The 180 degree rule

180 Degree Rule - Moviemaking Technique from Peter John Ross on Vimeo.

This is a basic filming rule that means that 2 characters should always have the same left and right relationship with each other. It states that the camera(s) should remain on the same side of the imaginary line throughout filming. This imaginary line is perpendicular to the cameras view point in the establishing shot. This rule enforces continuity. If the rule is broke it will disorientate the audience especially in scenes of chase, conversation and sport.

How do we consume music in the 21st century? What are your attitudes to paying for music vs. downloads?

It is obvious that music consuption trends have changed greatly since the 90's. We listen to music in a profoundly different way than we did in the 20th century I believe that a reason to explain this is the introduction of Apple products. Althopugh they didnt invent the portable music player, the vision of Steve Jobs and his company of designers and engineers changed our listening landscape dramatically in 2001 with iTunes and the iPod. Concerts and merchandise are obviously still big favourites with music fans everywhere however their popularity is having no difference - or very little on the revenue of the music industry. Therefore I believe it is essential to focus on the consumption methods which are deeply affecting the music industry, whether that be driving profits up or creating a loss. I don't ever believe there will be a time when music is not listened to or enjoyed, however we need to recognize that there are changes occuring in how we listen to and enjoy our music. As digital music consumption increases and becomes more varied, it is important for artists and consumers to find new ways to engage with the digital landscape - for example, digital music services such as Spotify. They are helping drive this argument by providing a musical discovery and sharing platform which caters for modern consumers, while suppporting the artist and driving increasing revenues back into the music industry. However while we can see that services such as Spotify aim to increase revenues, this is infact not the case, it has shown that sales, especially in albums between the period of 99 and 09 have fell 8% each year. With revenues falling to $6.3billion in 2009, a huge difference compared to the $14.6billion of 1999. The actual sale of music has also proven to have fallen with only 44% of americans who pay for music online believing that that music is worth paying for. Also the volume of anauthorized downloads is not showing any sign of slowing down, as it represents about 90% of the market (according to online download tracker Big Champagne). Music artists are not oblivious to this volume of illegal downloads. Dan Ingala the lead singer of band Plushgun said, 2People will steal music regardless, so it's not worth trying to fight against something where the fights already over." Indeed, he is talking from experience, as when his band released its album on popular site What.cd, it was the most downloaded track with more than 10,000 illegally downloaded tracks. So, for my personal opinion. With some rsearch and examination of graphs illustrating these topics and my own personal experience, I believe that consumption of music has most definitely changed in the 21st century, many will put this down to the double recession we experienced, however I would say that the reasons for this change in comsumption trends has happened simply because the greater platform through which we access music. The only change the 90's had to experience was that from cassette and vinyl to CD. As a teenager, I would most likely agree, that downloading music is a much easier, stress free, cheaper way of getting music, rather than attempting to go the through the process of purchasing it. Therefore, in conclusion, I believe that while consumption trends are changing, consumption levels will not change and that downloading music - legally or illegally is the future. However, no one can predict the future, if we could we would all be millionaires!

Props

Props are defined as things which help support a bigger structure. So, in film terms, a prop is a small object which helps to support the bigger structure - the actor. The technical definition is as follows 'a small object such as a book, weapon etc, used by actors in a play or film'.

Costume and makeup.

Costume is defined as 'a style of dress, including accessories and hairdos, especially that peculiar to a nation, region, group, or historical period'. While makeup is defined as 'the total ensemble of cosmetics, wigs, costumes, etc., used by an actor or other performer'. I think these are used in order to make a scene or drama more interesting and appealing for an audience.

Set Design

Set design is the creation of theatrical, as well as film or television scenery. Above you can see set designers putting up a set.

Studio

A studio is a room, building, or group of buildings where movies, television shows, or radio programs are produced.

Location

A location is a site away from a studio at which part or all of a movie is shot. We can see a different location being used above at 1.04. I believe that different locations are used to add a bit of variety to the programme, instead of it being all just filmed in the one place.

Production Design

Production design is the overall look of a film that illustrates the setting and visual style of the story. Includes the design of the sets, location choices, choice and supervision of props. Above is an example of production design. Obviously this is a sketch of how the producer/director sees the scene being set out.

Ambient Sound

Sound which is recorded on location and then added to the soundtrack. It is demonstrated in the above theme. By using the beep sound from a heart monitor, obviously taken from the location of the event, and adding it to the soundtrack, it creates a more poignant theme, and more relevant to the drama.

