What Cinematographers Need to Know About Shutter Angle

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Explaining Shutter Angle in Cinematography

Shutter angle is a term used in cinematography to describe the amount of time that the camera's shutter remains open during each frame of a motion picture. The shutter angle is expressed as a fraction of a full rotation of the shutter disc, typically ranging from 11.2 degrees (a 1/360th rotation) to 180 degrees (a half rotation).

When the shutter is open for a longer period of time, more light enters the camera and the image appears brighter, but there is also more motion blur. Conversely, when the shutter is open for a shorter period of time, less light enters the camera and the image appears darker, but there is less motion blur.

The choice of shutter angle can have a significant impact on the visual look of a film. A smaller shutter angle, such as 45 degrees, creates more motion blur and can give the image a more dreamlike or surreal quality. A larger shutter angle, such as 180 degrees, creates less motion blur and can give the image a more crisp, realistic quality.

It's worth noting that in modern digital cinema cameras, the physical shutter disc has been replaced with an electronic shutter, and the term "shutter angle" is used to describe the simulated effect of a mechanical shutter in digital cameras.

'300'Credit: Lionsgate

How to Pick Your Shutter Angle

When it comes to picking the right shutter angle for your project, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you choose the right shutter angle for your next film:

1. Consider the scene: The scene you are shooting should be the primary consideration when choosing your shutter angle. For example, if you are shooting a fast-paced action scene, a shorter shutter angle (such as 45 degrees) will help to convey the fast-paced action and create a sense of urgency. If you are shooting a more tranquil scene, a longer shutter angle (such as 180 degrees) may create a smoother, more dreamlike look.

2. Lighting: The amount of available light in your scene is another important consideration. A longer shutter angle will let in more light, which may be helpful if you are shooting in low-light conditions. However, be aware that this may also increase motion blur, which may not be desirable in certain situations.

3. Desired effect: The desired effect or mood of the scene should also be considered. For example, a shorter shutter angle may create a more tense, frenetic look, while a longer shutter angle may create a more serene, calming effect.

4. Camera movement: The type of camera movement you are using may also affect the choice of shutter angle. For example, if you are using a Steadicam or gimbal for a smooth, stable shot, a longer shutter angle may work better. On the other hand, if you are shooting handheld or using a dolly or crane, a shorter shutter angle may be more appropriate.

5. Personal style: Finally, personal style and preference should also be considered. Some cinematographers may have a particular style or aesthetic that they prefer, which may influence their choice of shutter angle.

In summary, picking the right shutter angle involves considering the scene, lighting, desired effect, camera movement, and personal style. By taking these factors into account, you can choose the shutter angle that best suits your project and helps you achieve your desired visual effect.

'The Babadook'Credit: Umbrella Entertainment

Shutter Speed Versus Shutter Angle 

In cinematography, shutter speed and shutter angle both refer to the duration of time that the camera's shutter remains open during each frame of a motion picture. However, they are two different ways of measuring this duration.

Shutter speed is typically used to describe the duration of time that the camera's shutter remains open in still photography. It is measured in fractions of a second, such as 1/60th of a second or 1/1000th of a second. In cinematography, the term "shutter speed" is sometimes used to describe the duration of time that the camera's electronic shutter remains open, but more commonly the term "shutter angle" is used.

Shutter angle is expressed as a fraction of a full rotation of the shutter disc, ranging from 11.2 degrees (a 1/360th rotation) to 180 degrees (a half rotation). For example, a 180-degree shutter angle means that the shutter disc rotates halfway around during each frame, effectively exposing the film or digital sensor for half the duration of each frame.

Both shutter speed and shutter angle affect the amount of motion blur in an image. A longer shutter speed or a smaller shutter angle will result in more motion blur, while a shorter shutter speed or a larger shutter angle will result in less motion blur. The choice of shutter speed or shutter angle will depend on the desired look and feel of the final image, as well as the amount of available light and the desired depth of field.

It's important to note that in modern digital cinema cameras, the physical shutter disc has been replaced with an electronic shutter, and the term "shutter angle" is used to describe the simulated effect of a mechanical shutter in digital cameras. In these cameras, the shutter angle is typically adjusted in software rather than by physically changing a mechanical shutter disc. 

'Dunkirk'Credit: Universal Pictures

Some Movies With Creative Uses of Shutter Angles 

Many movies have used creative shutter angles to achieve a specific visual effect or to convey a particular mood or emotion. Here are a few examples:

1. Saving Private Ryan (1998) - Director Steven Spielberg used a shutter angle of 45 degrees for many of the battle scenes in this World War II epic, creating a jittery, handheld feel that added to the sense of chaos and danger on the battlefield.

2. 300 (2006) - Director Zack Snyder used a shutter angle of 270 degrees for much of the movie, creating a hyper-realistic, stylized look that emphasized the movie's comic book origins.

3. The Hurt Locker(2008) - Director Kathryn Bigelow used a combination of different shutter angles, including 45 degrees and 90 degrees, to create a sense of urgency and tension in this intense war movie.

4. Dunkirk (2017) - Director Christopher Nolan used a combination of different shutter angles, including 45 degrees and 90 degrees, to create a sense of disorientation and confusion during the intense action scenes in this World War II epic.

5. Blade Runner 2049 (2017) - Cinematographer Roger Deakins used a shutter angle of 45 degrees for many of the movie's exterior shots, creating a dreamlike, surreal quality that added to the movie's futuristic, dystopian feel.

These are just a few examples of movies that have used creative shutter angles to achieve a specific visual effect. Many other movies have used this technique in interesting and innovative ways.

'Blade Runner 2049'Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Summing Up Shutter Angles in Cinematography