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== Overview ==
== Overview ==
'''Cinematography''' in [[ACT3AI|ACT 3 AI]] lets creators control the visual language of their projects—covering camera choice, lens settings, movement, and lighting. 
The '''Cinematography''' module in [[ACT3AI|ACT 3 AI]] defines how each [[Scene|scene]] and [[Shot|shot]] is visually staged.
It combines AI-driven scene composition with director-level customization, giving you full control over the look, feel, and atmosphere of your [[Scenes|scenes]] and [[Shots|shots]].
It covers camera position, motion, lensing, and framing—bringing professional film grammar into AI-assisted storytelling. 


The system works in harmony with [[AI_Directing|AI Directing]], [[Camera_Angles|Camera Angles]], and Lighting to ensure every shot delivers maximum cinematic impact.
Cinematography works hand-in-hand with [[Digital_Actors|Digital Actors]], [[2D_&_3D_Sets|2D & 3D Sets]], and [[Audio_Tracks|Audio Tracks]] to create polished results.


== What You Can Do ==
== Key Elements ==
* '''Virtual Camera Setup:''' Select camera type (cinema, DSLR, virtual) and lens specs. 
* '''Lens Control:''' Adjust focal length, aperture (f-stop), ISO, and depth of field. 
* '''Camera Movement:''' Program pans, dollies, cranes, and handheld motions. 
* '''Lighting Control:''' Use built-in presets or customize key, fill, and backlight for mood. 
* '''Look & Feel Presets:''' Apply LUTs, color grading profiles, and genre-based visual styles. 


== Key Features ==
* '''[[Camera_Angles|Camera Angles]]:''' Choose perspectives such as over-the-shoulder, close-up, or wide shot.   
* '''Dynamic Composition:''' AI suggests optimal framing for characters and key action moments.   
* '''[[Camera_Movement|Camera Movement]]:''' Define pans, tilts, dollies, and tracking paths.   
* '''Time-of-Day Simulation:''' Instantly switch between dawn, golden hour, night, or artificial lighting.   
* '''Lenses & Focal Length:''' Adjust virtual lenses for depth of field and dramatic emphasis.   
* '''Multi-Camera Scenes:''' Place and sync multiple cameras for coverage options.   
* '''Lighting:''' Integrate [[Lighting|Lighting setups]] for mood and clarity. 
* '''Continuity Tracking:''' Maintains visual consistency across [[Scenes|scenes]] and [[Shots|shots]].   
* '''Composition Rules:''' Apply the rule of thirds, symmetry, or deep focus to match cinematic traditions.   
* '''Integration with Storyboard & Top-Down View:''' See planned camera setups before rendering.
* '''Visual Style:''' Apply filters, LUTs, and filmic presets.


== How to Use ==
== How to Use ==
# Open the [[Editor|Editor workspace]] and select a [[Scenes|scenes]] or [[Shots|shots]].   
# Open a [[Shots|Shot Editor]] view.   
# Click **AI → Cinematography** to open the Cinematography panel.   
# Select **Cinematography** from the toolbar.   
# Choose camera type, lens, lighting, and movement.   
# Assign [[Camera_Angles|angles]] and [[Camera_Movement|movements]].   
# Preview the framing in [[Storyboard_Panels|Storyboard Panels]] or [[Top_Down_View|Top-Down View]].   
# Preview results in the [[Timeline_&_Storyboard|Timeline & Storyboard]].   
# Save your settings and send them to [[Build_Video|Build Video]] or the [[Render_Queue|Render Queue]].
# Lock or refine choices before sending to [[Build_Video|Build Video]].


== Example Settings ==
== Example Workflow ==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Setting !! Options !! Example
! Step
! Action
! Result
|-
|-
| Camera Type || Cinema, DSLR, Virtual, Drone || "Cinema Camera"
| 1
| Define [[Story_Structure|Scenes → Shots]]
| Story beats aligned
|-
|-
| Lens Focal Length || 14mm – 200mm || "35mm for medium shot"
| 2
| Add [[Digital_Actors|Digital Actors]] into [[2D_&_3D_Sets|sets]]
| Characters staged in environment
|-
|-
| Aperture (f-stop) || f/1.4 – f/16 || "f/2.8 for shallow depth of field"
| 3
| Apply camera angle & lens choice
| Establish shot framing
|-
|-
| Movement || Static, Pan, Tilt, Dolly, Crane, Handheld || "Dolly-in towards actor"
| 4
| Add smooth [[Camera_Movement|movement]]
| Cinematic polish
|-
|-
| Lighting Preset || Daylight, Golden Hour, Night, Studio, Custom || "Golden Hour warm tones"
| 5
| Adjust [[Lighting]] and test preview
| Mood refined
|-
|-
| LUT || Noir, Cinematic, Sci-Fi, Natural, Custom || "Sci-Fi teal and orange"
| 6
| Finalize in [[Build_Video|Build Video]]
| Rendered cinematic clip
|}
|}