Themes and Stings

Themes - music that always accompanies a particular programme or particular character and suits its mood or themes. An example of a theme. This is most often associated with Holby City. Also through various undertones it reflects the theme of the general programme. Stings - musical stings are short bursts of music. An example of a sting is used above at the very beginning of the clip. It was obviously used here in order to create a mood for events which are to follow.

Incidental Music

Incidental music is any music used within a TV programme or film. An example of this at 0.16 in the above clip. I think it was used here in order to show really how mad what is going on. Also the music is used would more than likely be associated with teenagers and therefore reflects the situation which is taking place - a teenage fight.

Score

A score is original music written to accompany the film/tv programme it was written for. The score forms part of the soundtrack which will also include dialogue and sound effects. Scores are written by composers under the direction of the director and/or producer. It is used in the above as it gives a definite end and beginning to the drama, also creating interest for the viewer.

Sound Perspective

Sound perspective is the sense of a sound's position in space,created by volume, timbre and pitch. At 0.19 the car drives past the camera, we hear the sound of the car amplified the closer it is to the camera, however as it passes, it gradually lowers until no longer audible. I think it was used here in order to provide a sense of reality within this fictional drama.

Sound Mixing

The process during the post-production stage of a film or a television program in which the collection of recorded sounds are combined into one or more channels along with adjusting the many attributes of the sounds such as the source signals’ level. It is used almost immediately in the above example. I think this was in order to create an atmosphere which also extended to the audience.

Mode of address/direct address

Mode of address is the way in which a character interacts with the audience. Direct address is when they interact directly with the audience, for example, looking directly into the camera. It is used from 2.50 in the above clip. Although he is not talking directly to the audience, it is placed as if he is looking directly at the camera. This may have been done in order to make the audience feel more included in the action.

Voice Over

The voice of an unseen narrator, or of an onscreen character not seen speaking, in a movie or a television broadcast. It is used at the very beginning of the above example. I think it was used here in order to create a mythical atmosphere which is what the story of this drama is mostly based on.

Dialogue

A dialogue is a conversation between two or more people as a feature of a book, play, or movie. It is used at 1.00 in the above example. It would be a regular occurrence for most TV shows. I think it was used in order to make the scene interesting and realistic.

Sound Bridge

A sound bridge can lead in or out of a scene. They can occur at the beginning of one scene when the sound from the previous scene carries over briefly before the sound from the new scene begins. Alternatively, they can occur at the end of a scene, when the sound from the next scene is heard before the image appears on the scene. It is used in the above clip from the beginning, where the sound is carried to different scene at 1.37. I believe it was used in order to provide continuity to the scene.

Sound Motif

A sound effect or combination of sound effects that are associated with a particular character, setting, situation or idea through the film. It is used above beginning 0.14 and continuing throughout the conversation. While Moriarty speaks, we can hear a very subtle, dull sound - quite ominous. I think it was used here, because as a listener we would most often associate this type of sound with bad events or characters. This therefore emphasises the idea that Moriarty is Sherlock's enemy.

Sound effects

A sound other than speech or music made artificially for use in a play, movie, or other broadcast production. It is used in the above clip at the beginning when the fire bursts out of the building. We can here sounds of glass smashing. I think it was done here because it helps to create a sense of fear and makes the scene more real for the viewing audience.

Asynchronous sound

Asynchronous sound effects are not matched with a visible source of the sound on screen. Such sounds are included so as to provide an appropriate atmosphere. It is used at the beginning of the above clip. We can hear the sound of the ambulance before we know the action is taking place in an ambulance. This could have been done in order to provide suspense for the audience because we associate urgency with the sound of an ambulance siren.

Synchronous sound

This is sound that appears to be matched to certain movements occurring in the scene. It was used in the above clip at 0.08 where the choir mouth movements is synchronised with the sound of the singing. This was done obviously to make it realistic.

Non Diegetic Sounds

Sound whose source is neither visible on the screen nor has been implied to be present in the action. Examples of non diegetic sounds are narrator's commentary, sound effects or mood music added for dramatic effect. Non diegetic sounds are used throughout the above clip. I think this is to do with the genre of this upcoming series and therefore helps to create a 'spooky' atmosphere.

Diegetic Sound

Anything that is part of the story that you can see being made on the screen.For example a tiger thumping his paws against the ground would be diegetic. Diegetic sounds are used throughout the above example. I think this would be the most common and used in most drama. By using this, the scene is made to be a lot more realistic.

Visual Effects

Visual effects involve the integration of live-action footage and generated imagery to create environments which look realistic, but would be dangerous, costly, or simply impossible to capture on film. They are used above at 0.08. I think they are used because they make scenes more realistic and therefore make them more appealing for the audience.

