Discuss the ways in which the extract constructs the representation of gender using the following: Camera shots, angles, movement and composition, Editing, Sound and Mise en scène

In this clip from the BBC show: 'Luther', gender is represented in such a way that women and men are definitely equal yet women do seem to be shown as the stronger, more dominant type which is usually associated with men. The woman in this clip completely dominates the narrative and ends up with all of the power by the end of the scene.
In terms of mise en scene, the men wear expensive looking shirts and suits which help to support the dominant ideology of men being smarter/dominant, more professional and successful. When the woman enters the scene, she is wearing makeup and has her hair styled in a fashionable way as well as wearing fashionable, smart looking clothes. Whilst she comes into the scene with a certain amount of presence and dominance which goes against the female stereotype, she also feels the need to look attractive through the conventional methods of makeup and hair styling. Her clothes also emphasize her figure and make it very clear to us that she is a feminine woman who can also be dominant in the presence of men. This subverts the stereotype of a dominant woman as they are typically stereotyped as being more of a 'tomboy' or an over-sexualised 'dominatrix' kind of character. The criminals clothing is more ragged and less tidy which tells the audience that he is of of a lower, less stable status.
The use of a low angle close/mid shot at the beginning of the clip shows Luther as the bigger, more dominant character as we are looking up at him from the criminals perspective which is shown from a high angle shot to emphasize the difference both in their physicality but in Luther's authority over the criminal. When using a shot/reverse shot editing technique to show the difference in impression of the two opposing characters (Luther and Ian - the criminal) their differences are emphasized yet they both have an equal amount of screen time. This could be because they are both male and therefore still hold a large amount of importance, no matter what their circumstances are, adhering to the dominant ideology of men being 'all-powerful' and dominant. When the woman enters the scene we first see her from a low angle shot which establishes her dominance but then we see her from a mid/long shot so that we can see her as equal to the men as well as her dominant body language when holding the gun and stern facial expression which supports her dominant nature. The continuity editing makes the action flow and seem fast paced and smooth, echoing her efficiency in their circumstances - a trait usually associated with men.
The non-diegetic sound of the music creates a tense, almost sad impression which is linked to the idea of emotional attachment which isn't common with the male stereotype, showing them as more emotional beings like women. Near the end of the clip a song begins to play which speaks of understanding and forgiveness, however it then goes on to talk about madness and violence. The overall tone of the song used is quite upbeat which makes it asynchronous as the action on screen is quite violent and dark, creating a clear contrast. The contrast between the music and the action could also be linked to the 'soft-hearted', 'gentle', 'emotional' stereotype of the woman being overcome by the dominant action of the woman on screen when she shoots a man without a second thought. She succeeded in completing a task that the men could not and eventually one of the men begs her to do it, hinting at a sense of role reversal.

Discuss the ways in which the extract constructs the representation of ethnicity using the following: Camera shots, angles, movement and composition, Editing, Sound, and Mise en scene

