Cinematography has changed a lot since workers left the Lumière factory in 1895. Drones, gimbals, and 360-degree camera rigs have made it easier for filmmakers to take advantage of their wild creativity in order to capture images that the forefathers of film never even dreamed possible. So, what are the techniques that have become popular in today's cinematic climate? Well, here to discuss it in this episode of Indy Mogul's Saturday Morning Special series is YouTuber Aidin Robbins of Digital Blast, who, at just 14 years old, has an understanding of filmmaking that stands up to even the most seasoned pros.


Robbins gives us a lot to digest in this video. Though some of the techniques he mentions, like macro shots and flares, have been used for quite some time, he definitely mentions some that are unique to the current climate of cinema. 

One example of this is the use of "external footage sources." Though there have been plenty of instances of this in past films, like the use of news and security footage, what we're seeing today is an new kind of integration of footage from the main camera source and footage from GoPros, webcams, and smartphones. A great example of this, as Robbins points out, comes from The Martian, which edits A-Roll and GoPro and webcam footage side by side, perhaps in an attempt to not only make the visuals more exciting to look at, but to also show just how isolated Matt Damon's character is as he goes through life alone on Mars.

I especially appreciated his take on how filmmakers today allow their cameras to interact with the story in order serve as either an additional character that exists within the diegesis or as a souped up POV shot that breaks the fourth wall by reacting to explosions or blood spatter.

There are so many other examples of modern filmmaking techniques, so feel free to share some you find particularly interesting down in the comments.

Source: Indy Mogul