Outstanding Cinematography For A Single-Camera Series
As mentioned before, great cinematographers are very selective about their projects. They will not work on something they do not feel passionate about, so it is important to know what types of styles and genres appeal to them.
For many professional filmmakers, stills are one of the most powerful tools in their arsenal. Many use them alone as decorations or to convey a theme or emotion to the scene. Others use them to tell an interesting story on their own!
Many people take still photography more seriously than shooting video, which can sometimes make creating beautiful cinematic shots difficult. Luckily, there are many ways you can learn how to shoot video effectively using stills as references!
This article will talk about some tips and tricks for taking creative pictures while filming to help you achieve your artistic goal. You do not need to be trained as a photographer to include some básic (basic) concepts in picture taking.
Breaking Bad
One of the most well known pieces of cinematographic art is that of Walter White, Heisenberg. The way his character was portrayed in each season has changed slightly, but never really altered. His appearance changes with seasons, and how he dresses reflects what job he is trying to fit into at the time.
However, what does not change are his shades. Walter is a very serious individual, so his shades reflect this. In the beginning episodes of the show, we see mostly dark shades. As the series progresses, we begin to see some lighter colors come through.
The final look for these shades comes towards the end when Walter begins using methamphetamine as his drug of choice. These shades become almost white due to all of the dust from producing the powder. Overall, the use of color and lighting adds to the depth and intensity of the scenes they’re used in.
True Blood
With its beautifully lit landscapes, gorgeously choreographed fight scenes, and hauntingly emotional sequences, there’s really nothing like watching a season of TV shot with quality cinematography.
That is why it makes sense that one of the most acclaimed shows of all time is also among the highest praised for its incredible eye-catching visuals.
Created by Alan Ball, who wrote for other hit series such as Six Feet Under and Nip/Tuck, true blood follows the story of Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), a telepathic waitress in small town Louisiana. When she is brutally attacked in her home, she finds herself drawn into the world of vampires.
By exploring themes including racial tension, human superiority over animals, and vampire supremacy, the show consistently delivers powerful statements about our society. These messages are not only entertaining to watch, but they stick with you long after you have finished viewing.
One example of this comes towards the end of the show when Eric (Alexander Skarsgard) decapitates his former self before reattaching their head. The way he does so captures everyone’s attention due to how artistic and clever it is. It is also very shocking which adds some degree of suspense.
This kind of storytelling was made possible through the use of excellent camera angles, special effects, and creative lighting. All these things combine together to create an immersive experience that gives viewers the feeling they are part of the scene.
The Wire
One of the most recognizable styles in television is that of The Wire, which has become synonymous with gritty realism. This style was first seen in the 2001-2008 series Rome, where each episode focused on one story arc.
The way this is executed is by having only one setting per scene, and using long continuous takes to create an effect of constant flow from start to finish. There are no cutaways or backdrops other than those necessary to advance the plot.
Because there’s not much happening outside of what relates to the storyline, the cinematographer will use lighting, color, and composition to add depth and emotion to the scenes. They’ll also emphasize natural light over studio lights when possible.
The overall look comes across as being very real and unvarnished, giving off a sense of authority and respect. When you consider how powerful a medium TV is, it makes sense why this style became so popular.
It's tough to watch some episodes of The Wire without feeling emotionally drained. And I think that has something to do with the incredible quality of craft displayed during the show's run.
Freaks and Geeks
While not every scene in an episodic TV show has to be totally cinematic, there are several that are very close. For the finale of The Walking Dead season five, director Greg Nicotero crafted what many call one of the greatest cliffhangers ever.
The episode begins with Rick (Andrew Lincoln) leading his group out into the open countryside after they have just left the prison where most of the survivors had gathered since the zombie outbreak began. A truck approaches them, but before it gets too close, something strange happens - the windshield explodes!
This is followed by some quick editing as we see someone or something running away from the vehicle. Then, the camera cuts back inside the car, revealing the driver’s seat empty except for blood. It then slowly zooms up the glass, showing only bone fragments and skin hanging off pieces of cracked skull.
