5 By 5 A two-day challenge to start the course.

So, the challenge seems simple. Five shots, five seconds each, and edited together to create a 25 second video.

Here is where it gets complicated…how do you make it something worth watching? How do you create something that engages your audience?

Select a theme or simple event. Plan and shoot 5 well designed 5 second shots that you will edit into a sequence that will tell the audience more about the theme or event.

Don't forget to compose your audio track with as much care and attention as you are going to put into your 5 shots. Do not add music.

Use Final Cut or iMovie to complete this task and upload it by the end of the class on Friday. Do not use transitions or music.

What is the key to this challenge? You must break down your filmmaking skills to the basics. Try to apply as many of these principles as you can in each shot to create visual interest for your audience.

Rule of Thirds

This is a principle taught in graphic design and photography and is based on the theory that the eye goes naturally to a point about two-thirds up the page. Also, by visually dividing the image into thirds (either vertically or horizontally) you achieve the informal or asymmetric balance mentioned above.

Point of Interest 

Identify a primary point of interest before shooting. When you’ve determined which area is the most important to you, you can compose to emphasize it.

Contrast

You can contrast objects, size, colours, etc. A  light subject will have more impact if placed against a dark background and vice versa. Contrasting colors may be used for emphasis, but can become distracting if not considered carefully.

Balance

Generally, asymmetric or informal balance is considered more pleasing in a photograph than symmetric (formal) balance. In other words, placing the main subject off-center and balancing the "weight" with other objects (smaller or lower impact) will be more effective than placing the subject in the center.

Framing

A "frame" in a photograph is something in the foreground that leads you into the picture or gives you a sense of where the viewer is. For example, a branch and some leaves framing a shot of rolling hills and a valley, or the edge of an imposing rock face leading into a shot of a canyon. Framing can usually improve a picture. The "frame" doesn’t need to be sharply focused. In fact if it is too sharply detailed, it could be a distraction.

Viewpoint (Angle)

You can often change a picture dramatically by moving the camera up or down or, stepping to one side. One of the best ways to come up with a prize-winning photograph is to find an "unusual" point of view.

Direction of Movement

When the subject is capable of movement, such as an animal or person, it is best to leave space in front of the subject so it appears to be moving into, rather than out of, the photograph.

Diagonals

Linear elements such as roads, waterways, and fences placed diagonally are generally perceived as more dynamic than horizontals.

Background

The background matters!