Choreography in Movies

Motion pictures are made and followed through out the world with great respect along with remarkable imagination power. I consider movies in general choreograph each scene, action or dance for the camera lens. This applies to almost all types of movies… be it Musical movies, Action thrillers, Costume or Periodic dramas, Epics & even any Drama / Romance / Comedy based Movies. The way I see it is every camera movement is planned for a pre choreographed scene. For that every good Movie Director has to have an immensely rich choreographic sense or intellect.

Choreography for movies is done having the camera angle and lens with shot size in mind for different limitations of movements & expressions. This in general applies to all scenes, actions and dance choreographic work we do for movies. We do have the maximum advantage of post production where during the edit, speeding the movements or using slow motion as options along with other all sorts of advance edit tricks and effects could easily be applied bring out the best of what you intend to present…

When choreograph the performances for the camera thinking of the impact on the big screen, other than the Film Director’s creative approach certain scenes and moments need the expertise of an additional craftsmanship. Therefore certain special scenes are accomplished successfully with the collaboration effort by the film director along with Action Director & the Director of Choreography.

Choreography the way I understand it.....

I do have my own take on the term CHOREOGRAPHY. It could be totally different to what some one else think or feel about it. I have a long way to go as a Director of Choreography and i have zillion more things to learn about this fascinating global subject. My own understanding and approach towards choreography comes through my own personal experiences as a Dancer, Film Student and a Choreographer.

According to the general definition the word 'Choreography' mainly means DESIGNED SET OF MOVEMENTS. It is not only dance that we get to choreograph. Then I think by default Choreography can be divided it to 3 main categories.

1. Dance Choreography
2. Scene Choreography
3. Action Choreography

Usages of Music, Styles, Limitations, Expressions, Formations, Shapes, Speed, Proportions, Angles, Time, Outlook, Costumes or Presentation of above 3 categories mainly depend on the STREAM you are using it with. That also can be divided in to 3 main platforms.

1. Stage (Live Performances)
2. Small Screen (Television/Web)
3. Big Screen (Movies)

STAGE
- Theater, Musicals, Concerts, Ceremonies, Fashion Shows

Expressions, Positioning, Hand or Leg movements, Costumes, Formations, Lighting & even the Set Designs are much Louder and Visible when we are choreographing for any stage performance. Mostly movements are direct rather than subtle or simple.

SMALL SCREEN
- Tele films, Music Videos, Add films, Studio Programs, Dance or Music based Reality Shows, Live or Recorded Musical Events/ Concerts/ Ceremonies.

Camera plays a major part when we do choreograph for the Small or Big Screen. We have to be aware of the camera angles, different lenses & shot sizes while the shoot is happening. This could apply to all scenes, actions and dance choreographic work when we do perform for the camera. This also gives the advantage of adding effects, speeding the movements or using slow motion during the edit... Music Videos, Tele films & Add films take the best use of the small screen.
Multi camera set ups which we use for Studio Recordings, Dance or Music based Reality shows, Live or Recorded Musical Events/ Concerts/ Ceremonies bring out the finest of choreographed live performances.

BIG SCREEN (Movies)
- Different genres of motion pictures has its own choreographic approach

Sky is the limit when we do choreograph any thing for movies. We choreograph the performances for the camera thinking of the impact on the big silver screen. Every good director has an immensely rich sense in Choreography. The way I see it is every camera movement is planned for a pre choreographed scene. This applies to almost all types of movies.

dance reality shows.....

Around the world 'Talent hunt dance Reality Shows' are encouraging new dancers to emerge. As far as dance is concerned these television shows are giving a huge boosts to inspire the audience towards various styles of dance around the world. It sets new standards, new benchmarks as well some fantastic mixture of creative dance versions.

Reality shows like 'So You Think You Can Dance', 'Dancing With The Stars', 'Dance Premier League' and various other similar shows with challenging formats keeps teaching me and provoking me to do better creative versions of my own work as a choreographer & dancer. Brilliant Dance Styles and Dancers have proved the hardship of the craft and earned enormous respect along with these television programs.....

dance is life.....

hi my name is Muddrika. I am a choreographer. Wanted to open up a blog to discuss & share information on various styles of dance & techniques of choreography around the world.
World is full of fascinating talented dancers... Welcoming u all & every one who love dance in to this blog.
Please come share with me your experiences & all beautiful topics on everything to do with dance..