Media Techniques

Media TechniquesLearning Intentions: Learn about the different camera angles and the impact on the viewerCamera Angle ShotsCamera angle shots influence the viewers perception of the film and the characters. There are many different shots but we will focus on the following: 2. Close Up Shot (CU)The characters face takes up most of the frame. It is done to show emotion.

3. Extreme Close Up (ECU)The camera focuses on a part of something (eyes, lips...etc).

4. Medium ShotCamera shot from waist or chest upwards. Can include 1-2+ people.

5. Long Shot/Wide ShotShows the entire character/object in relation to their surroundings.

6. Ariel ShotSometimes referred to as a birds eye view shot. It shows the entire image from up high.

7. Zoom ShotThe camera will either zoom into focus on something or zoom out to reveal more details.

8. High Angle ShotThe camera is set high and shoots on a downward angle. It can make people look vulnerable and less powerful.

9. Low Angle Shot The camera is set low and looks up. This can make the character seem more powerful.

10. Over the Shoulder ShotThis shot is positioned over someones shoulder. Usually done in conversation.

11. Point of View ShotCamera shows the scene through the characters eyes.

12. Panning/Tracking ShotThe camera shoots the scene moving horizontally. It shows the setting/landscape.Tracking shots follow the movement of the character. TaskWe are going to watch the first scene of the film.

We will watch it three times.

In the box you should write what happens I want you to write onto your storyboard the name of the camera angle and the effect it gives.Importance of SoundAlthough what we see in a film is important, the sounds we hear also play an important role.

Sound and music help us understand the content of the film much better.

Importance of Sound...Filmmakers include sound and music because:Gives audience clues to emotion...Tells us how characters personally feel.Tells us about how they feel towards other characters.Lets us know how we should feel.

Importance of Sound...Filmmakers include sound and music because:

It creates the atmosphere/mood of the scene. For instance, music can be used to tell the audience when something is supposed to be frightening and dark. Diagetic vs. Non-DiageticDiagetic Sound:

Sound or music recorded in the movies world. Example: a door closing, gun being fired, police siren.

Non-Diagetic Sound:

Sound or music that is added to the film during the editing process. Most often, non-diagetic sound is music.

TaskListen to the music in the opening scene.

Write down next to each camera shot what the music is, and the effect it creates on the viewer.Task the SecondWatch the following scene.Take note of what is Diagetic and Non-Diagetic in the scene.Write down the effect of both types of music upon your viewing.Definition: Mise En SceneA French term meaning what is put into a scene or frame

Visual information in front of the camera

Communicates essential information to the audience

Made up of 5 elements: Can you guess what they are?The 5 Elements of Mise en SceneSettings & Props

Costume, Hair & Make Up

Facial Expressions & Body Language

Lighting & Colour

Positioning of characters/objects within the frameEach aspect of mise-en-scene has hidden meanings within a film and sends signals to the audience about how we are supposed to feel at a certain point2. Costume, Hair & Make UpCostume, Hair & Make Up act as an instant indicator to us of a characters personality, status & job

It tells us immediately whether the film is set in the present and what society/or culture it will centre around

Certain costumes can signify certain individuals (i.e. black cloak of a vampire, Spideys Spiderman suit)

233. Facial Expressions & Body LanguageFacial Expressions provide a clear indicator of how someone is feeling

If someone is smiling broadly, we assume they are happy but we may get a different feeling if this is accompanied by scary music

Body Language may also indicate how a character feels towards another character or may reflect the state of their relationship

TASK: What meanings/emotions do the following images convey:

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4. Positioning of Characters & Objects within a framePositioning within a frame can draw our attention to an important character/object

A film-maker can use positioning to indicate relationships between people

What does the positioning in the following images reveal about the characters/film:27

5. Lighting & ColourLighting & Colour can be used to achieve a variety of effects:To highlight important characters or objects within the frameTo make characters look mysterious by shading sections of the face & bodyTo reflect a characters mental state/hidden emotions (i.e. bright = happy, dark = disturbed, strobe effect = confused30Types of LightingLOW KEY LIGHTING:

Created by using only the key & back lights

Produces sharp contrasts of light and dark areas

Deep, distinct shadows/silhouettes are formed

Example: Horror Films

31Types of LightingHIGH KEY LIGHTING:

More filler lights are used. Lighting is natural and realistic to our eyes

Produces brightly lit sets or a sunny day (right)

Example: Rom-Coms

32Look at the next screen shot: a wide shot.

What does the mise-en-scene tell you about the location?

Think about: Lighting Location Colour Props