Film and New Media

Film and New MediaWith increased internet speeds the use of video on the

internet has become very common. What are the main advantages and disadvantages of

using video on the web?

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Film and New MediaAdvantages:1. Convey a lot of information with personality2. Effectively communicate processes3. Videos provide a dynamic, interactive experience (longer

retention times)4. People like video

Disadvantages:1. Large file size2. High production costs3. Poor quality video (audio) is worse than none4. Can distract from other content

The language of film Film has developed its own visual grammar or language

(worth considering when editing)

What might this grammar refer to in a film?

Image source: North by Northwest http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2011/05/north-by-northwest-crop-duster/

The language of film So the argument goes:

1. The editor controls the flow of information (shot choice, timing) guiding the viewer’s understanding.

2. Shots are the building blocks of a story (multiple shots can convey a narrative)

3. Each shot should answer a question (who, what, where, when, why and how / the foundations of a story)

What shot types do you know of?

Image source: North by Northwest http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2011/05/north-by-northwest-crop-duster/

The language of film Close-up (person or object / head and shoulders)

What question might this shot be answering? (Who, what, where, when, why and how)

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The language of film Medium shot (shared focus / waist up)

What question might this shot be answering? (Who, what, where, when, why and how)

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The language of film Long shot (establish setting / full person)

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The language of film Extreme close-up (examination / eyes, textures)

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The language of film Extreme-long shot (distance, time)

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Commonly used shot sequencesEstablishing shots (beginning / where is the scene)

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Commonly used shot sequencesReaction shots (reaction to event)

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Commonly used shot sequencesInserts (scene object previously seen)Cutaways (new scene objects)

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Commonly used shot sequencesPOVs (an actor’s view, Peepshow)

All of these shots may also use movement to enhance how the content is shown (Zooming, Pan, Tilt, Crab, Tracking (on rails), Hand Held).

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Commonly used shot sequencesMovement: All of these shots may also use movement to

enhance how the content is shown (Zooming, Pan, Tilt, Crab, Tracking (on rails), Hand Held).

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Cuts and Transitions The choice and timing of cuts can influence how your film

is read.

1. Continuity cut (continuous, motion, angle, action)2. Jump cut (space mismatched, abrupt changes)3. Scene cut (new location, event)4. Cross dissolve (time passing)

Examples - what sort of cuts do these examples use?

                Cut film link                Cut advert link

Cuts and Transitions Cutting techniques:

1. Use action to hide edit (cutting on action / not before or after)

2. Split edits when possible (audio is continuous while the picture is changing)

3. Match angles (shot type, eye line, movement)4. Think about juxtaposition - suggest cause and effect5. The speed of cuts can change the mood of the piece

Every shot should provide new information, what questions are shots answering?

Key quality’s of good film

Key quality’s of good filmEmotional impact - what does it make you feel?

Surprise (most films use plot twists)

Interesting plot

Good acting

Composition (cinematography)

Technical competence (lighting, sound)

Linear editingLinear editing = tape-to-tape

Advantages:1. Does not require specialised software2. Does not require digitization

                 Disadvantages:1. More difficult to learn / mostly obsolete2. Requires you to be working with tape!3. More time-consuming / difficult over large projects 

Image source: http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/avid-editing-machine1.htm

Non-Linear editingComputer-based digital video editing

Advantages:1. Widely available2. Useful over larger projects3. Gives the editor more options4. Can be easier for beginners to work with

                 Disadvantages:1. Requires digitized video2. Requires computer equipment, software systems3. Difficulties may arise with incompatible or corrupted file types

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Adobe Premier ElementsPremier Elements is a video editing tool.  You can use it for

photos and videos, as well as to add effects to and transitions between photos / scenes.

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Links: Anon, The Grammar of TV and Film. Available at:

http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/short/gramtv.html [Accessed March 16, 2012].

  Anon, Non Linear Editing. Available at:

http://www.mediacollege.com/video/editing/non-linear/ [Accessed March 16, 2012].

  Anon, 32 Qualities Of Better Film | Let’s Make Better Films. Available at:

http://letsmakebetterfilms.hopeforfilm.com/2010/11/32-qualities-of-better-film.html [Accessed March 16, 2012].

British Film Institute, An introduction to film language. Available at: http://rumney.cardiff.sch.uk/%7Ejw/menu.html [Accessed March 16, 2012].

Stone, K. An introduction to film language. Available at: http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/language_of_film.html [Accessed March 16, 2012].