Film Techniques

Film Techniques Folio
Defining what you need to know about film
______________________________________________________________

What do you know about film?

( How did they do that? ( Why did they put that in? ( What was the point of that? ( Why did that character do that? ( What’s this film really about?

These are just some of the questions which might arouse you when you are viewing, or studying, a film. And, clearly, your capacity to answer these questions will be aided by knowledge – knowledge of film and the film techniques a composer might employ.

Below, you will find a list of the main film techniques from which a composer may choose when they create a film text. Knowledge of these techniques and observation of them in use will enable you to gain a greater understanding of how meaning is created through the medium of film.

Film Techniques

(1) Camera Techniques

Camera Shots

▪ Extreme long shot or Establishing shot ▪ Long shot ▪ Full shot ▪ Medium shot or Mid-shot ▪ Close-up ▪ Extreme close-up

Camera Angles

▪ Overshot or Overhead shot ▪ High angle shot ▪ Eye level shot ▪ Low angle shot ▪ Undershot Camera Movement

▪ Panning shot or Pan ▪ Tracking shot ▪ Dolly shot ▪ Tilt or Dutch tilt ▪ Point of view shot ▪ Zoom

Camera Focus

▪ Sharp focus ▪ Soft focus ▪ Deep focus

Camera Speed

▪ Slow motion ▪ Fast motion

(2) Lighting Techniques

▪ Key light ▪ High key lighting ▪ Low key lighting ▪ Fill light ▪ Back lighting

(3) Soundtrack

▪ Natural sound ▪ Sound effects ▪ Dialogue ▪ Voice-over

Music