The 180 Degree Rule
This schematic shoes the axis between two characters and the 180° arc on which cameras may be positioned (green) When cutting from green arc to the red arc, the characters switch places on the screen.
Roland Barthes
Barthes was a
French literary theorist, philosopher, semiotician and critic. He came up with
the theory of the codes, he said that texts can be unravelled into a wider
range of potential meanings. Different meanings can be found by viewing the
texts from different angles. Barthes said that texts can be open - left
unanswered, or closed - with all questions answered.
Enigma Code
Enigma codes
create questions which are then answered later in the film. For example if an
unknown character is shown the audience will be asking who she is and how she
is relevant to the story. The audience will continue to watch the film because
they want the answers to the these questions. Enigma codes can also intrigue
the audience to watch the whole film because they want to know the
ending.
Action Code
Action codes are significant events which move the narrative on in a particular direction. For example, a phone ringing or a knock at the door. Both actions are used to change the scene/narrative for specific reason but to also keep the narrative alive. They teach the audience new things, for example, something new about a character or possibly the plot itself. They give the audience needed information.
Semantic Code
A semantic code is anything in the film that adds additional meaning through connotation. For example if the color red is used a lot throughout a horror film then it might reinforce the theme of death.
Symbolic Code
Where new meaning arises out of opposing ideas. Similar to the semantic code however this arranges semantic meanings into broader and deeper meanings.
Cultural Code
This code relies on the audiences wider knowledge of culture, morality and history etc. For example if a character made a reference to world war two then the audience would be expected to have some knowledge about that subject.
Hermeneutic
code
This code drops subtle hints throughout the story instead of revealing all the facts, this helps to create mystery and suspense as well as keeping the audience interested.
This code drops subtle hints throughout the story instead of revealing all the facts, this helps to create mystery and suspense as well as keeping the audience interested.
There are many different ways in which films can be shot and created, these all come down to the angles used when shooting and creating the films. Camera shots and angles are what creates the atmosphere within a scene. A close up can create the build up of tension and show a characters deep emotion for example.
Each camera angle presents a different atmosphere and situation aswell as details on the character that it is focusing on. For example a high angle of a little girl can show that she has very little authority and is a vulnerable figure.
Types of camera shots and angles are:
Each camera angle presents a different atmosphere and situation aswell as details on the character that it is focusing on. For example a high angle of a little girl can show that she has very little authority and is a vulnerable figure.
Types of camera shots and angles are:
- Extreme long shot
- Long shot
- Medium shot
- Close up
- Extreme close up
- High angle
- Low angle
- Canted angle
- Tracking shot
- Point of view shot
- Aerial shot
Mise en scene is the construct of the film to the eye on the set of a film or theatrically.
This includes:
Props
Costume
Lighting
Actors
Location
Mise en scene is a way of portraying a storyline and presenting the film. For example mise en scene is used within harry potter. We are introduced to the idea of wizards and witches through their wands, robes, dark lighting and an open eary location. These factors play a huge role in the final product of our film. Slight changes within mise en scene can make a dramatic change to the storyline itself.
Mise en scene is also a way of portraying the genre, for example when a scene of a dark alley way with one single man wearing a black hooded jumper would straight away relate to a thriller or horror film.
It can also represent many factors of people such as age, gender, disability, ethnicity etc. This is an easy way to identify these characters openly.
Props
Costume
Lighting
Actors
Location
Mise en scene is a way of portraying a storyline and presenting the film. For example mise en scene is used within harry potter. We are introduced to the idea of wizards and witches through their wands, robes, dark lighting and an open eary location. These factors play a huge role in the final product of our film. Slight changes within mise en scene can make a dramatic change to the storyline itself.
Mise en scene is also a way of portraying the genre, for example when a scene of a dark alley way with one single man wearing a black hooded jumper would straight away relate to a thriller or horror film.
It can also represent many factors of people such as age, gender, disability, ethnicity etc. This is an easy way to identify these characters openly.
Conventions of a Thriller Film
The aim of a thriller film is to create suspense and excitement within the audience. Thrillers often use busy streets and busy atmospheres in a usually urban or suburban area. The narrative normally revolves around an enigma including a hero to whom is the only person to reveal the truth. Violence is very central to the thriller genre. The hero and villain although are opposed, they share characteristics. The hero is often an outsider as well as being a very secretive character.
The aim of a thriller film is to create suspense and excitement within the audience. Thrillers often use busy streets and busy atmospheres in a usually urban or suburban area. The narrative normally revolves around an enigma including a hero to whom is the only person to reveal the truth. Violence is very central to the thriller genre. The hero and villain although are opposed, they share characteristics. The hero is often an outsider as well as being a very secretive character.
Horror Film Pitch Recording
This blog post is a video of Lucy Williams and mine horror film pitch ideas. In this short video we have explained what kind of shots, sounds, settings and Mis en scene we will be using to create the theme of Horror throughout our ideas. We have tried to include as much information as possible so that we can have a clear idea of which pitch and once decided how we would like to work on it in more detail.
