard Resource.