film techniques

FILM TECHNIQUES

• This term refers to all that appears before the camera.

• The term means “placed in the scene” or “put in the scene”.

• It includes:• The setting• Camera shots and angles• Sound• Performers• Lighting

MISE EN SCENE

Settings are the background on which the action is played out, signalling time and place to the audience. Once the audience views the setting of the film, they develop expectations about the characters and the story. Settings have the power to terrify or attract an audience. Because they play a significant role in establishing the story and atmosphere, settings commonly appear in the opening shots.

THE SETTING

What film genres do these settings belong to?

Movie Review• In the film Shrek, how does

the opening scene establish the setting?

• Does it appeal to the audience and establish the film genre?

• What 5 star rating do you give it?

Activity: Create a film setting

The size of a shot refers to the kind of image we see in a frame. They are:1. Extreme long shot2. Long shot3. Medium shot4. Close-up

SHOT SIZE

Extreme Long Shot

An extreme long shot shows the landscape of a film. It is often used in a film opening to give information about where the action is taking place and to signal the atmosphere of the film.

Long Shot

A long shot includes a full length human figure and some of the surroundings. This shot shows the link between the characters and their environment.

Medium Shot

A medium shot shows a person from the waist up. We can view their facial expressions and body language, and get to know the character more closely.

Close-up

A close-up focuses on a face, or a character’s hands or feet, or an object at close range. The viewer can closely examine one piece of action, or the thoughts and feelings of a character. This type of shot often helps to increase the tension.

The angle of camera helps to set the mood of the film. It also tells the viewer a lot about who has the power or what level of importance a character has.

CAMERA ANGLES

High-angle Shot

In a high-angle shot, the camera is above the person or object, often making the person or object appear weak, inferior or under pressure.

Eye-level Shot

An eye-level angle shows a character at eye-level to the camera, encouraging the audience to see the character as being on an equal footing with themselves and other characters.

Low-angle Shot

In a low-angle shot, the camera is below the person or object, usually making that person or object seem powerful and important.

ActivityUsing flip cameras, take photos

illustrating: Extreme long shot Long shot Medium shot Close-up

High-angle shot Eye-level shot Low-angle shot

Movie Review• Choose 3 scenes in the film

which highlight various shot sizes and camera angles?

• Are they effective in establishing the setting and characters?

• What 5 star rating do you give it?

The sound track is everything we hear when we view a film. This includes not only the words, but also the musical score. Music affects the way you feel about what is happening in the film.

SOUND

What film genre does this music belong to?

(Listening Activity: Do not show the next slide to students)

What film genre does this music belong to?

(Listening Activity: Do not show this slide to students)

James Bond (Action)• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii1tc493bZMJaws (Horror)• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvCI-gNK_y4Unchained Melody (Romance)• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiiyq2xrSI0Some Nights (War)• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQkBeOisNM0

A montage is a technique that directors use to demonstrate the passing of time. In a montage a number of scenes are shown in succession, often to the backdrop of a soundtrack.The directors use montage to demonstrate a change in the characters or a development of a relationship between them.

MONTAGE

Movie Review• The directors of Shrek use

montage quite often. Can you remember when?

• Does it appeal to the audience and demonstrate the change in the characters or a development of a relationship between them?

• What 5 star rating do you give it?

Main characters carry the story and convey most of the significant ideas to the audience. However, minor characters are also important. They can add comic relief, influence the main characters, or bring about an event that is necessary to the story.

PERFORMERS

The way in which an audience perceives a character as good or evil is dependent on:• General appearance – facial expressions and gestures• Costume• Voice• Movement• Behaviour when alone and with others• Dialogue• What others say about them• Colours associated with the character• Settings for each character• Soundtrack that accompanies the character• Symbolic objects associated with a character

What features make these characters appear GOOD?

What features make these characters appear BAD?

Movie Review

• How are the characters in Shrek different from the traditional fairy tale view?

• What appeal does this have to the audience?

• What 5 star rating do you give it?

ActivityMake changes to the characters

Lighting plays an important part in creating atmosphere. It also helps film-maker signal the time of day or night.• High-key lighting is used to show the source of light. Eg:

the bright light of sunrise coming through a kitchen window.

• Low-key lighting emphasises shadow. The effect is often dark and suspenseful. This type of light is often used in mysteries and thrillers.

• Back-lighting, where light comes from behind a subject, creates a silhouette. Because it can make a character look mysterious and foreboding, it is a popular technique for making horror films.

LIGHTING

What type of lighting is being used in these scenes?

Movie Review

• Choose one scene from the film that highlights each lighting technique.

• Are they effective in establishing the mood of the film?

• What 5 star rating do you give it?