Establishing Shots

Establishing shots 

What is an establishing shot?

Predominantly a long shot which is taken to establish a scene of a film. 

Why is it used?

It is mainly used at the start of a film to set the setting of the film but can be used throughout the movie to change from one setting to another. It shows the relationship between the character and their location. 

Why are establishing shots usually the most expensive?

This is usually the most expensive shot because the audience is able to see everything. 

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Over The Shoulder

Over The Shoulder Shot

The effect of the over-the-shoulder shot shows connection between characters in a film. In stark contrast, a single shot will disconnect your characters.  In this scene which was given to us, the director changes the shot from an over-the-shoulder to a single shot which shows that the characters are on a different page and therefore show a disconnection. Theresa is then brought to a close-up shot that completely isolates her. 

Visual Contrast

Visual Contrast

What are ways directors can contrast in a film?

- Tone 

- Production Design

- Blocking 

- Directing The Camera

-Colour 

What is contrasted In Spike Jonze's ad?

In Spike Jonze's ad involving the homepod, he contrasts the lighting, tone, colour, production design and blocking in the ad. 

Why did he contrast these things?

At the start of the ad, it is dark with minimal lighting and raining giving a sombre and depressing vibe to the audience. The character is confined and the camera angles suggest she is cramped and weak. Actors and including herself are dressed in dull colours. However, as she arrives home and communicates with the homepod the lighting brightens and she reveals a white shirt. The tone changes to give off a happy vibe. Camera angles change to display she is now free to move and enjoy herself. 

In short, he contrasted lighting, blocking, colour, tone and production design to show that a homepod can turn depressing day to a jovial one. 

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Production Design

Production Design

What is production design?

The production design is the overall look of a scene in a film from what is in between the character and background. 

What makes up production design?

Production design can be made up of props, costumes, lighting, camera angles, sets and locations. This helps communicate the current mood, emotion of the character and theme of the film. 

What are the three main things production design can help reveal?

The production design - in film - is very important because it can set the mood of a scene, reflect the emotions and feelings of a character and show the theme of a film. 

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