In this book Kurt Lancaster uses a number of short film examples to explain how to achieve a cinematic look using a DSLR, covering everything from pre-production and story development through to post-production, sound design and colour grading. The cinematography information is especially relevant as the most referenced camera for tips and recommended settings is the Canon 5D Mark II, and we will be using the Canon 5D Mark III for our film. Below I have summarized the most relevant information from the book:
- All character movements and blocking need to be motivated and grounded in the story or they will appear weak.
- Camera movement and blocking are intrinsically tied together, and must reflect the emotion of the scene.
- Make a shot list of shots needed to tell the story and the emotional shift within it. Consider eyelines at the stage and shots that you can condense into one movement for better efficiency.
- When deciding between using hand-held or static camera, let the story determine the emotion and understand the effect each has on your audience.
- Key lighting can be placed in a number of different positions for different effects: side, back, 3/4 rear, front etc.
- Change the colour temperature throughout the day - get the in-camera look to as close as possible because colour space is compressed and limiting. Morning = 3400k. Midday = 5200-5500k. Sunset ~3400k
- Don't use the LCD screen to expose - use the exposure metering system on screen to get a more accurate result.
- Best settings for reduced noise levels on 5D Mark II are ISO 160, 320, 640, 800 and 1250.
- DSLR Picture styles - shoot flat, faithful or neutral, to give as much options as possible for colour correction/grading afterwards. Recommended settings for 5D Mark II: Sharpness 0, Saturation -1, Contrast 0 and Colour Tone 0.
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