Post Production

Post Production is the final creation phase of a show during which all editing and finishing work take place. Also referred to as editing, editorial, or post. Postproduction is followed by the distribution and exhibition phases of the movie. All TV shows would be an example of post production as they are the final creation of all the editorial work put in.

Expansion of time

When you expand time in a video, you are making the duration of the video sequence longer than real-time. This is relatively rare — it's not often that you want your audience to see something more slowly than it actually happened. Slow motion is an example of expansion of time. It is used above at 0.04. This helps prolong the dramatic effect, holding the audiences attention for longer.

Elipsis

This is a form of editing which makes screen time shorter, than story time by cutting out unnecessary actions. It condenses time by inferring total actions we only see in part.It is used above at 2.06. I believe it was used as it creates a greater feeling of fear and panic which would not be present in the whole shot was included.

Slow Motion

Also known as 'slo mo' this is an effect where the pace of the action is decreased from what occurred in reality in front of the camera. This retardation is accomplished during editing. Opposite of speed up. It is used in the above example at 0.04. Its obviously used here to prolong this dramatic scene and make it more effective. It thus will create a sense of suspense.

Long take, short take

A shot that continues for an unusually lengthy time before it transition to the next shot. The average length per shot differs greatly for different times and places, but most contemporary films tend to have faster editing rates. In general lines, any shot above one minute can be considered a long take. In the above clip examples of long and short take can be seen. I think it was used here, due to the nature of the programme, to provide suspense for the viewing audience

Superimposition

A “super” is an effect where two shots (or more) are held on top of each other full screen. It is used above at 0.24. I think it was used here because it makes the scene more realistic and encourages fear in the viewer.

Wipe

A transitional effect where the incoming shot replaces the outgoing shot by appearing to wipe (erase) it from the screen. It is used above at 2.09. It is often used in the form of doors or elevators opening/closing. I think this is to provide continuity and make the scene more realistic.

Cut

The joining together of two different shots or two parts of the same shot. It is used above at 3.30. I think it was used here because it provides continuity to the shot and therefore makes it more professional and more believable.

Fade Out

A dissolve from a filmed shot to black, sometimes white, and once in a great while yellow, blue, or another color. This is used at 0.30 in the above clip. I think it was used here because it helps to create tension for the audience, because its cutting the scene off short, however with a soft cut, making them wonder what will happen next. And therefore influencing them to want to watch more.

Fade In

A dissolve to a filmed shot from black, sometimes white, and once in a great while yellow, blue, or another color. In the above example it is used at 0.14. I think this technique is used because it heightens the suspense for the audience with this short pause making them wonder what is next.

Dissolve

The dissolve technique is a transition between two shots where one shot gradually disappears while the succeeding shot appears. The dissolve is a soft cut and is often used to show the passage of time. It is used in the above example 0.21. I think it was used here to signify the change in era to the audience.

Insert

An insert is a shot of some small but significant detail in a scene shot during postproduction on an insert stage or picked up on the set. Term used interchangeably with cutaway. This is used at 0.37. I think its used here because it focuses on the main feature of this episode, and therefore heightens suspense for the viewing audience.

Cutaway

Any shot that will be used to cut away from the main action in the master shot. It is used above between 0.45 and 1.16. I believe it was used here in order to create a high feeling of suspense and anxiety for the audience.

Parallel Editing

Editing two (or more) independent lines of action together – characters, settings, or subjects – that do not interact directly and are unaware of each other. In the above example this is used from 0.47 to 0.50. I think it was used here because this a trailer for a new drama and therefore by using this shot they are able to give a broad overview, while not giving away the storyline.

Cross cutting

Editing two (or more) dependent lines of action together – characters, settings, or subjects – that interact directly and are aware of each other. In the above example this technique is used throughout. I think it was used here to give the audience a true sense of what is going on around the characters instead of focusing on one or 2 main characters.

Jump Cut

A cut where objects or characters appear to jump because the shots are too similar. Technically, this is due to the camera angles of the two shots being less than 30 degrees apart. It is used in the above example at 2.06 into the clip. I think it was used here to create an adrenaline rush for the audience similar to that which would be experienced by the character.

Action Match

An action match is matching the action of characters or objects in one shot to the action in the next shot where the action continues or completes. It can be seen in the above example from 0.22 to 0.26. I think it was used here in order to provide continuity and therefore make the film more professional.

Graphic cut

A graphic cut is a cut between either two different objects, two different spaces, or two different compositions in which an object in the two shots graphically match, often helping to establish a strong continuity of action. In the above example there is an example of this being used at 0.04. I think it was used here to convey to audience really how frightful this situation would be, and also give a feeling of suspense as to what happened after the gun is shot.

