Images that encode a meaning

Editing

Camera movement and composition

Master shot- This shot includes 2/3 actors at a crucial moment, allowing the audience to view all the important coverage.

Pan movement- This allows the audience to get a wide shot of the enitre setting, making them feel a part of the scene as they are identified with the surroundings.

Tilt movement- These movements show the vertical significance of something such as a building so the audience can gain a better understanding of the setting and perhaps the main venues and characters in the scene.

Dolly, Track movement- This presents a smooth movement of a particular scene, creating a professional look and effect for the audience.

Crane movement- This is a common way of ending a scene/movie which allow the reader to know when a scene is coming to an end or a better view of the setting.

Steadicam- Allows the audience to watch action/movement with ease as this is a smooth movement used in scenes.

Hand held- This movement can often create an uneasy and worried effect for the audience as they may not be used to viewing scenes like this during a particular film.

Zoom- This makes it easier for the viewer to be aware on the character's emotions and what they are feeling. It could also zoom in on a particular character to foreshadow that they may become important later on in the film.

Framing composition- This is so the audience can see the main subject in the middle of the photo, letting them know who/what is the most important subject.

Rule of thirds composition- Is when an image is split into nine sections which creates four important parts of the image where you should place the point of interest, as studies have shown this is where natural people's eyes usually go when they are viewing an image. This shot is to help the audience focus on the main parts of interest and also help the viewers interact with the image more naturally.

Deph of field composition- This can create an effect on the audience by making them feel as if the main subject is isolated from the background- perhaps making them feel lonely or isolated themselves.

Shallow focus- Only allowing the audience to focus on the main subject- this will make them think that this particular character/subject is important as all the attention is on them.

Deep focus- This makes the audience aware of every aspect as they will think everything involved in the shot is important

Focus pulls- the focus is adjusted to draw the viewer's attention in to a particular subject.

Camera shots and angles

Establishing shot- this shot sets the scene.This encodes a meaning because it lets the audience know where the scene is taking place therefore they already gain a better understanding. 

Close-up - This shot lets the audience connect more with the character by giving them a closer look of their feelings and emotions during the scene. This can cause the audience to feel sympathetic for the character or indeed feel the same emotions they are feeling.

Mid-shot - This shot is normally used during dialogue or to get a better look of the character (including their clothes etc). This helps the viewer pay more attention to any conversation taking place between characters.

Long-shot - This allows the viewer to see the character'a entire outfit and body language. This creates an effect for the reader as it allows them to understand the character more through the way they act and position their body.

Wide shot- This shot is particularly helpful for the reader as it is positioned to observe most of the action/ performance in a scene.

Two-shot - This type of camera shot can be used to present the relationship between the two characters or the emotional reactions between the two subjects which again gives the audience members a better understanding of the story.

Aerial shot- This shot could make the reader feel as though the character is insignificant/ looked down upon or it could give a better view of the setting.

Point of view shot- This is used to let the audience know what the character is going through, as if to feel they are the ones in the story.

Over the shoulder shot- This shot also has a similar effect on the reader- feeling as though they are seeing the drama and action taking place in the scene from the character's point of view.

High angle shot- This is used for more weaker characters, letting the audience know they are not as powerful as the others.

Low angle- This has an opposite effect on the reader, implying that this character is of great importance and is powerful. 

Canted angle- This can create a dramatic effect for the reader - creating unease, frantic or desperate action.

Monarch Of The Glen Essay

12/09/13

Monarch Of The Glen Essay

 During the clip of ‘Monarch of the Glen’ we identify how people of different ages are treated. Clearly, the main character in this specific scene is Amy as the story is based around her and she has the most screen time out of all of the characters which also makes the audience feel sympathetic towards her.

 At the beginning of the clip we are first introduced to Amy by a long wide shot. This type of camera shot is used to show off her costume which is what a typical teenager of her age would wear- a necklace, a top and jeans. Straight away we assume that Amy doesn’t in fact belong on a farm because of her different choice of clothes. The camera pans with purpose of keeping Amy in the middle of the shot. This means that Amy is in the foreground so all the attention is on her, clarifying that she is important. The music also changes when Amy is first seen in the clip. The sudden change in non-diegetic music could suggest that she is perhaps treated differently from the rest of the workers. These workers have more authority than her because they are older and therefore have more experience. This is a very traditional way of looking at the matter of age. The music is also very slow and has a sad tone which might foreshadow trouble.

 Before Amy has a chance to tell her friend what she wanted to say (this creates suspense for the audience), she is interrupted by Paul. Her body language when she catches the keys also highlights her age as her clumsiness demonstrates her weak character. Likewise when she is in the car, the close up shot highlights her confused emotions as we later find out she is too young to drive. During the crash, she is confronted by her head teacher who shouts at her- perhaps deciding that this is an appropriate way to discipline younger people. However, the headmaster’s tone then changes when he speaks to Paul, implying that he has more respect for him because he is older. Amy also clings to the other characters when she is told off. She also tries to hide away while they all look down at her because she can’t stand up for herself.

 Furthermore, when the two adults go into the oak room there is a much more gloomy lighting which emphasises this is a more serious setting as they are older so are more sophisticated and important. When Paul goes out to argue with Amy, an over the shoulder shot is used so the audience can feel sorry for her as we are seeing this discussion from her point of view. A low angle shot is also used towards Paul. From this angle, Paul is displayed as being very intimidating for Amy and the audience. This is because he tells everyone what to do and makes the rules. A shot reverse shot is also presented to make the conversation clear to see as both expressions and dialogue are important in these shots. Paul has an angry expression which concludes it is acceptable for him to look at Amy in this way and doesn’t care what she has to say. This type of behaviour may explain how teenagers feel they are not taken seriously or listened to. Amy’s dialogue ‘I hate you’ which is a type of diegetic sound reminds us how young Amy is and conveys how she is being childish even though she was expected to act like an adult at the beginning by being told to drive the car.

 The clip then goes to Amy’s room, indeed following the character and displaying the setting. This is arguable the brightest location in the clip which proves she is a child. The music changes yet again, playing a more sympathetic tone for Amy which makes the audience on her side and of course feel sad for the girl. The glossy magazines also explain how Amy is not yet an adult. There is also a shallow focus of the picture placed on her mirror. This specific picture may give the audience a clue to how Amy is feeling. Even though she is young, she is clearly able to express strong feelings for these people and they are an important part of her life. This type of atmosphere also foreshadows her leaving.

 Towards the end, the camera angle from outside the room signals that Amy has already gone and the world out there is a dangerous place, especially for a girl of her age. The close up shot of Paul at the end also highlights his worry for the girl and perhaps regret.

 Throughout the clip, Amy is looked down to because of her age- even to the people she is closest to. After the truth comes out about her age, people treat her differently and she is judged purely by this factor.







OCR G322 Mark Scheme Jan 2012 from aquinasmedia