After a few seconds, the screen fades to black and the credits roll. When the next episode airs, viewers will either watch the ending drawn up ahead or wait for another cliffhanger.
Many believe this sequence was the best way to end the series because it leaves you wondering if anyone survived the crash or not. Either way, it makes for an incredible experience.
A good amount of attention goes into creating strong cinematography including finding the right settings and lighting for each shot. More advanced photographers may also use moving lights or other tools to create additional effects.
Sex and the City
As mentioned earlier, sex is an integral part of the show’s narrative. Therefore, it is important to emphasize not only how beautiful the settings are but also how well the camera is used to convey intimacy or desire.
The show does this through its use of natural light, long exposures, and close ups. For example, in one scene Carrie and her boyfriend make love after she breaks up with him. The setting is their apartment, so there is no sense of outside influence. Thus, the only source of light comes from the kitchen where there is a small window. This creates a very intimate feel, making the space seem even smaller.
Another instance of using natural light beautifully is when Miranda makes eye contact with someone at a party for the first time. Her gaze lingers just enough time to let them know she notices them before moving onto another person. It gives off a slight romantic vibe without being too obvious.
In terms of longer exposure times, these create more dramatic effect. An example of this is when Samantha and Patrick break up. During the scene they have a conversation in bed while he looks down at his phone. After several minutes pass, you see his hand move closer towards hers as if asking for her touch. Then, she removes her hands and puts them under the covers next to his leg.
This creating a feeling of longing and desperation which is perfect for breaking up scenes.
The Sopranos
As mentioned before, The Sopranos is considered to be one of the greatest television series ever made. What makes this show so special are its outstanding cinematographic shots that enhance the plot and liven up the screen. Some examples include Tony’s brutal murder scenes, his conversations with other characters, and even just some still pictures or scenery.
The first example we will look at comes in the second episode of season two. In this scene, Carmela is getting ready to go out to dinner with her best friend Mandy. While she was putting lotion on her hands, there is a quick cut to an overhead shot of her looking into the mirror. She then starts talking to herself as if she were having a conversation with someone else, which adds depth to the character and creates an interesting narrative rhythm.
This technique can also be used when establishing setting or creating atmosphere. For instance, during the final showdown between Tony and Christopher, there is a very long take where they face off. Both actors deliver their lines extremely well and it becomes more dramatic due to the length of time it takes to get through the line.
These types of extended shots add focus to the acting and storytelling, making the viewer invested in the outcome since you have given them enough time to form an opinion. They also contribute heavily to the overall aesthetic appeal of the show by enhancing the quality and consistency of filming.
Doctor Who
As mentioned before, great cinematographic styles come from lots of sources. The way to learn new techniques is by studying what others have done. Watching many movies with good camera work can help you find your style.
The first step in developing your own personal style is to become familiar with the current trends in cinematography. Many movie studios hire professional cameramen who are able to express their artistic vision through filming techniques. These artists influence other people’s ideas about how to use lighting, focus, and rhythm to tell a story.
You can also look into the films of past years to see how different directors used light and space to create an effect. There are many ways to apply these tricks to your own film!
There are several websites that feature stills and videos taken using amateur equipment. By experimenting with such material, you will be exposed to various approaches without spending too much money.
The Great Gatsby
Many people consider The Great Gatsby to be one of the greatest films ever made. It is arguably one of the greatest stories ever told, and it boasts some truly outstanding cinematography. While many may not agree with that assessment, there’s no denying how beautifully shot this movie is.
The Great Gatsby takes place in the early years of the Roaring Twenties. Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) is living his best life while throwing lavish parties at night and partying during the day. He has everything he could want - but something is missing.
Jay grows close to another person who knows him well, Daisy Buchanan (Bella Heathcote). But she loves “the rich kid” more than anything else, so their relationship fizzles out as soon as she finds someone new.
It’s hard to tell if what we are watching is a success or failure until the final minutes of the film.