A push in is a camera move that actually moves the camera closer to the subject, regardless of the technical method of achieving that movement. Pushing in adds more intensity to shots, and can connect an audience more to a character or any subject. Pushing in the camera also be used to indicate when a character understands something.
- In this tutorial we're going to actually look…at moving the camera, and perhaps the most basic…of all camera moves is the push in.…This is when the camera essentially…just gets closer to our subject.…Again, we'lL talk more about the mechanics of this…in the Cinematography course, but this can be done…on a dolly, on a slider, with a handheld camera,…with a drone, it really doesn't matter.…Though I should point out that many young filmmakers…try to do this by using a zoom lens.…Zooming with the lens is great…for shots in action sequences like this,…but zooming in is not pushing in.…
Scaling up the clip in post-production is not pushing in.…There are some perspective changes that we just sense,…consciously or subconsciously,…where the camera actually moves.…So however you push in to get…the real emotional impact for the audience,…you typically need to actually move the camera.…As we push in to the subject…we get more intimate with them.…This is great for monologues, like this one in Jaws.…- I'll never put on a life jacket again.…
Author
Chad Perkins
Released
8/18/2016Watch and learn how to shoot a script, using visual motifs, atmospherics, framing, and different types of shots to tell the film's story. Find out how to give direction to your crew and be a good leader, while staying on budget and on schedule. Plus, get tips to improve shots during retakes or in post, and to become a better director, storyteller, and communicator.
Note: Like the rest of the Creating a Short Film series, this course was shot during the production of The Assurance. It offers a unique window into the actual struggles and challenges filmmakers have to overcome to get films made. Find the rest of the courses in the series on Chad's author page.
- What a director does
- Interpreting the script
- Scouting locations
- Choosing the tone and theme of the film
- Using motifs
- Shaping the story through visuals
- Being a good leader on set
- Respecting budgets and schedules
- Planning shots
- Moving the camera: on a tripod or dolly or in handheld shots
- Using rolling takes
- Framing shots
- Adding atmospherics
- Directing in post-production
- Becoming a better director
Skill Level Intermediate
Duration
Views
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Introduction
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What does a director do?1m 53s
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The Assurance7m 43s
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1. Preparing for Production
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Choosing your crew1m 37s
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Interpreting the script2m 4s
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Creating a visual style2m 36s
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Scouting locations1m 37s
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2. Themes and Tone
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Controlling the tone4m 39s
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Using themes1m 58s
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Using motifs2m 13s
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About the blur motif2m 18s
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3. Shaping the Story
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Killing darlings3m 59s
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Cutting to add clarity1m 54s
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Adding tension2m 19s
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Showing, not telling4m 35s
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4. Running the Set
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Being a good leader3m 29s
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Sticking to your vision3m 3s
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Throwing away your vision2m 57s
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Knowing when to reset2m 45s
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Wearing multiple hats1m 25s
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5. Planning Shots in a Scene
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Understanding the scene2m 45s
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Planning the shots4m 19s
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6. Getting the Shot
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Getting coverage4m 2s
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Cheating and stealing shots3m 20s
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Utilizing rolling takes4m 10s
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Breaking the "fourth wall"1m 45s
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Fixing it in post1m 43s
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7. Improving the Shot
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Improving takes4m 11s
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Using extras3m 38s
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Framing the shot5m 28s
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Adding atmospherics3m 8s
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8. Directing in Post-Production
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Directing the edit1m 36s
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Directing VFX shots1m 49s
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Directing audio choices2m 46s
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Conclusion
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Becoming a better director1m 31s
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Directing resources2m 52s
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Final thoughts1m 1s
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Video: Moving the camera: Pushing in