Film Techniques Flashcards
Long shot
Helps to establish the nature of the environment that surrounds the subject, and can help to suggest their relationship with it/position within it. Often used in establishing shots.
Mid shot
Effect depends on what is being shot. A mid shot doesn’t really give us a close view of a character’s emotional responses - so it’s rarely used an emotionally fraught scene. Instead it can often lend a sense of stability and closure to a conversation between characters.
Close up shot
Used to give emphasis to a particular object and to give the audience insight into the emotions of a character.
Extreme close up shot
Focuses on a single feature of a character’s face, and is used for emphasis and dramatic effect.
Over the shoulder shot
Used to convey a sense of the relationship between two subjects; can suggest proximity, distance, or dominance.
Point of view shot
When the camera takes the perspective of the character; that is, the audience sees exactly what the character sees. This shot often encourages to identify with that character as we see the world through their eyes.
Shot reverse shot
Often used in conversation, when the camera shoots something (perhaps a character talking) and then shoots a second character to capture their response to that action.
Overhead/Ariel shot
The audience is made to assume an omniscient perspective above the subject. Can be used to make the subject appear diminished in importance and power, vulnerable, exposed, or trapped. Equally it can make a subject look predatory.
High angle
Usually conveys a sense of the subject’s lack of dominance, weakness, or vulnerability. Used in combination with an over-the-shoulder shot, it can also give dominance to a particular figure within the frame.
Low angle
Lends a subject dominance and power.
Dutch/tilted angle
Suggests imbalance or instability.
Pan
Stationary camera moves along a horizontal axis.
Tilt
Stationary camera moves along a vertical axis.
Zoom
Stationary camera, moving lens used to make the object closer or further away.
Tracking
Camera moves to follow action.
Boom
Camera is mounted above action and can “swing” toward or away from it.
Camera movement
The way a camera moves in relation to characters (i.e., following some figures as they move while displacing others from the frame) can result in visual favour or preference to certain characters.
High key lighting
Creates a bright and open looking scene
Low key lighting
Shadow and darkness can help to create a sense of evil, danger, uncertainty, and suspense.
High contrast
Can be used to juxtapose spaces or suggest duplicity (especially when used to light one half of a character’s face).
Colour
Colours, over hundreds of years of art and literature in Western culture, have become symbolic (they suggest meanings beyond sim. The colour of filters, lights, and objects within the mise-en-scene can often be symbolically significant.
Diegetic sound
Has a source within the fictional world of the film.
Non-diegetic sound
Does not have a source within the fictional world of the film, and is usually added during post-production. Includes voiceover and music.
Mise-en-scene
Everything that has been placed within the frame. This includes the set design, properties, placement of characters, and lighting. In the case of characters, placement can indicate visual preference or favour.
Costume
Can often give us insight into the nature of a character, or convey something about their situation (their power and confidence, their vulnerability, and so on).
Dialogue
Dialogue is used for exposition (explaining reasoning/background for on-screen action), as well as to give the audience insight into a character and their thoughts and feelings.
