Film Techniques Flashcards
What is Close up shot definition and effect
A part of the subject, often the face of the character or some other notable features, takes up most of the frame.
Shows the emotions of the character and helps us to understand or share their feelings. Can also highlight minute details of the subject so that we notice them.
What is Medium shot shot definition and effect
A shot that shows half of the body. The shot is taken from the head to just below the waist.
Shows us their arm or hand movements whilst still being able to see their facial expressions.
What is Long shot definition and effect
A shot that shows the entire person and other people or objects that take up the frame.
We can see the character’s full body, what they are doing and some of the setting
What is establishing shot definition and effect
Also called an extreme long shot. Shows us the location, time of day and setting,
It establishes the setting and shows the action that is happening. Can be used to make characters look small and insignificant.
What is over the shoulder shot definition and effect
Everything is seen from over the shoulder of a character. Typically used for conversation between characters.
Establishes the relation between characters. It can also help us see things from a certain character’s perspective.
What is two shots definition and effect
A shot that has 2 characters in the frame
Shows the relationship dynamic and interaction between the characters
What is high key lighting definition and effect
The light is bright, and the scene is without shadow or mystery
Often suggests a happy mood and makes the viewer feel safe and secure
What is low key lighting definition and effect
Exaggerates the outline of an object by putting areas into shade to create contrast.
Often suggests tension and mystery and puts the viewer on edge and creates anxiety.
What is high angle definition and effect
The camera above looks down on the object.
This makes the subject in the shot look smaller, less powerful, and vulnerable
What is low angle definition and effect
The camera is placed under the subject looking up at him/her/it
This makes the subject in the shot look bigger and more powerful and dominant
What is costume definition and effect
Covers the clothes the actors wear, their accessories and makeup.
Gives valuable information about the characters
What is music definition and effect
Diegetic music is part of the world of film. You can hear its source. Non diegetic music is the background soundtrack
Sets the tone and atmosphere. Gives information about the level of action or drama in a particular scene.
What is dialogue definition and effect
When any of the characters are speaking in the scene.
Moves the story forward and gives us information about the plot or a particular character.
What is tracking definition and effect
When the camera follows characters from behind or in front and we only see one character
What is an insert
Definition – Extreme closeup shot that focuses on 1 thing, even closer than a person’s face – allows us to see what is on a note or the words on a note. It focuses on an object through a character’s eyes so the viewers can see the object perfectly.
Purpose – To draw the viewers’ attention to an object that is shot through a character’s perspective as if the viewer is looking through the character’s eyes. It is to enhance visual storytelling.
Dunkirk example – German’s drop paper saying, “We are surrounding you” and camera focuses on the paper through Tommy’s eyes.
