Technical Question

Pigman · 02-11-2002 12:54pm #1

Does anyone recall this shot thats often used in the movies?

Basically it looks like follows. When an actor recieves shocking news (or gets surprised) the camera zooms in TOWARDS their face yet somehow the background manages to stay in focus AND veer off AWAY into the distance. You've all seen it at least once I'm sure? I've seen it done even in old films so I know it's not a digital effect (in fact I'm guessing it's probably something pretty simple).

So does anyone know how this shot is accomplished or even what it's called so I can read up on it?

satchmo · 02-11-2002 2:41pm

Yeah I know what you mean. It's a very simple effect actually, you just walk towards the subject with the camera while zooming out. Or the other way around, walk away while zooming in. You can do it with any camera that has a zoom function, for the best effect your timing has to be right though.

banbutcher · 02-11-2002 2:59pm

well afaik its either one of two ways:
1. the actor stands on some type of pully device and then as the camera zooms in he is pulled twoards the camera

or

2. (i think this is the one!) as the camera zooms in its moved closer and closer to the actor and this gives the desired effect!!

ObeyGiant · 02-11-2002 3:17pm

It's done by dollying in, whilst zooming out. I think Hitchcock was the first one (or at least, one of the first) to do it, and he called it uh.. "blowing out the background". Doing a google search for that term brings up a whole bunch of information on how to do it properly.

Lex_Diamonds · 02-11-2002 9:02pm

That shot has been used to great effect in La Haine, when they are standing on a bridge, it looks superb

You can replicate this shot to your hearts content by simply booting up Unreal Tournament and using the zoom on the sniper scope.

smoke.me.a.kipper · 04-11-2002 11:48pm

only time ive seen it done was in Jaws

Technical Question

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