CREATIVE NOTE

• Playing around with zooms is a great way to give scenes a really dynamic feel. Even if the characters are static while having a conversation, a fast zoom onto one of them or a long, slow zoom out can really make the scene come alive.

• For dramatic effect (like a cliffhanger ending or a really shocking narrative moment), fast zooms can really help to sell the moment. Usually these zooms are ideal at a speed of 0.5 seconds or less, and onto a single character to around 200% if they’re standing in a default position. The sense of tightness in the resulting shot, and the quick jolt of motion in producing the shot, enhance the drama and narrative tension.

• Zooming in tends to produce a heightened sense of tension or intimacy. Whether your scene is mysterious/scary or just two characters flirting, framing the shot and zooming in can add a stronger sense of emotion to what would otherwise be basic back-and-forth dialogue.

• Zooming out tends to produce a sense of space. Think of it like a big exhale. You may want to use a long, slow zoom as you pull away from the action at the end of a scene or episode, for example (mostly for those not ending on a shocking note, but more of a positive note).