Downloadable versions of this page area vailable: Basic Camera Techniques [doc or pdf] There are a number of basic filmmaking rules that will help you ‘make a great film’. But remember, rules are there to be broken, so once you have mastered these techniques don’t be afraid to play and experiment with your shots.
	Composition & Framing Before you press record, imagine your picture is divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically. The intersections of these imaginary lines suggest four options for placing the centre of interest for good composition.
	Angles   Worm’s Eye View When we take some footage from below, we can give the impression of the size of something. The object/ person may appear very important or intimidating.
	Bird’s Eye View When we take footage from above, we can show the viewer most of the action that is going on in one place. It may also suggest the feeling of looking down on an event or person.
	Unusual Angles We can experiment with unusual angles when we film to dislodge the audience from their normal perception of seeing something.

Hints & Tips – Big Screen Little Screen Even though you are making films with a mobile phone, your films may eventually be shown in cinemas. So think big and let your imagination run wild.