RAM – Fall 2013

audience members actively construct meaning from the narrative we negotiate a shared experience: the filmmaker’s story (the story told / the plot) the audience member’s story (the story perceived / the total effect)

 somebody Character(s)  doing something + Conflict / Action  at some place & time + Setting = STORY * The narrative is the centerpiece: shots, dialogue, lighting, acting editing, sound should serve the story.

Story Acting Dialogue Lighting Editing Shots Sound

Films blur the lines between fantasy & reality Films utilize mental patterns in order to make sense of a narrative Films create meaning from cause/effect relationships Films navigate through conflict & tension

Filmmaking (a.k.a. constructing visual narratives) is a highly intentional act. “Nothing in a mainstream narrative is there by accident.” -- Jill Nelmes (author of Introduction to Film Studies)

“having been put into the scene” “placing in the scene” A set of variables which the filmmaker manipulates when creating what we see on the screen

setting props costume performance lighting camera editing sound places characters in the film creates own meaning signify & clarify meaning Enhances setting and characterization generally the film’s focal point the acting can dictate mood & attention angle movement focus patterns (and deviations) guides the viewer layers of sound images

1.Create the film event. 2.Light it. 3.Film it. 4.Edit it. 5.Add sound. The Traditional Film-Making Process

As you watch clips Edward Scissorhands next week, you will record what you think are choices that were made intentionally to propel the narrative.