Fundamentals of English: Film techniques

Camerawork

The most important piece of equipment of any filmmaker is the camera.

Camera shots (Distance of the camera):

1. Extreme long shot

This shot contains a lot of landscape and helps establish the location and atmosphere of this part of the film. It is usually used at the beginning of the film. (e.g. a view of Australian landscape of Sydney Harbour).

2. Long shot

This shot still contains a lot of landscape and helps establish the location but people in the scene are still recognisable as male or female. Long shots shows the audience the characters in relation to the landscape.

3. Medium shot

In a medium shot, there is less background and people in the frame are only seen from the waist up. Medium shots allow the audience to see how characters interact with each other through body language, gestures and dialogue.

4. Close-up

A close-up contains almost no background but focuses on the whole of an object or a person’s face. Close ups are usually used to focus the audience’s attention on the expressions and emotions on the person’s face.

Fundamentals of English: Film techniques

Camera angles:

1. Overhead shot

This shot it achieved when the camera is directly above or overhead the object or scene. The camera is facing down when this shot is taken. A number of effects can be created like making a city look like a maze or ant’s nest, making objects look small and vulnerable, making street scenes look like a map.

2. High angle shot

High angle shots are taken when the camera is above and looking down at the scene or subject. Its main effect is to make the object or figure look small, scared and lacking in power.

3. Eye level angle shot This occurs when the camera is at eye level with the object or figure. It establishes a natural or real-life viewpoint.

4. Low angle shot

Low angle shots are taken when the camera is below or

looking up at the object or figure. The main effect of low

angle shots is to make he object or figure look large and

powerful.

Fundamentals of English: Film techniques

Camera movements.

1. Tracking This is when the camera moves alongside the object/s it is recording to follow the moving object.

2. Panning This is when a camera moves from side to side. This provides the viewer with elements of a scene that cannot be included in a long shot. It allows the camera to follow a moving object.

3. TiltingThis is when the camera moves up or down. Tilting upward can cause feelings of rising interest, expectation, hope, or anticipation. Tilting downward can lower interest and create feelings or disappointment or sadness.

3. DollyingDollying is when the camera moves towards or away from the subject. When the dolly moves toward the subject, the viewer’s interest is increased. When the camera is dollied away, interest in the subject is lowered and tensions are relaxed.

4. ZoomingZooming allows the cinematographer to be closer or further away from the subject without moving the camera. Zooming in makes the viewer focus on the subject. Zooming out allows the viewer to take in the background details. Fast zooms bring emphasis and excitement. Slow zooms remove emphasis and are calming.

Fundamentals of English: Film techniques

Other film techniques

Setting: is the location of a scene Introduces a location Creates a mood

Lighting Creates a mood Draws attention to characters/things in a scene.

Costume include character’s clothes, accessories, make-up and props Shows social status, personality or character type The colour may help define a character (dressed in black =

mysterious/evil) Props may be symbols (e.g a torn wedding photograph to

represent a divorce)

Special effects are visual illusions Emphasise an important aspect of

the film Make the film’s imaginary world

more believable OR more fantastical Evoke emotions of fear, disgust, awe

amazement) in audience

outdoors – indoors bright – dark large – small lush – desolate urban – rural country – room warm lonely exciting – boring/depressing

How does the lighting make you feel? How does it make the character look? bright – dim/dark artificial – natural warm – cool

slow motion computer graphics subtle (natural) realistic obvious fantastical

Fundamentals of English: Film techniques

Acting style includes facial expressions, body language, posture and voice

Sound can be the sound effects in the film or the music that is heard in the background of the film.

builds suspense, convey feelings of sadness, triumph or joy create an awareness of what is about to happen (good or

bad) suggests the character’s role in the film add to the excitement of the scene

fast-pacedslow-pacedemotionalsombre (serious)upbeat/uplifting (happy)melancholy (sad)excitingcrashingbanging

excited - boreddetermined/motivatedhappy - sadfrustratedconfidentworriedangry – relaxedcurious (interested)dreamyglazed/vacant (no interest/emotion)wide-eyedsurprisedserious

loud - quietstammering/stutteringlow/husky – high pitchedsoft-spoken – confident

Fundamentals of English: Film techniques

Film technique

Example Effect

Camera work

Setting

Lighting

Fundamentals of English: Film techniques

CostumeWalter wears a casual knitted wine jumper, cargo pants, sneakers

and carries a backpack

Posters of inspirational people in the background

Walter’s change in clothing represents his gradual change in attitude towards life. He is becoming less safe, more outgoing and relaxed. He is dressed to take more risks. He needs the assistance of the skateboard

Show us Walter is motivated to make this journey to becomean inspirational person like them.

Special Effects skateboarding stunts at high speed

the pop up titles show life’s motto

This realistic stunt makes the audience amazed and surprised at spontaneous decision to skateboard at dangerously high speeds down

the mountain.reitertates the danger and risk involved in Walter’s journey and the

motivation/benefit for his journey

Acting Style

Walter has determined and happy facial expressions. He looks relaxed and free with his widespread armsWalter has determined facial expressions

Walter is free from his corporate life to be himself. He is happy and content being himself.

He is determined to change his life and himself through this journey

Sound Fast-paced, earthy, uplifting pop song (the julips- farawuy)

wind, slow sombre musicempowering, uplifting, energetic emotional music

The music reflects Walter’s feelings about this part of his journey. He is letting go, alive relaxed and free.

create suspense and tension, suggest the dangerous nature of the journey

builds a feeling of motivation, power, determination, the heartbeat suggests sponantous nature of the journey and that Walter’s life will

change through this journey.

Fundamentals of English: Film techniques