Film Techniques Year 10

Parallel Action Two or more actions that are linked by the film to appear simultaneous. Two or more actions that are linked by the film to appear simultaneous.

Voiceover The narrator’s voice when the narrator describes what is going on. The narrator’s voice when the narrator describes what is going on. The use of voiceover is to hear the story from a character’s perspective. The use of voiceover is to hear the story from a character’s perspective.

Non-linear Narrative A story that is told out of order and usually used to mimic the structure of recall of human memory. A story that is told out of order and usually used to mimic the structure of recall of human memory.

Mise en scene The arrangement of the so-called theatrical elements before they are actually filmed, these include sets, lighting, costumes and props. The arrangement of the so-called theatrical elements before they are actually filmed, these include sets, lighting, costumes and props.

Non-diagetic Sound Sounds, such as music or a narrator’s voice that comes from outside the space of the narrative. Sounds, such as music or a narrator’s voice that comes from outside the space of the narrative.

Linear Narrative Is the way in which a story is told. There is a beginning, a middle and an end. Is the way in which a story is told. There is a beginning, a middle and an end.

Rule of thirds A frame is divided into nine imaginary sections. This creates reference points which act as guides for framing the image. Points of interest are placed in the 1/3 or the 2/3 of the frame. A frame is divided into nine imaginary sections. This creates reference points which act as guides for framing the image. Points of interest are placed in the 1/3 or the 2/3 of the frame.

Diagetic Sound Any sound, voice or piece of music that comes from within the world of the narrative. Any sound, voice or piece of music that comes from within the world of the narrative.

Score Original music composed for the film. Original music composed for the film. Use of the score is to enhance the meaning of the film. Use of the score is to enhance the meaning of the film.

Reaction Shot A shot that cuts from an object, person or action to show another person or person’s reaction. A shot that cuts from an object, person or action to show another person or person’s reaction.

Dissolve An editing transition whereby one image fades out while another fades in. An editing transition whereby one image fades out while another fades in.

Fade In/Fade Out Fade in: an editing transition whereby an image gradually appears on a blackened screen Fade in: an editing transition whereby an image gradually appears on a blackened screen Fade out: same is fade in; however, image disappears Fade out: same is fade in; however, image disappears

Focus The sharpness of the image in the camera lens. The sharpness of the image in the camera lens. The filmmaker can choose and manipulate which elements of the mise en scene remain in focus to either emphasise or exclude them from the narrative. The filmmaker can choose and manipulate which elements of the mise en scene remain in focus to either emphasise or exclude them from the narrative.

Panning A shot that pivots from left to right or right to left without the camera changing position. A shot that pivots from left to right or right to left without the camera changing position.