Techniques in moving image (video, film, and animation)

Understanding Moving Image Techniques

Moving image is a form of visual storytelling; it captures our perspective on the world in motion picture form.
It allows the creator to depict their concepts and ideas using more dimensions than static images.
Moving image media includes video, film, and animation, each of which have distinct production mechanisms.
Each form can use different techniques such as composition, lighting, and sound to create different emotional responses from the viewer.

Types of Moving Image Techniques

Panning and Tilting: Camera movements that horizontally or vertically capture a broader view of the scene.
Zooming In and Out: Adjusting the camera lens or moving the camera closer or further to vary the perspective of the scene.
Tracking Shots: The camera follows a moving object or person, creating a sense of movement and dynamism.
Montage: A series of short shots are edited into a sequence to condense space, time, and information.
Jump Cut: An abrupt cut between two shots for dramatic effect and to progress the narrative.

Essentials of Animation and Film

Keyframes: Essential positions or frames in time that the animator creates for the action to follow.
Storyboarding: A sequence of drawings representing the shots planned for a video or film.
Stop Motion Animation: A technique where an object is physically manipulated in small increments and photographed each time, creating the illusion of movement when the frames are played as a sequence.
CGI (Computer Generated Imagery): Using computers to create animated graphics for videos or films.

Key Software for Moving Image Production

Adobe Premiere Pro: Industry-leading video editing software for film, TV, and the web with a complete toolkit for crafting footage into polished films and videos.
Final Cut Pro: A professional video editing application offering advanced editing features and support for RAW formats.
After Effects: A motion graphics and visual effects software used for post-production processes in film and television.

Gaining a deep understanding of the techniques in moving image production can improve the quality of your films, animations, or videos. Strong skills in this medium can significantly expand the types of visual narratives you can produce as an artist.