FILM LANGUAGE

Stories told on film are often very powerful. As an audience we connect with the characters presented to us and feel along with them as they journey through their stories. So what is it that makes a film such a powerful experience? Part of the secret is film language. This is the way that different shots are put together to help tell the story and create a mood on film.

Shot Types

Establishing shot.

Opening shot or sequence, normally filmed as an Extreme Long Shot (ELS) which shows as much of a setting as possible. Used to establish the scene.

Long shot (LS).

Shot which shows all or most of a fairly large subject (for example, a person) and usually much of the surroundings. This can be used to make it seem that a person is overwhelmed by their surroundings.

Medium shots (MS).A picture in which the subject or actor and its setting occupy roughly equal areas in the frame. There is space for hand gestures to be seen. Medium shots are frequently used to show two or three people and how they relate to each other.

Close-up (CU).

A picture which shows a fairly small part of the scene, such as a character's face, in great detail so that it fills the screen. Close-ups focus attention on a person's feelings or reactions.

Extreme Close-up (ECU).

A picture which shows a single significant object, such as a person’s hand holding a weapon. Extreme close-ups focus attention on important moments in the story.

High Angle Shots.

When the camera is positioned above the subject of the shot. This angle can be used to make the subject seem vulnerable or scared.

Low Angle Shots.

When the camera is positioned below the subject of the shot. This angle can be used to make the subject seem dominant and powerful.

Pan/Track/Dolly Shot.

These are moving camera shots that can be used to show more of a setting or scene or to track fast moving action. They are used to add the feeling of excitement.

Tilt/Zoom Shot.

These are moving camera shots that are used to take attention from one aspect of a shot to another. This shot is used to create perspective, for example a zoom shot might start by showing a large skyscraper, then zoom in to show two people fighting on the roof.

Point of View Shot.Filming from the direct point of view of a character. This shot can help the audience to understand what someone is seeing or to create fear for a character by seeing through the eyes of an invisible foe.

Colourand

Light

Dark.

Dark scenes help to create a feeling of uneasiness because the audience cannot see everything in a scene. Darkness might be used in the background so that you can see the characters, but you can’t see where they are, or it can be used in the foreground of a scene so that you cannot see the face or features of a character.

Light.

Light scenes help to create a feeling of happiness or strength. When a scene is bright, the audience can see everything and feels comfortable with the actions in the scene.

Bright.

When a scene is very bright, it can create the feeling of being overwhelmed. When lots of bright light is used, the elements of a shot become unclear, just as in dark scenes. This makes the audience feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed.

Cool Colours.

Cool colours such as blues and greens are used to show negative emotions. Blue colours can help to create a feeling of sadness and greens can make the scene feel sickly.

Warm Colours.

Warm colours such as yellows and pinks are used to show positive emotions. Yellow colours represent happiness and remind us of summer days, pink colours create a sense of comfort and love.