Common Film TechniquesFilm TechniquesFilm techniques is the term used to describe the ways that meaning is created in film.Camera ShotsA camera shot is the amount of space that is seen in one shot or frame. Camera shots are used to demonstrate different aspects of a film's setting, characters and themes. As a result, camera shots are very important in shaping meaning in a film. An extreme long shotcontains a large amount of landscape. It is often used at the beginning of a scene or a film to establish general location(setting). This is also known as an establishing shot.A long shotcontains landscape but gives the viewer a more specific idea of setting. A long shot may show the viewers the building where the action will take place.A mid shotcontains the characters or a character from the waist up. From this shot, viewers can see the characters' faces more clearly as well as their interaction with other characters. A close-upcontains just one character's face. This enables viewers to understand the actor's emotions and can also allow them to experience emotions towards the character and scene.An extreme close-upcontains one part of a character's faceor other object. This type of shot creates an intense mood and provides interaction between the audience and the viewer.*When analysing a film you should always think about the different camera shots and why they are being used. The next time that you are at the cinema or watching television see what camera shots are being used. Important:These camera shots are used in all forms of visual texts including postcards, posters and print advertisements.Camera anglesCamera angles are used to position the viewer so that they can understand the relationships between the characters. These are very important for shaping meaning in film as well as in other visual texts.A bird's eye angleis an angle that looks directly down upon a scene. This angle is often used as an establishing angle, along with an extreme long shot, to establishsetting.A high angle is a camera angle that looks down upon a subject. A character shot with a high angle will look vulnerable or small. These angles are often used to demonstrate to the audience a perspective of a particular character.
An eye-level angleputs the audience on an equal footing with the character/s. This is the most commonly used angle in most films as it allows the viewers to feel comfortable with the characters.A low angle is a camera angle that looks up at a character. This is the opposite of a high angle and makes a character look more powerful. This can make the audience feel vulnerable and small by looking up at the character. This can help the responder feel empathy if they are viewing the frame from another character's point of view.A Dutch angle is used to demonstrate the confusion of a character. *As with camera shots, you will be able to see many examples of camera angles in any film or visual text that you view. The next time that you watch television or see a film, take note of the camera angles and think of how they affect your perception (idea) of different characters.Camera movementComposers of films also use camera movement to shape meaning. The following are some examples of common camera movements and how they can be used to shape meaning in films.A crane shot is often used by composers of films to signify the end of a film or scene. The effect is achieved by the camera being put on a crane that can move upwards.A tracking shotand a dolly shothave the same effect. A tracking shot moves on tracks and a dolly shot is mounted on a trolley to achieve the effect in the example above. This camera movement is used in a number of ways but is most commonly used to explore a room such as a restaurant. By using a tracking shot or a dolly shot the composer of a film gives the viewer a detailed tour of a situation. It can also be used to follow a character.Panningis used to give the viewer a panoramic view of a set or setting. This can also be used to establish a scene.LightingLighting is a very important aspect for shaping meaning in films. What kind of atmosphere is created in a room lit by candles? Have you ever heard of mood lighting? A room that is brightly lit by neon lights might seem to be sterile or a shadowyroom might be eerie or scary. The lighting technicians in a film crew have the task of creating lighting to suit the mood and atmosphere of each scene in a film.SoundSound in film can include anything from actors speaking, sound effects or music. All sounds in film are separated into two distinct types: diegetic and non-diegetic. Diegetic sound is sounds that can be logically heard by the characters in the film, while Non-Diegetic sounds are sounds that cannot be heard by characters but are designed for audience reaction only (ex. ominous music for foreshadowing in Jaws).CinematographyCinematography is the combination of the techniques described in this chapter. This includes camera shots, camera angles, camera movement and lighting. Use the term cinematography to group all of these together, for example, 'The cinematography in that film was exceptional.'