FILM PRODUCTION ELEMENTS How to study a film

PRODUCTION ELEMENTS Production elements are all the different things that go into making a film come to life: Characterisation Camera Sound and Music Lighting Editing

CHARACTERISATION AND SETTING Characterisation and the setting of a film includes the following things: Speech Gesture Facial expression Posture Make-up Costume Locations or sets

CAMERA ANGLES The angle the camera is positioned can provide the viewer with different feelings towards what the camera is focusing on. Eye Level – positions the viewer to feel equal to the subject. Low Angle – positions the viewer to feel the importance of the subject. High Angle – positions the viewer to feel superior to the subjects.

CAMERA SHOT SIZES There are many different shot sizes that a film will use to engage the audience, and to position the viewer to feel a range of emotions and feelings towards what the camera shot is displaying. Some of the key camera shot sizes are: Long shot Medium shot Close up Extreme close up - Details and examples of these shots are on the following slides.

SHOT SIZES The long shot – Shows the actors in their environment. The landscape and environment become important. It is often used as an ‘establishing’ shot in a new scene.

SHOT SIZES The medium shot – cuts the actor off at the waist and is often used in two shots. The medium shot can show both the character’s facial expressions and body language at the same time.

SHOT SIZES The close up – shows the actors head and shoulders. This directs the audience’s attention to the significance of what the actors are doing or saying.

SHOT SIZES The extreme close up – This is used for dramatic emphasis. Framing only an actors eyes or mouth can heighten drama, suspense or tension of the moment.

CAMERA MOVEMENT Dolly Shot: A dolly is a cart which travels along tracks. The camera is mounted on the dolly and records the shot as it moves. Dolly shots have a number of applications and can provide very dramatic footage.

CAMERA MOVEMENT Tracking Shot: The tracking shot is similar to the dolly shot; that is, a shot in which the camera is mounted on a cart which travels along tracks.

CAMERA MOVEMENT Panning shot: A pan is a horizontal camera movement in which the camera moves left and right about a central axis. This is a swivelling movement, i.e. mounted in a fixed location on a tripod or shoulder, rather than a dolly-like movement in which the entire mounting system moves.

CAMERA MOVEMENT Tilt shot : A tilt is a vertical camera movement in which the camera points up or down from a stationary location. For example, if you mount a camera on your shoulder and nod it up and down, you are tilting the camera.