Techniques used by filmmakers

Camera Angles/Shots This refers to how close or far away the camera is to the action being filmed. It also refers to where the camera is positioned in respect to the actor.

Close-upA close-up is when the camera is positioned (or zooms) close to the subject, perhaps showing just the human face

Extreme Close-UpThis shot is taken with the camera extremely close to the subject. For example, this shot could be used to show things such as:

•Just the eyes on a human subject•A small part of a machine•An individual leaf from a tree

Long Shot

A long shot is when the camera is long way from the subject and will usually show an entire person plus the background around them

Extreme Long Shot

This is when the camera is extremely far away from the subjects and usually shows an entire setting. This type of camera angle is often used as an ‘establishing shot’ at the beginning of the film to show the audience where (what location) the film is set.

Mid-ShotThe camera is still close to the subject and usually shows an actor from the waist up. This shot also reveals surrounding objects/setting.

A High Angle Shot

This is when the camera is positioned above the subject and looks down.

Low Angle Shot

When the camera is positioned below the subject looking upwards

Normal Angle Shot

This is when the camera is positioned at eye-level to the subject (this is why this shot is also known as an ‘eye level shot’)

Camera MovementThis explains how the camera moves in relation to the action.

Crane ShotA crane shot is when the camera moves

down and across the scene from an enormous height. This is achieved by attaching the camera to a large crane that is able to move around the scene. These types of shots are often used as part of the establishing shot at beginning of films.

Panning ShotA panning shot is when the camera is

mounted onto a stand and moves in a left or right direction to follow the action being filmed.

Dolly ShotThis is when the camera is mounted onto

a travelling stand so that the camera can travel along with the action/actor being filmed.

LightingWhen filmmakers shoot the action, they also decide what the light will be like in the shot. Lighting is used to indicate not only time of day, but also mood/atmosphere.

Low Key Lighting

Low Key lighting (also known as High Contrast Lighting) creates a strong contrast or comparison between light and dark areas. This lighting is often used to show a suspicious character/action.

High Key LightingThis is when the scene is brightly lit without shadows and this achieved with flood lights. This type of lighting is frequently used to show joy and happiness.

Natural Lighting

This is where the lighting is exactly how it appears in real life.

SoundtrackSoundtrack is the sounds and music you hear while watching the action on the screen. Music (also known as the ‘score’) is used to indicate changes in the characters’ feelings. For example, if a character has received sad news, slow mournful music will be played.

The soundtrack also includes the everyday sounds of the action on the screen. For example, footsteps, train horns, ambulance sirens, doorbells etc.

Other Elements of Soundtrack

Voiceover : when an actor’s voice narrates the action on the screen (narrator)

Sound effects: when particular sounds are exaggerated for effect e.g. the sounds of a knife slashing in a horror film

Dialogue: the words the actors speak

CharactersCharacters are the people in the film. Although each character is different and unique, there are some familiar character types that recycled.

The HeroThe hero is a physically and emotionally strong character who embarks on a quest. This quest usually involves overcoming a series of obstacles before the hero reaches his/her goal.

Part of the hero’s quest usually involves preventing the villain from achieving world domination.

Generally the hero is unselfish, protective of others, strong in spirit and body and intelligent.

Famous Heroes:•Lara Croft•Superman•James Bond•Indiana Jones•Thor•Jason Bourne

The VillainThe villain is the hero’s greatest obstacle. The villain is usually intent on achieving ultimate power over other characters in the film. The villain is selfish, flawed and greedy.

Famous Villains:•The Joker•Freddy Kruger•Lex Luther•The White Queen

The Anti-HeroThe Anti-Hero is a character who is rebellious, a loner and distrustful of authority. However, the Anti-Hero also displays some of the characteristics of the Hero and generally ends up ‘saving the day’ in his/her own way. It’s a character that lies somewhere between the Hero and the Villain, sharing traits of both.

Sometimes the Anti-Hero is a character who is weakened and suffers a series of disappointments, and yet still perseveres to reach his/her goals.

Well Known Anti-Heroes:• Captain Jack Sparrow•Juno•Hannibal Lecter•Shrek•Achilles

The Mentor

The mentor is someone who guides, teaches and supports the hero (or anti-hero) on his/her journey.

Well known mentors:Obi Wan Kenobi-”Star Wars”Mr Miyagi- “The Karate Kid”Splinter-”Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”Dumbledore-”Harry Potter”

Archetypical NarrativesThese a stories that we already know from fairy tales, the bible, children’s books etc that are recycled again and again.

David and Goliath

David and Goliath is the story of a boy who overcame a giant that was terrorising the land. David, the smallest and youngest of a family of eight sons, took on the giant when no one else (not even an army) would. David out-witted the giant by using a sling-shot and stone to kill him by stoning the giant in-between the eyes. A ‘David and Goliath’ narrative involves an underdog taking on and defeating a more powerful enemy .

Films that have used this storyline: The

Castle, ‘Rocky’ films, The Benchwarmers,

The Karate Kid, Gridiron Gang

Romeo and JulietThe tale of two young lovers who, in spite of opposition from their families, conspire to be together.

Films that have used this storyline: Titanic, The Notebook, Twilight…

The QuestThe quest storyline involves a hero who has to overcome a series of obstacles to find hidden treasure and to defend the world from evil.

The hero usually achieves his/her goal with the assistance of a sidekick.Examples:

Indiana Jones: Temple of DoomPirates of the CaribbeanHarry PotterHoles

CostumeCostumes are the clothes, hairstyles and make-up the characters wear.

Time and Place

Costumes can be used to show the time period the film is set in. For instance, in this pictures the people are dressed in a style that was popular in the 90s. .