Considering cinematography and camera work in 3D space is imperative to creating effective and well-considered motion pictures. Learning and adapting Ideas for the below video, I intended to create two establishing shots utilising the camera sequencer feature in Maya.
(17) How to Speak Movie Part 1: The Camera – YouTube
Sequence 1
For this first test, I used this mountain terrain environment to consider a larger environmental establishing shot that eventually draws the viewer to a small ‘cabin’ in by the central lake. This goes from a wide shot to a slow pan down, to a zoom shot that focuses on the central point where a potential plot will be developed.
The cameras used in this workshop imitate the functions of those in real life, being restricted to a ‘dolly’ track which in real life only allows the camera to go from side to side attached to a track. Using this method in 3D space makes more authentical and life-like camera motions in a ‘fake’ and forcibly intentional space.
The camera sequencer works in the way multiple separate playblasts from the separate cameras would once be edited in video software but takes away the additional step so it is simple to preview in Maya. This will prove effective for shot planning and production efforts later on in my work so that cinematography can be planned later on without the requirement of additional software.
Sequence 2
Contrary to the previous shot which was slower and more relaxed in pace, for the next sequence I wanted to test a faster paced and more ‘tense’ environment through shot creation that will help build a story in 4 shots. A fast pan shot to establish the speed of the cars, a pan shot to establish the number of people, hinting towards and city environment, and two close-ups to establish a potential interaction.