~ Following The Action ~

Now, i will talk about following the action. 

     Following all the movements that are made by the actors or subject with the camera, is using the technique; following the action. An example of this is, the crew will use multiple cameras for different angles following the actors or subject. Depending on the way the actor or subject goes, the camera will switch to follow them. 

     The purpose of this is so it gives more depth to what you are watching from multiple angles, instead of just one camera following the actor or subject, just giving you one view. Giving the audience more excitement while watching, seeing what is going on and what the actor or subject is doing from different angles. Shot variation; using more than one angle in a scene, gives the sequence of the film more pace then just using one angle throughout the film, to show the audience the story or sequence. These shots could be any shot type, going from one to the other. It could be over the shoulder shot, close up, establishing shot and more. 

      An example of this technique in action, is from the film Mr and Mrs Smith; released in 2005. In the film, it contains a big action scene. Which shows multiple camera angles being used. Rotating to one shot to the other. This gives a more intense and exciting look to the scene seeing from each angle the action taking place. It shows more action in the scene using multiple actions, instead of just one. Impacting the audience by showing what is happening from different angles. It helps to make the audience feel intense as thy are watching the whole situation or action taking place, not from just one spot.

         Another example of following the action being used, is in the film James Bond; Quantum of Solace in 2008. In the beginning of the clip there is a car chase, filmed by using tracking shots and pans. The shots are really quick, wanting to create tension and excitement for the audience watching, knowing there is a dramatic action scene taking place. The shots are moving in and out of cars. Showing the the main character; James Bond, being chased by bad guys. It uses tracking shots again behind the cars, showing that the bad guys ride black cars, and James Bond rides a silver car. Black is usually linked with dark and evil, being a dark colour. While a lighter colour like silver, is signified with good and all things light. This helps the audience know who is who in a situation or in a car chase, so the viewers know who is good and bad regarding the event taking place. It makes the narrative of the scene clear to the audience what is going on in the scene, making it clear who is who, and what is going on.

     Now onto the history onto following the action. Before following the action was introduced. The first film to use multiple points of view while editing this film together. Both directors of the film; Edwin S. Porter and George S. Fleming, noticed that using more then one point of view, joins up the narrative in a more interesting way. A life of an American fireman in 1903, uses this by showing a fireman rescuing a women inside the building, then the shot switches to what is happening outside the building. This technique going back to them shots repeat through the scene. Making the narrative come more to life as it shows the audience whats going on from more then just one angle. Also whats going on outside as the fireman rescues the women inside the building. It shows the audience what is going on inside and outside the event going on, helping the audience understand what's going on at each aspect of the scene. It also helps to add intensity to the scene as the audience watching the scene, it quickly switches to outside the building, then inside to where the fire is happening. It makes the audience more curious and intense abut what is happening outside the building when it is showing what is happening inside the building, and vice versa.