Film Techniques

Question 1

Define the term mise-en-scene

Answer 1

The arrangement of everything that appears in the framing – actors, lighting, décor, props, costume – is called mise-en-scène, a French term that means “placing on stage.”
The frame and camerawork are also considered part of the mise-en-scène of a movie.
If it’s on the screen and if it’s a physical object recorded by the camera, then it’s part of
the mise-en-scène.

Question 2

Define the term narrative

Answer 2

This refers to the story or the plotline of the film.

Question 3

Define the term genre

Answer 3

This refers to the type of film that is being studied, for example, horror/romance/comedy/science fiction.

Question 4

Define the term representation

Answer 4

How does this film show people? Are they accurately represented? Are there any stereotypes present and if so, why? Are they deliberate or unintentional?

Question 5

Define the term cinematography

Answer 5

This refers to the choice of camera angles and shots used in the film.

Question 6

Define the term editing

Answer 6

This refers to how the different shots and scenes of the film are put together. Editing can have a drastic effect on the storyline and what gets emphasised in the film. It can also affect pacin

Question 7

Define the term special effects

Answer 7

Special effects are illusions or visual tricks used in film to create imagined events in a story or virtual world.

Question 8

Define the term lighting

Answer 8

The way that the scene is lit for the audience. Lighting can have an impact on the tone and mood of a scen

Question 9

Define the term product design

Answer 9

Production design is the creation and organization of the physical world surrounding a film story. Anything that is included in the set should tell us something about the characters and the world that they live in.