English Film Techniques

Question 1

What is the effect of a low
angle shot?

Answer 1

Make a subject look small or weak.

Enhances the vulnerability of the subject.

Question 2

What is one effect of a
close up shot?

Answer 2

Shows details of the subject,
including facial expressions.

Question 3

What is the difference
between diegetic and
non-diegetic sound?

Answer 3

Diegetic – sound within the ‘world’ of the film (bird’s
singing, character screaming).

Non-diegetic – sound that is added to the film after
and which is separate to the ‘world’ of the film
(soundtrack).

Question 4

What is the difference
between high-key and
low-key lighting?

Answer 4

High-key lighting – brightly lit scene

Low-key lighting – dim lighting

Bonus question – what is the difference in
effect?

HKL – shows detail

LKL – adds drama

Question 5

What is
mise-en-scene?

Answer 5

The way that the scene is arranged
including:

• What the actors do
• Position of cameras
• Objects in the scene

Question 6

Tone in a Film

Answer 6

Tone in film refers to the mood or atmosphere of a scene or the
whole text.

It can be established and enhanced through a range of film
techniques:

Sound

Mise-en-scene

Camera techniques

Dialogue

Lighting

It is also influenced by the genre, context and themes of the text.

Question 7

Establishing shot

Answer 7

An establishing shot shows the setting.

Question 8

Long shot

Answer 8

A long shot shows the place or people
from a distance. It is often used as the
opening shot, to set the scene.

Question 9

Mid shot

Answer 9

A mid shot shows people from the
waist up. It is used to show what
is happening between characters.

Question 10

Close Up

Answer 10

A close up shows one
part of the subject close
up. It is used to show
what a character is
feeling or to show
something important.

Question 11

extreme close up

Answer 11

An extreme close up
shows small important
details that may be
missed by viewers.

Question 12

Eye Level

Answer 12

Eye level is when the
camera is on the same
level as the subject.

Question 13

High angle

Answer 13

High angle is when the
camera looks down on
the subject, making
them look small,
innocent or scared.

Question 14

Low Angel

Answer 14

Low angle is when the
camera looks up at the
subject, making them
seem large or
frightening.

Question 15

Zoom in

Answer 15

A zoom in is when the shot moves in close. It is used to make sure the viewer sees
something important.

Question 16

Zoom-out

Answer 16

A zoom-out is when the shot moves out. It is used to show more of the scene

Question 17

Pan

Answer 17

A pan is when the camera stays in one place, but moves to follow the action. It is used to
gradually reveal something.

Question 18

Tilt

Answer 18

A tilt used to show an object from top to bottom/ bottom to top. It is often used to show
scale/ height or gradually reveal more detail.

Question 19

Tracking shot

Answer 19

A tracking shot is when the camera moves with the subject. It is often fast paced and is used
for high-action situations.