ABSTRACT
Cinematic Conventions Motion designers need to think like directors. As visual storytellers, we must be familiar with the basic vocabulary of filmmaking and cinematic conventions. A single style frame represents the camera’s eye, and the design board is the sequence of the camera’s vision throughout the story. A director is responsible for deciding what the viewer will see, thereby influencing how the audience thinks and feels.1 Different camera angles and distances create varying degrees of visual and emotional intensity. Utilizing a variety of shots can create interesting rhythm for visual storytelling. The camera position can also be used as a transitional device in a motion design piece. Within this section, we will explore the essential vocabulary of cinematic and visual storytelling.