== Tips ==
== Tips ==
* Use [[Top_Down_View|Top-Down View]] for precise camera placement before committing to renders.   
* Keep shots under 8–10 seconds for pacing.   
* Match LUTs and lighting to the tone set in [[AI_Directing|AI Directing]].   
* Mix static and moving shots for rhythm.   
* Experiment with focal length changes between [[Shots|shots]] to add visual variety.   
* Use depth of field to emphasize emotion.   
* Save custom presets for repeated use across [[Scenes|scenes]].
* Apply [[AI_Wizard|AI Wizard]] suggestions for automated framing.
 
* Re-use camera presets for consistency across episodes.   
== Troubleshooting ==
* '''Overexposed or underexposed shots?''' Adjust aperture or ISO, or change lighting presets
* '''Flat visuals?''' Apply LUTs or tweak color grading for more contrast. 
* '''Disjointed tone?''' Use Continuity Lock to match settings across related shots.
 
== Credits & Billing ==
* Cinematography adjustments themselves are free; generating rendered previews will consume [[Credit_System|credits]].   
* See [[Billing_Model|Billing Model]] for credit usage rates.


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[AI_Directing|AI Directing]] 
* [[Camera_Angles|Camera Angles]]   
* [[Camera_Angles|Camera Angles]]   
* [[Storyboard_Panels|Storyboard Panels]] / [[Top_Down_View|Top-Down View]]   
* [[Camera_Movement|Camera Movement]]
* [[Scenes|Scenes]] / [[Shots|Shots]]   
* [[Lighting]]   
* [[Build_Video|Build Video]] / [[Render_Queue|Render Queue]]
* [[Timeline_&_Storyboard|Timeline & Storyboard]]
* [[Digital_Actors|Digital Actors]]   
* [[2D_&_3D_Sets|2D & 3D Sets]]
* [[Build_Video|Build Video]]


[[Category:ACT 3 AI Features]]
[[Category:ACT 3 AI Features]]


[https://act3ai.com/contact Contact Us] if you have any problems using our product, or if you have questions.
[https://act3ai.com/contact Contact Us] if you have any problems using our product, or if you have questions.

Revision as of 08:01, 21 August 2025

Cinematography

Overview

The Cinematography module in ACT 3 AI defines how each scene and shot is visually staged. It covers camera position, motion, lensing, and framing—bringing professional film grammar into AI-assisted storytelling.

Cinematography works hand-in-hand with Digital Actors, 2D & 3D Sets, and Audio Tracks to create polished results.

Key Elements

  • Camera Angles: Choose perspectives such as over-the-shoulder, close-up, or wide shot.
  • Camera Movement: Define pans, tilts, dollies, and tracking paths.
  • Lenses & Focal Length: Adjust virtual lenses for depth of field and dramatic emphasis.
  • Lighting: Integrate Lighting setups for mood and clarity.
  • Composition Rules: Apply the rule of thirds, symmetry, or deep focus to match cinematic traditions.
  • Visual Style: Apply filters, LUTs, and filmic presets.

How to Use

  1. Open a Shot Editor view.
  2. Select **Cinematography** from the toolbar.
  3. Assign angles and movements.
  4. Preview results in the Timeline & Storyboard.
  5. Lock or refine choices before sending to Build Video.

Example Workflow

Step Action Result
1 Define Scenes → Shots Story beats aligned
2 Add Digital Actors into sets Characters staged in environment
3 Apply camera angle & lens choice Establish shot framing
4 Add smooth movement Cinematic polish
5 Adjust Lighting and test preview Mood refined
6 Finalize in Build Video Rendered cinematic clip

Tips

  • Keep shots under 8–10 seconds for pacing.
  • Mix static and moving shots for rhythm.
  • Use depth of field to emphasize emotion.
  • Apply AI Wizard suggestions for automated framing.
  • Re-use camera presets for consistency across episodes.

See Also

Contact Us if you have any problems using our product, or if you have questions.