Eyeline Match

An eyeline match is based on the premise that the audience will want to see what the character on-screen is seeing. The eyeline match begins with a character looking at something off-screen, followed by a cut to the object or person at which he is looking. An example of an eyeline match can be seen at 0.10 in the above clip. I think it was used here as it creates suspense by how the actress is behaving and leading the audience to wonder why what she's looking at is making her behave that way.

Shot Reverse Shot

A shot reverse shot is one where one character is shown looking at another character (point-of-view shot) and then the other character is shown looking back at the first character. There is an example of this at 1.33 in the above clip. I think it was used here to make the conversation between characters more realistic and involve the audience more.

Editing: Why is it so important?

Editing is vital to any producer. The main reason for editing is to make the film sensible. A film is made up of several single shots, without editing there would be no continuity and would not be sensible.

Editing: Transition

What is meant by image transition? Image transition is the process by which two or more scenes are combined. These are most commonly used to show a tone or mood, the passing of time or different parts of a story. What is transition of sound? Transition of sound is similar to image transition. It when 2 or more sounds are collaborated together in order to show a change in mood, time, or something else. However there is a noticeable change.

Reverse Zoom

A reverse zoom is the opposite to zoom, it is when the camera zooms out from the object giving a view of the whole scene. In the above example a reverse zoom is used from 0.02. It is obviously used here to show the isolation of the actor and therefore captures audience interest.

Zoom

To zoom is to change the focal length of the camera by adjusting the physical zoom lens. In the above clip there is example of zoom beginning at 0.09. I think it was used to create atmosphere for the audience.

Handheld

A handheld camera is exactly what you expect, it is a camera which is operated in the operators hand rather than through the use of a piece of equipment. Throughout the above clip i think a handheld was used to shoot the scene. Through this the director has portrayed the true sense of chaos realistically to his audience.

Steadicam

Steadicam is a piece of equipment used on cameras allowing it to be seperated from the operaters movement. This means it creates a smooth surface even on rough surfaces. In the above example, a steadicam is used from the beginning of the clip to around 0.05 or 0.04. I believe it was used here in order to create a smooth surface and therefore makes the shot more professional than what would've been created with a handheld camera.

Crane

In film making a crane is used to suspend a camera above the object in order to give a birds eye view. In the above example a crane is used at 0:30. I think it was used here because it gives an broad overview of the scene and therefore creates more atmosphere for the audience.

Dolly (equipment)

A dolly is a special piece of film making equipment used to create a smooth surface for a tracking shot. Above is a picture of what a dolly is. I think this is used because it will make the shot look more professional than if it was being shot by a handheld camera.

Track

A tracking shot is one in which the camera is moved around the scene. This can be done hand held or via the use of a dolly. It is used normally to show the movement of the object. In the above clip, a tracking shot is used between 0:28 and 0:30. I think it was used here to show the velocity of the object, this seems more realistic therefore for the audience.

Tilt

A tilt is the opposite to pan. It is when the camera moves along the vertical axis as opposed to the horizontal. This means its moving up from the bottom of the object, or moving down towards the object. Through this we can see the whole object therefore giving the viewers a more broad overview of it. In the above example, tilt is being used from 0:24 until 0:27. I think it was used on this particular occasion because it shows the whole setting along with the objects, this therefore gives a better sense of the freedom that obviously the actors/actresses are running towards. Therefore, this maintains audience interest because it then leads them to wonder why they want this freedom.

Pan

At 0:08 in the above clip there is an example of pan. To pan is to rotate the camera about the horizontal plane. I believe in the above example that pan was used in order to show the audience the majority of the scene without loosing focus of the subject.

Low Angle

A low angle shot is one which is taken below the eye line. I think in the above example it was used as it would make the audience feel more involved, and as if they were part of the scene. It is often used to make the subject seem more prominent and I suppose there is an element of that here, however I think this shot was mostly used in order to make the audience part of the scene.

Canted Angle

Between 0:21 and 0:23, examples of canted angles can be seen. A canted angle is one in which the camera is placed a jaunted angle to that of which the surface of the object is on. This is often used in supernatural programmes to represent a supernatural force, or indeed a force greater to that of the subject. They are very useful in portraying tension for the viewer. I think it was used here to show the actual fear that would be caused if this situation was real. It also shows the animalistic style of whatever is attacking the actor and the velocity at which it does. This therefore gives the audience more information than what is available through dialogue.

High angle

In the first scene of the above clip a high angle shot is used. This is one which is taken above the eye line. These can make the object seem powerless and as if they're being swallowed up by the setting. I believe here it was used, because it helps to introduce what is going on and shows the true vulnerability of the actors in situation.

