How to use visual language for documentary filming. The Long Shot.

Production Workshop #14: THE LONG SHOT

Every time you think about your documentary, you need to also think about the shots and the types of shot you need; and why you need them. Over the next few weeks I will go into detail over the shots which will give some nuance, energy and dynamism to your work.


When thinking about cameras when unsure, the advise below is paramount:

"The intimacy and rapport you develop with your subject is more important at this point than mastering technical craft. Consider shooting your first video with a smartphone or an easy-to-use consumer camcorder to keep things simple. If you already own a video camera that is capable of shooting high definition video, use that. When you’re starting out, the best camera is the one you have.” David Tamés

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh from Pexels

Cinematic Language: THE LONG SHOT

A long shot shows the entire subject from head to toe and shows the subject in relation to the surroundings.

It is often taken at a distance so that we can get a real feel for the place. It is sometimes called a “Full Shot.” Or a “Wide Shot.”
  
WHY DO WE USE THE LONG SHOT?

• Establish setting
• Tone of film. The feeling of film
• To show relation between subject and space
  

It is not about the lens you use, as you can get a long shot with almost any lens, it is about the artistic decisions you will make for your documentary.

"At the end of the viewing experience, most stories are judged on their emotional satisfaction, of which well applied visual language is always a powerful tool. It is possible to tell an effective story without it, but always more satisfying when present."

Patrick Gregston,
Board of Editors Guild.

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Author: Asheeshmamgain CC Attribution 2.0 Generic license

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Photo:(CC license)
In the photo above, the subjects are the cars.

• Watch as many documentaries as you can
• Be curious
• Try and see how directors create their camera shots.
  
• What makes the documentary exciting?
  

AUTHOR: Charles Nadeau: CC Attribution 2.0 Generic license

The Sea Hut. Jeanne Pope

The Cars. Hu Chen

Spider Vine. Jeanne Pope

Violette's Playground. Photo: Jeanne Pope

This long shot of my granddaughter shows her in the environment, and is placed in relation to the space around her.


REMEMBER

Make a film schedule. This way you know where to go, when to go, and you can prepare the sort of footage you want to get.

Even in lockdown we can continue to work.

Experiment and have fun

Consider different elements you will or could use:

• Will you use voice-over?
• Sit down interviews?
• Interviews on the go?
• Found footage?
• Drone?
• Music?
• Photographs - stills?
• Animation?
• Graphics?

iphoneProMax 11
FLIMIC PRO APP
Review on iphone shooting
It might be worth thinking about using a cell phone to shoot with.

Frédéric Paulussen @fredography for Unsplash