Film Techniques Resource
Film Techniques Resource
Film Techniques Resource
production elements they should look for and mention when they analyse a film
CAMERA TECHNIQUES
‘Camera techniques’ refers to how the camera is used to tell a story. There are a
o Terms include: Crane, dolly, doll in, dolly out, handheld, pan, pedestal,
• Shot size: This refers to the proximity of the camera to the subject or scene.
o Terms include: Extreme long-shot, long shot, full shot, mid shot, close
scene.
o Terms include: High angle, eye level, low angle, point-of-view shot,
o Terms include: Deep focus, depth of field, pull focus, shallow depth
of field.
examinedlifeeducation.com Page 1 of 6
When looking at camera techniques in a film, ask yourself questions like “What
does this particular camera technique tell us about the character?” or “What is the
ACTING
Nearly everything an actor does is part of a scripted performance which has been
directed down to the smallest detail. When you analyse a film for VCE English, you
to the audience – a character who routinely bows her head, for example,
When analysing acting, ask yourself questions like “What effect does this facial
MISE EN SCENCE
‘Mise en scene’ refers to what appears in the frame – the actors, lighting, décor,
deliberate choice and often helps the audience piece together important
examinedlifeeducation.com Page 2 of 6
When analysing mise en scene, ask yourself questions like “What does this
costume tell me about the character?” and “How does the use of colour add to the
EDITING
When films are edited, filmmakers think carefully about how the sequences of
shots, pace of editing, and use of editing techniques contribute to the narrative.
When you analyse a film for VCE English, look at editing techniques such as:
• Fast motion: Here the rate the story is told is sped up. A good example of
this is montages, where often many months of in-film time are compressed
• Slow motion: This is where time is slowed down. This often gives the
• Cuts, including jump cuts (where the camera remains stationary while the
subject is in motion) and cross cutting (where multiple events occur at the
same time and the film switches back and forth between them)
Ask yourself how these techniques communicate messages to the audience about
LIGHTING
examinedlifeeducation.com Page 3 of 6
Some common terms to refer to film lighting include:
When analysing lighting, ask yourself questions like “What type of light is used?”
and “What does the lighting tell the audience about the character?” – a character
who is always cast in shadows, for example, may have sinister motives.
SOUND
Visuals are not the only thing filmmakers think about – the use of sound is also
incredibly important. Many sounds are added in the post-production phase. All
sounds have been deliberately chosen: every sound contributes to the narrative,
When you’re watching a scene, think about how sound contributes to character
development by asking questions such as “What type of music is used when this
character appears on-screen?” and “What impact do the sound effects have on
the narrative?”
examinedlifeeducation.com Page 4 of 6
ANALYSE A FILM FOR VCE ENGLISH: FILM TECHNIQUES
WORKSHEET
CAMELS
CAMERA
ACTING
MISE-EN-SCENE
EDITING
LIGHTING AND
SOUND
examinedlifeeducation.com Page 5 of 6
CRITICAL LENSES
examinedlifeeducation.com Page 6 of 6