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.
Examples of slow motion in the film include the ducklings jumping from their nest in the tree, the cheetah chasing the gazelle, or the Great White Shark catching a seal.
- Why do you think these particular scenes are shown in slow motion? What would you miss if you were watching it at normal speed?
- Choose one example of slow motion in the film. Can you explain what you see in the clip, moment by moment? How does it make you feel, watching it in slow motion?
- Now draw three key images of your chosen slow-motion sequence that show what happens.
Task
The first chapter of the DVD focuses on a polar bear family.- 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 to show the polar bear family?
- 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?