Level Up.pdf

Camera Shot Guide 141
• While swimming, keep your camera underwater with the player. Don ’ t
have it pop out of the water unless the player is swimming on the
surface. Try to keep a clear distinction between “ in water ” and “ on
land. ”
• Try to resist the urge to have your camera realistically bob while
underwater. It ’ s effects like this that make players suffer from DIMS.
Tunnel Vision
Another tricky camera angle is when the player is moving through
environments like caves, sewers, or dungeons. Low ceilings, narrow
passageways, and tight doorways can cause all sorts of trouble to the
camera.
I find that if you restrict the movement of the camera using a rail camera in
these troublesome locations, not only do you alleviate any camera
problems, but it also helps maintain the feeling of claustrophobia. Avoid low
angles, rather keep the camera at the character ’ s shoulder height or slightly
above the player — but watch out for low - hanging stalagtites that will cause
camera sorting issues.
Camera Shot Guide
Now that we ’ ve seen all the ways a camera can present the game, let ’ s go
to the 5 - second film school and find out how to set up your camera to get
the best shot — just like those Hollywood professionals!
Extreme wide shot (EWS). This
shows a character or location from a
very far distance. This shot is perfect
for showing castles looming in the
distance or a planet- killing space
station in orbit.
Very wide shot (VWS). Closer than
an extreme wide shot so that you can
make out some details. Usually used
for establishing shots of buildings or
other large things like space ships or
to set the tone that the player is
stranded out at sea or in a desert.