[Help/Hints Wanted] Creating a 3d side scroller camera

Hey all,

So the title is a bit vague, but let me go ahead and elaborate. First off I don't have much experience w/ code. I have used C++ in the past and am learning javascript atm. I know most basics of programming but struggle w/ finding a starting point and logic.

I have finished a simple tutorial series on Digital Tutors that got me a decent understanding how how to script in Unity and I have created a simple movement script. What I am trying to do now is refine the camera to be more "smooth". I would like the camera to smoothly lead ahead of the character when moving in that direction (Though it doesn't have to be exactly as I described). A similar camera system that I found is in this link for the recently released game "Swapper".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHABt6fRo7U

So enough of my rambling. I was hoping to get some hints or some possible ways that this effect could be done. I would very much like to figure the code out on my own. I will link my movement script below.

Code (csharp):

1. var speed : float = 6.0;
2. var jumpSpeed : float = 6.0;
3. var gravity : float = 12.0;
4.  
5. //This variable is now inheriting the Vector3 info (X,Y,Z) and setting them to 0.
6. private var moveDirection : Vector3 = Vector3.zero;
7.  
8. function MoveAndJump() {
9.  
10.     var controller : CharacterController = GetComponent(CharacterController);
11.        
12.         if(controller.isGrounded) {
13.        
14.             //moveDirection is inheriting Vector3 info.  This now sets the X and Z coords to receive the input set to "Horizontal" and "Vertical"
15.             moveDirection = Vector3(Input.GetAxis("Horizontal"), 0, Input.GetAxis("Vertical")); //Allows player Input
16.             moveDirection = transform.TransformDirection(moveDirection);    //How to move
17.             moveDirection *= speed;     //How fast to move
18.            
19.             if(Input.GetButton("Jump")) {
20.            
21.                 moveDirection.y = jumpSpeed;
22.             }
23.         }
24.        
25.         //Apply gravity
26.         moveDirection.y -= gravity * Time.deltaTime;
27.        
28.         //This moves the controller
29.         controller.Move(moveDirection * Time.deltaTime);
30. }
31.  
32. function Update() {
33.  
34.     MoveAndJump();
35.  
36. }

Thank you!