MS1 Media Camera Positions and Framing 2013

Learning Objectives

• Recap test - last week lesson on semiotics - 5 min matching task on key terms

• To continue with film poster analysis• Groups to feedback to whole group – max

3 min• To clarify key conventions of film posters• To introduce camera shots and framing

terminology

We looked at Signs…

• Indexical • Iconic • Symbolic

C-A-T

Iconic

Indexical

Symbolic

Indexical

Here the image suggests the presence of a car

Iconic and Indexical

Symbolic

Iconic

Symbolic

Camera Positions and Framing

Camera Positions and Framing

• Type of shot• Position of shot to subject

The Language of Cinema

• Shot scale and framing are key determinates in:

• Creating emotional response for us.• Positioning the audience/spectator with

regards to empathy/identity for characters and their actions/responses.

• Shot scale can cue up expectations. Tells us what is of note or important.

Aims & Objectives

• Students will need to be able to identify and understand how meaning is created by the use of technical codes and conventions of the audio-visual media.

Section A: Moving Image Codes & Conventions (Question 1)

The first part of the module involves learning the technical codes and conventions of moving images.

In your exam next summer you will conduct an analysis of a still image or a moving image extract.  

Extreme Close-Up

Big Close-Up

Close-Up

Medium Close-Up

Medium Shot

Medium Long-Shot

Long Shot

Very Long Shot

Extreme Long-Shot

High Angle

Low Angle

Dutch/Canted Angle

Over the Shoulder Shot

2 Shot - Master Shot

Two Shot

Establishing Shot

Frame Left

Shallow Depth of Field

Deep Depth of Field

Ensure you can use the following terms and concepts

• Textual analysis skills (consider primary and secondary codes).

• Mode of address (how are spectators addressed)

• Preferred meaning (what is the dominant meaning/emotional tone being evoked)

• Anchorage (how do signs anchor the meaning)• Polysemic or closed meanings (can the image

be interpreted in other ways or not

Analysis Task

• In pairs• Analyse & interpret frame shots:• Identify key features• Why was that shot used?• What does it tell the audience or how does it

make us feel? What is its purpose?• List ideas/observations for feedback