Film Techniques

Question 1

Back Lighting

Answer 1

The lights for a shot come from the rear of a set, thus throwing the foreground figures into semi-darkness or silhouette. Mysterious or angelic effect.

Question 2

Cross-cutting

Answer 2

Alternating of shots from two sequences often in different places. Suggests that two events are taking place at the same time and heightens the tension of the conflict.

Question 3

Dialogue

Answer 3

Use of spoken language between characters. Demonstrates characterization and conflict.

Question 4

Foreground

Answer 4

Front of scene. Easily seen by the viewer, and usually in focus , so it is the main thing a viewer would notice.

Question 5

Jump cut

Answer 5

A cut between two shots in which the transition is jarring rather than smooth because it violates continuity. Creates a confronting or anxious atmosphere about the progression of the plot. Shows that things may be challenging.

Question 6

Low key lighting

Answer 6

Lighting that characterised by darkness, shadows and patches of bright key light. Dangerous, negative or mysterious atmosphere.

Question 7

Master shot

Answer 7

A shot - usually a wide shot which covers all the action in a scene. Shows the full breadth of a particular conflict or event and creates a sense of scale or drama.

Question 8

Non-diegetic sound

Answer 8

Sound used where the source is not visible on the screen or cannot be logically heard by characters. Enhances the mood or atmosphere in combination with other techniques.

Question 9

Colour

Answer 9

Director’s choice of colour and variation of colour across different scenes. This might be in relation to costume, set or props. Changes or enhances the atmosphere and supports the overall mood of the scene.

Question 10

Tracking shot

Answer 10

Follows a person(s) in movement. The viewer feels that they are with the character or that they are a part of the conflict or situation.

Question 11

Symbol

Answer 11

An object, event or technique in a film has special meaning. Viewers feel that they need to think carefully about the events or ideas, and the impact thing have on characters.

Question 12

Shaky Camera

Answer 12

Shaky cam is often employed to give a film sequence an ad hoc, electronic new-gathering or documentary film feel. It suggests unprepared, unrehearsed filming of reality and can provide a sense of dynamics, immersion, instability or nervousness.

Question 13

Overlapping dialogue

Answer 13

Characters are talking naturally i.e. interrupting each other. Demonstrates a sense of conflict, and can show that a character is dominant or passive.

Question 14

Panning

Answer 14

A revolving horizontal movement of the camera from left to right. Shows the viewer the full range of the landscape; can create a feeling of drama on a vast set.

Question 15

Diegetic Sound

Answer 15

Sound used where the source is visible on the screen, or that the character can logically hear. Adds to the conflict, characterization or overall events of a scene; usually works in conjunction with another technique.

Question 16

Costume

Answer 16

Specific choice of clothing and accessories for a character to set both characterization, time period, events and location. Helps to understand the location, both place and time, and the characters’ histories, backgrounds and roles in the scene.

Question 17

Focus

Answer 17

Where the sharpness of the image is located and how much is sharp. Forces a viewer to seen only what the director wants them to see.

Question 18

Establishing Shot

Answer 18

Usually a long shot which gives an overview of the scene. The audience understands where the scene/film is set and often gives a time reference.

Question 19

Cut in

Answer 19

A shot which provides coverage of the action in a scene closer than the coverage in a master shot. Forces the viewer to focus on a small detail the director wants them to notice.

Question 20

Anti-hero

Answer 20

A main character with whom the audience is encouraged to identify whose personal qualities (eg rebelliousness) are the opposite of conventional heroic qualities. Shows is that anyone could be a hero, and that heroes can be flawed.