Media Terminology Rachel Dean

Film Genre A motion picture category based on the codes and conventions within the film. For example, The Blair Witch Project is categorised in the horror genre.

Codes and Conventions Codes are certain parts of the film, such as lighting or a characters actions, that create meaning. For example, low key lighting could be code for a dramatic or dangerous scene. Conventions are props and ways that a film is made to categorise the film into one genre. For example, cowboy hats and guns are conventions of a Western film, such as Django Unchained.

Iconography An icon or image that has a meaning or a connotation. Icon’s can also indicate the genre of a film or TV show. For instance, antagonists often wear black colours to symbolise their evil intentions; such as the Wicked Witch of the West.

Narrative Telling a story or plot. For example, Morgan Freeman narrates Andy’s prison sentence story in Shawshank Redemption.

Linear Narrative Telling a story in chronological order of events. For instance, the horror franchise Child’s Play was narrated in linear narrative.

Non-linear Narrative Telling a story in a non-chronological order of events. For example, Pulp Fiction followed a non linear narrative plot.

TV Genre A television show categorised based the codes and conventions within the show. For example, Friends is categorised as a sitcom.

Editing Taking a footage and making changes, such as adding special effects or adding sounds, to improve the realism of the film. For example, Titanic was filmed in front of a green screen, but editing made the final outcome look like it was shot at sea.

Continuity Editing Adding and cutting shots from one scene to make the narrative flow. For example, conversations in the TV show Freaks and Geeks, were edited continuity so that the conversations flowed and the viewers could still see each characters reactions.

Non Continuity Editing Adding and cutting scenes so that the narrative jumps from one time or setting to another. This form of editing is more obvious compared to continuity editing. For example, the Notebook was non continuity edited to jump between the past and the present narratives.

Camera Movement Movement of the camera in any direction to give a desired effect to the footage: Pan: The camera moves from left and right to show the subject moving. Tilt: similar to pan, the camera moves up and down to show the subject falling or rising. Dolly shots: the camera is placed on a track, or anything that moves, so that it moves along with the subject, or showing a journey from start to finish. Hand held shots: the camera is held by hand to get a shaky effect that makes the film appear realistic or homemade. Crane shot: similar to a dolly shot, the camera is held up by a crane for smooth movement in any direction. Zoom: the camera zooms into an area of focus to emphasise the importance of it. Aerial shot: the camera is attached to a drone or another air vehicle to get an overhead view of the setting. For example, Cruel Intentions starts with an aerial view of New York, the setting of the film.

Camera Angles Camera angles can make a massive difference in the tone created by a scene. Bird’s eye view: The camera is directly above the subject and looking down at it. High view: the camera is above the subject, looking down at it diagonally. Neutral view: the camera is directly in line with the subject and looking forward at it. Low view: the camera is below the subject and looking up at it diagonally. Worm’s eye view: the camera is directly below the subject and looking up at it. For example, in the Devil Wears Prada a low view angle is used when Andy walks away from an event. The paparazzi and the building are shown in the background. This was used to show as much of the life Andy was walking away from as possible.

Composition Composition is the layout of page in terms of where images and text are. In film, composition is where the props and actors are in the shot. For example, the composition of the opening scene of Rebel Without a Cause is James Dean lying on the ground surrounded by rubbish and a toy monkey in the foreground, and a large building in the background.

Shot types Shot types are different ways a scene is composed to give the viewer a clear idea of what’s happening. Extreme long shots: a character is barely visible in the shot and the background is the main focus. Long shots: a characters whole body is shown. The focus shifts slightly away from the background. Usually used to give the viewers a chance to get to know a character. Medium shots: a character is shown from the waist up. The focus shifts completely off the background to the character. This gives the viewer a look at the characters body language and facial expression. Close up shot: a character is shown typically from the shoulders up. A close up shot is used to focus on the characters emotions. Extreme close up: typically on a characters eyes or hands, an extreme close up shows a small part of the character to emphasise on one detail For example, an extreme close up on Woody’s eyes during the opening sequence of Toy Story was used to show that he was playing a western shooting game, as most western shoot ups began with an extreme close up on the competitors eyes.