How does Cinematography Enhance Visual Storytelling in Film and Television?

Did you know that the oldest surviving motion picture is the “Roundhay Garden Scene” (1888) by French inventor Louis Le Prince? It was filmed at Oakwood Grange in Roundhay, Leeds, in Northern England, on 14 October 1888. This film is presumed to be the first of its kind and was created without sound! It’s a short silent motion picture that lasted only 2 seconds and laid the groundwork for visual storytelling in film. It is through this and the many films that followed, like Monkeyshines, Dickson Greeting, and Histoire d’un crime, that helps us understand the power of visual storytelling in film. 

Even in the late 19th and early 20th century when filmmakers had access to only limited technology, they came up with various visual storytelling techniques to create engaging stories through visuals alone. They paved the path for more complex narratives we see today on the big and small screen. If you are interested in filmmaking, you will have to learn and understand various visual storytelling techniques in film and cinematography. 

What is visual storytelling? 

In simple terms, visual storytelling is the process of telling a story through a visual medium. This can range from photography to illustration to video. Film and television are big parts of visual storytelling today. Before more sophisticated technology came into play, filmmakers were confined to only visual mediums; it was only later, in 1927, that other elements like synchronised sound and other audio elements became a part of film production. 

What is the role of cinematography in visual storytelling? 

Cinematography is the complex art of capturing images on film. It allows filmmakers to shape their stories and capture different emotions without relying too much on dialogue or sound. A well-executed cinematography can enhance visual storytelling and engage viewers. Let’s learn more about how this creative art form works. 

1. Camera movement and angles

Do you remember the scene close-up shot of the T-Rex’s eye in the movie Jurassic Park (1993) that scared you or the wide shot of the cliff scene in Pride and Prejudice (2005) that created an overwhelming feeling? That’s the magic of camera angles and composition. Camera movement and angles are an important part of visual storytelling in film and television. Filmmakers use different angles to evoke various emotions in their audience. 

Camera technique	Effect on visual storytelling
Low angle	Creates a sense of power
High angle	Conveys vulnerability
Pan	Shows a wider view
Tilt	Adds vertical movement
Close-up	Draws attention to a character’s face or object
Wide shot	Shows the setting and the characters’ place within it
Eye level	Puts the viewer on an equal footing with the subject.

2. Composition and framing

Composition is how various elements of a scene are arranged within the frame to capture a perfect shot. The role of composition is to draw the audience’s eye to important details. Framing is the process of deciding what to include or not include in a shot. It is a good visual technique to show relationships between characters or focus on specific details. 

3.  Lighting and mood

Imagine a dark and stormy night filled with shadows. Now, picture a bright and sunny beach full of warmth and joy. Just by thinking about these scenarios, you can probably feel the different moods they bring forward. That’s the power of lighting in films. Cinematographers use different lighting techniques to set the mood, create an atmosphere and evoke emotions. Here are a few ways they do it: 

Lightning	Mood
High-key lighting	Creates a bright and cheerful mood
Low-key lighting	Build a dark and mysterious mood
Backlighting	Makes the subject stand out from the background
Soft lighting	Creates a gentle and romantic mood

4. Symbols and themes

Visual storytelling in film and television is not just about pretty pictures but also about using various visual elements to convey deeper or subtle meanings. It helps filmmakers add multiple layers of meaning to their stories and keep the audience engaged. 

• Symbolism: Using objects, colours, or locations to represent something else. For example, a red rose can be a symbol of love, while a dark and stormy night can help to create a sense of danger.  

• Themes: It is the underlying message or the goal of a film. Filmmakers use visual elements to introduce the audience to these themes. For example, a film about loneliness might be full of shots of empty spaces and isolated characters. 

5. Production design and setting

Production design is the stage where filmmakers sit with the design team to create the core aesthetics of the film through visual elements. It includes sets, costumes and props. It’s a time-consuming process because it lays the foundation for shooting. For example, a futuristic setting with high-tech gadgets, robots, spacecraft or a space station can tell viewers that they are in a science fiction world. 

6. Sound and music

Today, filmmakers also use sound, music and various audio elements to create films. These elements add an additional layer, supplementing the visual element to help set the tone of the scene. Sometimes, filmmakers ask their sound team to design a piece of sound or music for the movie. For example, the scary, loud, but immersive sounds in the science fiction/adventure film Interstellar (2014) make you feel like you’re really travelling in space. 

Visual storytelling in movies is a powerful tool that can take the audience to different fictitious worlds, evoke emotions and leave a lasting impression. By learning the art of visual storytelling, you can become a great filmmaker, creating movies that really resonate with the audience. So, are you ready to pick up your camera and start telling your story? Then join the APAC. Our two-year BA in Screen and Stage (Screen Production) in Brisbane can help you realize your dreams of filmmaking. 

Frequently asked questions 

Q1. What is visual storytelling in film and television? 

A1. Visual storytelling in film and television is the use of visual techniques to tell a story. The various techniques are camera angles, camera movement, composition, lighting, colour, costume design, set design, and special effects. 

Q2. Can I practise visual storytelling without expensive equipment? 

A2. Yes, you can practice visual storytelling without expensive equipment. You can use your basic camera or smartphone to experiment with different camera angles and movements. 

Q3. How can I improve my visual storytelling skills? 

A3. You can improve your visual storytelling skills by practising regularly! Start by watching a movie you like and pay special attention to how filmmakers have used various visual elements to highlight certain elements. Try to mimic these techniques in your own film. You can also enrol in the Bachelor of Arts in Screen and Stage (Screen Production) course at APAC in Brisbane to learn all about film production. 

Q4. Is visual storytelling important for all types of films? 

A4. Absolutely! Visual storytelling is one of the most important parts of film production. Whether you’re making a comedy, a drama, or a documentary, visual storytelling techniques in film and television can help you create a narrative that resonates with your audience. 

Q5. How important is lighting in visual storytelling? 

A5. Lighting is very important. It sets the tone throughout the film. It is also used to show various moods and highlight important parts of a scene.