freedom writers - film terms & questions booklet (good copy)-1

English 10-2Film Study

FREEDOM WRITERS

FILM STUDY

Notes & Questions Booklet


Name: Terms for Directing Camera Work, Sound & Effects

Camera Shots & Angles

POV – Point of View: This may indicate that the camera is viewing the scene From above (a high angle shot) From below (a low angle shot) From overhead or Bird’s eye view (camera is directly above the scene) From ground level (camera is on the ground pointing upward) From other positions that result in a specific effect

Long Shot – the viewing field takes in objects and scenery far into the backgroundMedium Shot – the viewing field shows people in full length but only part of the settingClose-up – the viewing field shows part of no more than one or two people in the frame, usually

only upper body, or facesMed-long Shot – the viewing field falls between medium and long shot distancesMed-close-up – the viewing field falls between medium shot and close-up distancesExtreme close-up – the viewing field is much closer than the typical close-up view, showing less

than a full face

Zoom in – the viewing field gradually closes in on the subjectZoom out – the viewing field gradually pulls away from the subject. Zooming in or out may also be

done at different speeds, fast or slow. The terms pull in and pull out mean the same thing.

Pan – the camera turns on its horizontal axis to follow movement from left to right or vice versa, or to show a wider view of a setting than can be shown from one spot

Dolly shot – the camera follows action from a position that moves with the subject and parallel to its movement. The camera is mounted on a moveable “dolly” to keep it steady as it moves along.

Fade – the scene gradually disappears into gray or black.Dissolve to – one scene gradually fades away as the next scene becomes clearer over topCut to – an instant shift from one scene or shot type to another

Superimpose – an image is put overtop of or behind another image

Lighting

Three-point lighting – a common arrangement using three directions of light on a scene: from behind the subjects (backlighting); from one bright source (key light); and from a dimmer source opposite the key light (fill light).High-key lighting – ratio of key light to fill light is small, creating brilliant illuminations, few shadows, and a minimum contrast. Favoured in Hollywood comedies and light dramas.


Low-key lighting – lighting style in which the majority of a scene is scarcely lit. Usually enhanced by dark costumes and sets.Direction of light source – overhead; side-lighting; backlighting; light from below; angel light (backlighting which creates halo of light around subject’s hair, usually to enhance glamour or innocence of female character).

Sound – speech, noise & music

Diegetic sound – sound that has a source in the story (spoken words, natural sounds…)Nondiegetic sound – sound coming from a source outside the film ( most common is music artificially added to enhance the film’s action or drama).Voice-over – a voice of a non-visible narrator over the picture; gives the effect of speaking with knowledge or authority.Onscreen sound – the source of the sound is in the story – diagetic – and visible onscreen within a shot.Offscreen sound – the sounds come from within the story – diagetic – but are in a space outside the limits of the frame ( for example, we may hear a character speak or sing, but we may not see his/her body onscreen at that point. Or we may hear shots being fired, but we don’t see the action of firing them onscreen).Music – music often enhances the emotion director’s and/or screenplay writer’s are trying to portray. Ex. Quiet, classical music is often played during peaceful moments in a scene.

Colours – Effect on Viewer or Information Provided

Red – commands attention; exciting, stimulating; evocative of danger, love and lust.Blue – non-threatening; calm, wholesome, healthyYellow – welcoming, friendly and happy; secureGreen – youthful and fresh; associated with nature, growth; relaxingPurple – royal; dignified, expensive (especially when paired with gold)Black – mysterious, sophisticated; gloomy and threateningBrown – earthy; warm, comforting and homeyWhite – purity and innocence; healthyPastels – (blue and pink): innocent, calmingOrange – energy, balance, heat, fire, enthusiasm, and autumn

Shapes – Effect on Viewer or Information Provided

Rounded – relaxing, feminine, inviting, sensualAngular & straight – masculine, powerfulJagged – upsetting, threatening

*Compiled using resources from the Senior High School ELA Guide to Implementation (Alberta Learning) and Carol Koran’s Film as Literature.

Character Tracking Chart – Freedom WritersComplete the following character chart as a way to help you keep track of the characters in the film. Not all of the characters will play a significant role in every scene, but you need to keep

adding details throughout the film.


CHARACTER Developmental DetailsBrandy

Gloria

Alejandro

Andre

Eva

Ben

Sindy

Jamal

CHARACTER Developmental DetailsTito

Marcus


Victoria

Dr. Cohn

Margaret Campbell

Erin Gruwell

Freedom Writers – English 10-1 Film Study

As we watch the movie, take notes on the following:

1. Descriptions and details of the different settings:

Woodrow Wilson High School


Classroom (at the beginning)

Borders (first change in seating plan)

Compare Sindy’s & Eva’s homes

Classroom (at the end)

2. Identification and examples of the main conflicts

3. Examples of light, music and camera shots to enhance our viewing experience

4. Identification of any motifs (recurrent ideas, symbols, themes)


Answer the following questions.

1. How do you think Erin Gruwell felt after the first day of school? Why would the students react so negatively to her?

2. Discuss the “Toast for Change.” What is significant about that moment?

3. Which character did you like the best in this film? Why?

4. Discuss the significance of the following scenes:a. Museum of Tolerance Visit

b. Library Visit

c. Eva’s Court Appearance

d. Finding out Ms. Gruwell didn’t teach Jr. or Sr. English


e. Choosing to name their book “Freedom Writers”

Viewing Activity

Clip Title:Literary Aspects

Clip Title:Dramatic Aspects


Clip Title:Cinematic Aspects

Sights Sounds

Viewing Activity

Film Title:Scene:

Sights

Sounds

Events Characters


Literary Dramatic

freedom writers - film terms & questions booklet (good copy)-1

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