Over the shoulder shot

An over the shoulder shot is a shot taken of someone or something over the shoulder of another person. It is used in the above trailer for the BBC drama series Good Cop. I think it was in this situation because it really involves the viewer and gives them the opportunity to feel like a 'fly on the wall' and therefore keeps there interest, and will make them want to watch the actual show in order to see what that scene was about.

Point of View shot

A point of view shot is one which is taken from the point of view of the actor/actress, basically what you can see if your standing in their position. In the above clip, between 1:39 and 1:43 a point of view shot is being used. I think it was used here as it virtually puts the audience in the show, and almost makes them feel the fear that the actor or actress is acting out, making them question what they would do, and maintaining a high level of suspense and therefore interest within the viewer.

Aerial Shot

An aerial shot is on which is done from a height for example a helicopter or crane, in order to give a large shot over landscape. In the above example an aerial shot is used 00:03 into the clip. In this it is quite dull images used and nothing signifying luxury, giving a feel of working class. This may have been used because this is a clip advertising new series Made in the North, therefore through this shot they are literally giving an overview, however nothing particularly interesting is included here therefore making the audience want to draw on their own conclusions, and therefore actually watch the drama in order to find out whether they were correct or not.

Two shot

A two shot is quite simply, a shot with two people included within the shot. There are various examples of two shot used throughout the above clip, one is at 00:11. I believe that this shot was used in this particular scene as it is more atmospheric having the 2 people in the car rather than just one. Also, by it being a man and woman including in this, it will lead the audience to ask questions such as whether there is a romantic story behind them. This is therefore a useful technique as it maintains the audience interest.

Wide Shot

A wide shot is one in which the camera is placed at a place so that it is able to catch the most action going on in the shot. There is an example of a wide shot at 00:09 into the above video. You can see here that the subjects are immediately noticed however also the audiences attention is attracted to the surrounding setting. This was more than likely used here as to give a brief preview of the setting and characters of this new drama.

Mid Shot

In the above clip there is an example of a mid shot being used at 00:27. A mid shot is much the same as a medium shot, however it gives more detail to the subject, therefore giving the viewer more of a feel for the whole subject. I think this shot was used in the above example as to enhance the viewers interest. We can see from this shot that the actress is wealthy, this is enhanced by the detail displayed in what she wearing and what she is doing. However, this shot is used so briefly that we don't get to know the actress, therefore making the viewer wonder who she is, what she has to do with the story of 'Sherlock' and what infact has given her the ability to afford such elegance.

Long Shot

Throughout the above clip there is examples of long shots being used, for example, at 0:09,0:21 and 0:26. A long shot again is what it says, it is a shot taken far enough away from the subject to include the whole subject. However in comparison to an extreme long shot, it is not far enough away as to show the whole setting. For example, if your subject was a human, this shot would show the whole human along with some surrounding areas where with an extreme long shot it is focused more on the surrounding of the subject, rather than the actual subject itself. I think here, a long shot is very fitting as it shows parts of the show and the immediate setting. Therefore giving viewers a taste of what they can expect, without again giving away too much. Through this shot being used the viewer can draw upon many conclusions, for example, it's set in 50's-60's era, there will be a holy aspect or it is surrounding midwifery.

Medium Shot

Above is a screen shot of a skins clip demonstrating a medium shot. A medium shot is exactly what you would expect, a shot from a medium distance to the subject. It is usually the shot in which you see half of the subject, for example with humans, the upper half of their body, or the lower half. I think here it was used because by using this shot the director was able to include the actresses body language and stance. Therefore drawing the viewer in more however not giving enough away through dialogue to spoil the episode.

Close Up

Example of close up can be found 1:00 into the video. An extreme long shot is one which the whole shot focuses mainly on the subject. It is a shot taken in close range. I think here this type of shot was used because throughout the teaser we can get a sense that this is going to be quite a 'spooky' series. By using this type of shot, the director has focused in on the child's showing the real fear within her, this therefore causing fear for the viewer but also influencing them to want to watch more to see what is causing this fear.

Extreme Long Shot

An example of extreme long shot is used at 00:46 into the above film. An extreme long shot is when the camera is the furthest it can be from its subject. It can also be known as an establishing shot, it is usually used in advertising for dramas or at the start of programmes because it helps set up the scene without giving too much away. I believe that the extreme long shot was used here in this example because this is an advertising campaign for new dramas coming to BBC. It helps in this because it sets up the setting, however does not give a lot away therefore maintaining audience interest.