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Cinematography

ACT3 AI gives every shot professional cinematography controls — the same parameters a Director of Photography uses on a real film set.

Camera Work​

Camera Types​

  • Handheld — Organic, documentary feel with natural movement
  • Steadicam — Smooth, flowing movement following subjects
  • Dolly — Precise lateral or push/pull movement on tracks
  • Crane / Jib — Sweeping vertical reveals
  • Drone — Aerial perspectives and sweeping establishing shots
  • Locked-off — Static tripod, classical framing

Lens Selection​

Focal length changes the feel of a shot dramatically:

Focal LengthFeelUse Case
18mmVery wide, distortedEnvironment, claustrophobic
24mmWide, naturalEstablishing, action
35mmNatural, slightly wideDocumentary, conversation
50mmMost like human visionNeutral, observational
85mmFlattering compressionPortraits, close-ups
135mm+Heavy compressionIsolation, surveillance feel

Lighting​

Lighting Moods​

  • Natural — Available light, realistic
  • Golden Hour — Warm, cinematic, romantic
  • Blue Hour — Cool, melancholic, twilight
  • High Key — Bright, flat, commercial
  • Low Key — Dark, dramatic, noir
  • Dramatic — High contrast, theatrical

Key Light Direction​

Where the main light source comes from changes everything:

  • Front light — Flat, even, less dramatic
  • Side light (Rembrandt) — Half the face lit, classic portrait
  • Backlight — Subject silhouetted or rim-lit, dramatic separation
  • Overhead — Villain lighting, harsh shadows
  • Practical — Light from in-scene sources (lamps, screens, fire)

Color Temperature​

SettingKelvinFeel
Tungsten3200KWarm, indoor, vintage
Daylight5600KNeutral, natural outdoor
Overcast7000KCool, flat, moody
Blue Hour9000KVery cool, cinematic