Key/Green Screen Effect in Adobe After Effects

We spent one lesson learning how to use Adobe After Effects to do a key or green screen effect. After removing the green background, I was taught how to create a mask to roughly outline a subject (the man jumping away) for this specific explosion effect. Personally, I found this part the most difficult as it involves a lot of time to mask every detail and in each frame to make it as realistic as possible. Other than that I also learnt how to change the effects of the video by adjusting the brightness, contrast and temperature which is fairly easy. Overall, I really enjoyed it despite the complexity and how unfamiliar I am with using softwares related to editing. 

In Heat Camerawork Analysis

This very low angle shot shows the robber holding his gun and threatening the entire workplace. The camera is positioned below the eye-line looking upwards, which conveys the character’s power at this state since he is at a higher level than everyone else. In this scene, the camera also follows him around as he manipulates everyone in the office, which makes the audience feel as if they are looking from the perspective of the victims.

This big close up shot is used to show details of the man’s reaction after firing his gun so that the viewers are on the edge of their seats, eager to find out what is going to happen next. Here, he is surprised with his movements are edited in slow motion implying that the situation may have come to an end.

This over the shoulder zoom in shot makes the audience feel as if they are the victim themselves since the gun is partially pointed towards the camera/person in front of the camera. The pace of this shot is really fast, showing that the place has been disrupted, also making the spectator feel slightly panicked and shocked. By only seeing the robber’s face also shows the character’s significance that he has more power than the blurred out police/security guard who has their back to the camera.

A sense of unease and suspense is created through the use of extreme close up to the robber’s eyes allowing the audience to see the details of his tensed expression. His eyes are darting around as if he is aware of what is about to occur, building up tension as well.

A sense of chaos is achieved through this very high angle shot which shows an area with a number of people running, terrified of the attack. This shot allows more people to fit in the frame, implying how more than one people are involved and affected by this horrifying shock.

This very high angle shot shows the office before being burgled by armed robbers. The speed of this scene is very slow in contrast to the scene where the robbers take out their guns. This emphasises how here, it is very calm (like a typical day at work) but also unaware of the situation yet to come. This shot also sets off the location, showing the audience that this is setting place at a bank.

This is called a 2 shot and contains 2 people in the frame. A robber is helping and carrying his severely injured partner, implying their strong relationship. The rapid speed and camera movement of this shot emphasises the struggle of these men, trying to escape from the police.