WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Yr 11ESL English Term 2, 2013 Name: _____________________

Film makers carefully consider every aspect of a film before it is released to the public. Film makers therefore, construct their meaning and try to position the audience to accept the film’s message. FILM TECHNIQUES Visual techniques Audio techniques Symbolic techniques Instructions 1.Go to the websites listed on each page 2.Use the information there to fill in the blanks on the tables on the next three pages. 3.Complete the gap fill on the rest of the pages by reading through this ppt on Wiki spaces 4.Use this information to describe the pictures on the last pages of this ppt.

AngleDescriptionPurpose HighThe camera is placed above and looks down on the subject or object. It is used to make the character look small and also indicate that the character is weak or inferior. EyeAn eye angle places the audience on eye-level with the character. It is used to indicate that the character is on equal footing with the audience. It suggests reality. LowThe camera is placed looking up on the subject or object. It is used to make the character look big and indicates that the character is powerful and dominant. Overhead /Bird’s eye The camera is placed overhead or directly above the object or scene. Characters and objects are made to look small and vulnerable. A character of object could be followed at a different speed or pace.

2. Camera Shots ShotDescriptionPurpose Extreme close up This is a very close shot showing the detail of an object or the physical features of a person. To make the viewer aware of some specific detail in the film. It can be used to heighten tension. Close up This is a shot taken of a person’s head from just above the head to the top of the upper chest. It can also be used to film an object at close range. It contains little or no background. This is used to introduce a character and allows the character to show emotions. It can be used to heighten tensions. Medium shot This shows half of the body. The shot is taken from above the head to just below the waist. This allows you to get to know the character closely by viewing their facial expressions and body language. Med long shot This shows the whole person as well as some of the background. Places the person in context. Long shot This shows the whole person and other characters but the background dominates the shot. This allows the viewer to understand the relationship between the characters and their environment. Extra long shot This shows the landscape of the film or a barely visible character in the distance of a background. The gives information to the viewer about where the action is to take place. It often sets the atmosphere of a film.

MovementDecriptionPurpose ZoomThe camera moves towards or away from a particular object. This is used to make objects appear closer or further away. PanningThe camera turns from side to side, i.e. from left to right or right to left. It is often used in the opening scene of a movie or can be used to show the lndscape from the view of the characters. TiltThe camera moves diagonally from the top to the bottom of the frame. It is used to show the character form head to toe and can emphasise size. It can also indicate speed and reaction. DollyThe camera moves towards or away from the character. The camera is often placed on wheels to allow fro a smooth movement. It allows the viewer in the action where they can feel part of it. TrackingThe camera moves along with the actors or the action. The camera is usually on wheels. It engages the viewer in the action where they can feel part of it.

Audio within scenes or through scenes, is used to _________ (add to) the effects of visual images. Examples include - 1.Music – the use of film music is to allow the musical score to imitate or _________ what is being shown on the screen. eg a.a moment of great tension or drama would be accompanied with very heavy _________ music. Eg in the movie called Jaws. Click on the website below to hear an example. 3&first=0&FORM=NVPFVR b. Music may remind viewers of a particular ____ or location. Eg in Footy Legends a famous AC/DC song is played during the _________ footy match with the garbage collectors. 2.

2. Sound effects a. _________ – this refers to sounds that characters can hear as well as the audience eg. Slamming door, screeching car, excited crowd b. Non-diegetic – this refers to sounds that characters cannot hear, that are put in for the audience only eg, background music to ________ audience positioning 3. Dialogue (the words the characters say) Words spoken by the actors are carefully planned to support the _______ and storyline. This includes the way the words are spoken – _______ of voice, accent, formality or ___________ of their speaking style.

1.Setting a.Some scenes are shot “on location” (outside in the real world) b.Other scenes are shot in a studio(a scene inside a bedroom of a house may be just set up to look that way) 2. Costume/appearance a.Costumes are carefully chosen to develop the character and to make the story believable. Eg Luc is seen wearing a flannelette shirt throughout the film as this would be all his character could afford.

3. Lighting is imperative to creating mood or realism. a. Dark lighting usually represents a scene where something foreboding will happen or that something is seedy, scary or evil. b. Blue light is used to enhance a mood of coldness or loneliness. c. Bright lighting or colours usually suggests happier times or warmth or intimacy.

The camera angle here is low which makes the house look big and the character look powerful. The dark lighting and the fact that we can only see the silhouette and not the face of the person, suggests something sinister or evil is about to happen.

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