Many people seem to believe that I can do cinematography relatively well.
My basic strategy is to point the camera at something and slant it.
Okay, sorry, I couldn't resist. xD
I'm not actually sure how you make a nice angle, there's not really a simple code or anything for that.
I just have a feeling for how the shot should look, then I put the camera in that position, though, I usually end up adjusting it slightly again and again, and I occasionally take about ten minutes just to set up a shot.
Th most important thing is to make sure that you can see on camera whatever it is you are supposed to see. When a minifigure is talking, you're best option is to centralize the shot on the figure, and to not angle the camera up, otherwise there will be loads of awkward empty space above their head. You should usually not shoot a figure from behind if they are talking, that's also a little awkward sometimes, though, you may show the reaction on another figure's face as the talk.
If a figure is moving to a certain position, but is not there yet right at the start of the shot, then it's best to make sure to set the camera to be angled and focused on that empty position where the figure is about to be. I do this very commonly in films, particularly when a figure walks to a position to stop then say something.
The camera should usually be at around eye level with the figure, however, in certain special shots, you may choose a different and more interesting angle, such as looking up at something to make it seem bigger or more threatening.
Another thing that I like to do it purposefully angle the shot so it shows a lot of depth. I enjoy lots of depth for some reason, and it looks very good on a camera like mine.
Lastly, I'm a huge fanatic of camera slants, however, camera slants can easily be overused, nonetheless, they can add a nice effect to a film. Some people like them, and some people don't really think that they're all that great. Camera slants are completely unnecessary for a film to have good cinematography, but they can be fun.
When to possibly use a slant:
1: When a dramatic character is present.
2: When a dramatic thing is happening.
3: When a really over-the-top character is present
4: When people are fighting.
5: When anything evil is happening.
6: when a character is going insane.
7: When something/someone is creepy.
I like to use slants to accent some sort of dramatic/crazy/over-the-top/evil thing. I slant the camera more or less depending on how dramatic/crazy/over-the-top/evil the subject in question is.
I personally tend to fill my films with characters and stories filled with that sort of thing, so I end up using slants quite commonly.
I also change the slant from left to right every shot.
Use slants with care, though, or not at all.
But usually I just take a shot for what feels right. It is really hard to say how, but you'll probably get a feel for how to do it.
