You like a movie because it expresses an emotion or situation you relate to. A good film will make you want to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Even if it is fantasy. When the suspension of disbelief occurs in a good film you don't even notice it. You just find yourself caught up in the action. This happened to me during Jurassic Park when I saw the group of dinosaurs drinking water by the small lake in the beginning of the movie. This scene was pure magic, I finally got to see the dinosaurs alive! At this point in the film, Spielberg drew us in to the awe of seeing prehistoric life by tracking in to close ups of Sam Niel and Laura Dern as they became witnesses of the impossible. Spielberg made us feel like the expression on the faces of Neil and Dern were our own then he revealed the miracle that left them speechless. Use the link Jurassic Park (in blue) to view the scene I've discussed here.
How do these mega effects apply to your no budget movie?
They don't. But the camera techniques do.
Notice how the expressions on the actors faces make you feel
See how it affects the scene when Sam Neil moves in (frame right) and talks to Richard Attenborough while in the background Laura Dern is still reeling from the revelation that a T - REX is alive and well in Jurassic Park. These simple moves can add tension and suspense, even comedy, (depending on what you're going for) to your scenes when they are timed right. Watching how and when these techniques are used is an education in it's self. It's these small details that help move a good story along and can help us all become better at film making.
There are some great books out to help you with camera moves and how to more effectively tell your story using the camera.
SETTING UP YOUR SHOTS, CINEMATIC STORY TELLING, REBEL WITHOUT A CREW
Rebel Without A Crew is great inspiration but I differ on Rodriguez' feelings on attending film school. What his experience has been in the industry is definitely the exception.
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