08.03 Recreate Professional Camera Framing and Editing Exercise Assignment

Assignment Deliverables

1. 20–45 second edited video re-creating the framing, shot sequence, and timing of a professionally produced video.
   • Label file YYYY-MM-DD Lastname Firstname Shot Recreation (.mp4)
2. Original source clip recording
   • Label file YYYY-MM-DD Lastname Firstname Original Clip Recording (.mp4)
3. Shot reference and timing list with screenshots from the original sequence, shot durations, and source information.
   • Label file YYYY-MM-DD Lastname Firstname Shot References (.pdf), (.docx)

Assignment Overview

In the previous assignment, you analyzed how professional filmmakers, animators, and video game designers use camera framing, composition, and editing rhythm to tell stories. Today, you will work in groups to re-create a sequence from a professional film, television show, animation, trailer, or video game cutscene using cell phone cameras.

Your goal is to match the original camera compositions, shot order, and timing of the edits as closely as possible. You do not need to reproduce the original location, characters, costumes, or special effects. Use the people, objects, and spaces available to you to approximate the compositions and actions.

This exercise will help you understand how different shots work together and how camera planning influences the final edit.

Process

1. Select and Capture Your Reference Video

1. Choose a sequence from your previous shot-framing homework or select a new example.
2. Identify a continuous 20–45 second section containing approximately 4–6 different shots.
3. Obtain a video file for analysis. Download an authorized copy when available, or screen-record the sequence for in class educational use only.
   • Mac: Shift + Command + 5 → Record Selected Portion.
   • Windows 11: Windows + Shift + R → Select Area → Record.
4. Save the video file to your project folder.
5. Record the film title, creator/director, source link, and selected timestamps.

2. Detect Camera Cuts in Premiere Pro

Use Adobe Premiere to identify the original camera cuts and their durations.

1. Import your reference video and place it on the timeline.
2. Select the clip and choose Clip > Scene Edit Detection.
3. Select Apply a cut at each detected cut point.
4. Click Analyze.
5. Review the detected cuts and correct any missed or incorrect edit points.
6. Select individual shots and open Window > Info to see each shot’s exact duration.
7. Record the camera framing, shot duration, and purpose of each shot.

Create a short shot list using the information from the Premiere timeline.

Use the actual durations of your selected professional sequence.

3. Re-Create the Camera Shots

Using cell phones, record each shot from your selected sequence.

1. Match the framing, camera angle, subject placement, and camera movement of the original as closely as possible.
2. Use available locations, people, and everyday objects to substitute for the original scene.
3. Record in landscape orientation (16:9) unless the original uses a different framing.
4. Record several seconds before and after each action to provide editing flexibility.
5. Pay attention to continuity, eyelines, movement, and the position of objects between shots.

Prioritize matching the cinematography and action over recreating the exact production design.

4. Match the Original Editing in Premiere Pro

1. Import your recorded footage into Premiere Pro.
2. Keep the professionally edited reference sequence on the timeline as a guide.
3. Place your recorded footage on a separate video track above the reference.
4. Arrange your shots in the same order as the original.
5. Trim each shot so that the camera cuts occur at approximately the same times as those in the original.
6. Compare the original and recreated sequences, adjusting framing and timing where possible.
7. Hide or remove the original reference footage before exporting your version.
8. Export your edited video as an H.264 MP4.

Your final video should contain only your group’s recorded footage, not the original video.

5. Compare and Evaluate

Watch your completed recreation alongside the original.

• How closely did your camera framing match the reference?
• Did you reproduce the original shot durations and editing rhythm?
• What was difficult about re-creating the camera angles or movements?
• How did the original filmmaker’s editing decisions affect your scene?
• What would you plan or record differently next time?

Grading Rubric