In this clip ethnicity in terms of minority groups such as Hispanic, Black and Asians are shown to be inferior to White people which adheres to ethnic stereotyping. These minority groups are portrayed as one unit that work and stick together as a family as they are all in a similar position when it comes to avoiding immigration. White people are stereotyped as being cruel and uncaring to those who are of different/stereotypically inferior groups. They adhere to this stereotype in the clip by walking into the hotel unannounced and seemingly don't care that they're running their operation in public where the British people will see what's going on. This could arguably represent the British people as being unjust and superior to those who are not classed as 'British'.
 The diegetic sound of the immigrants talking helps the audience to identify that they are different and it is obvious that they are all of various nationality, creating an umbrella term for the immigrants and placing them all in one inferior group as opposed to individual groups based on ethnicity. Also, the tone set through the non-diegetic, asynchronous sound of the music suggests a sense of normality through its calmness which contrasts to the action going on onscreen as the immigrants are frantically trying to run and hide from the authorities. As the authorities dominate and drive the action in this clip as they are the ones disrupting the hotel's (and the immigrants) environment, the music sounds almost like music that would be used in a spy or detective show. This communicates the fact that what's going on in this scene is driven by the authorities (who are all white) almost like an undercover mission.
the fact that the white people are all wearing suits/smart clothing suggests that they are wealthier/superior perhaps and are definitely of a higher place in the hotel hierarchy. Interestingly, there are a couple of black people who are also wearing suits and seem to have similar jobs to the white people who manage the hotel. However, they are still bossed around by the white people and seem to be incapable of doing the same job as them. This is shown in the part of the clip where the blonde woman who works behind the hotel reception desk asks the black man if he has completed the simple task of delivering some documents to another department in the hotel, he replies that he forgot and she then turns to the white men who represent the authorities and comments on how he has a "brain like a sive", therefore demeaning him and portraying him as dumb. The awkwardness of the black man in the suits behavior connotes that he perhaps doesn't know how to be authoritative which implies that he isn't suited to being in a position of responsibility of leadership and should remain inferior. In terms of setting, the immigrants live below the hotel and their working quarters/environment is very bare and prison-like in contrast to the luxurious, professional setting that the white people work in.
The use of action/continuity shots shows the fast paced, panicked nature of the action that is going on onscreen as the immigrants are trying to hide themselves away from the immigration officers. The fact that they have a set protocol for when this happens infers that they are no strangers to oppression and racism from the immigration officers, thus supporting their inferior status to the white people/immigration services. The parallel cut that jumps between their panic and the unknowing black character (Abraham) as the immigration officers hunt for him and the rest of the immigrants hide and hope for his safety.
A close up shot is used near the beginning of the clip on the white man who gives the orders to the policemen who surround the hotel. By highlighting his concerned, authoritative expression, he is therefore portrayed as a serious man who is not to be messed with. His status is then communicated through the way the camera then zooms out to show his influence over the officers. Finally, near the end of the clip when Jackie (the Asian woman) tries to stand up for Abraham after he has been taken, a mid/close up shot is used along with a shot/reverse shot editing technique to show how she attempts to stand up to the white immigration officer. This is effective as is shows that she is trying to overcome the stereotype of white people being superior and be on the same level as he is, e.g: a mid shot.

Doc Martin essay

'Doc Martin' Essay

Representation of age in TV drama: age 50 - 60

Stereotypical ideas about people aged 50 - 60

• Stubborn
• Rude/offensive
• racist
• stuck in their ways 
• "Back in my day"
• refuse to believe the world has changed 
• think they're still young and can still mix with the younger generations
• constantly telling stories from their youth
• Think they know best 

Example - Sir Malcolm - 'Penny Dreadful'

In this clip, Sir Malcolm comes across as a very stern, stubborn man who believes that he knows best and he will always know best even though Vanessa is an adult who is also experienced in certain areas. The way he speaks to her is very abrupt and sharp, almost as though he is treating her as a child, therefore belittling her and being openly rude and offensive, which is stereotypical of people of his age group. The way he stands facing away from her in a very upright position shows that he feels that he is of a higher position than her simply because he is older. This is contrasted by Vanessa as she is sat down and away from him in a more comfortable position showing that her generation, which is younger, doesn't feel the need to look 'proper' all the time the way someone of an older generation would. The use of a low camera angle when he is speaking shows that he is physically bigger which communicates that he is like a father figure to her as he believes he is wiser and doesn't even look at her when he is talking to her, the same way a father would do to a child. Even in the end of the clip where he realizes that he is wrong and Vanessa actually does know what she's talking about, he doesn't apologize or acknowledge he is beaten, but continues to speak to her in a stubborn, harsh manner and claims that they're in it together. This is stereotypical of elderly people (men in particular) as they do not like to admit they're wrong to those who are younger than themselves.

Representations of Sexuality in TV drama

Heterosexuality - Damon and Elena - 'The Vampire Diaries'

Heterosexuality is represented in this clip through a very happy, positive relationship, shown through the use of camera angles, editing techniques, and sound. The camera shots are mostly close-ups to show emotion and facial expressions that are mainly produced by Damon. He is adhering to the idea of the stereotypical male within a heterosexual relationship by being assertive and confident in admitting his feelings to Elena, looking directly at her and being in close proxemics with her. This could suggest that he is the more dominant of the two, therefore the idea of a stereotypical heterosexual relationship is being adhered to, confirming it as the dominant ideology. Also, the use of mid-shots shows their body language towards each other. Damon looks like he is stood very firmly with both feet apart and his shoulders rolled back, communicating a sense of power and dominance when talking to her. Elena on the other hand looks more timid and flirtatious by looking down slightly and then back up at him as well as holding her hands together and lifting her shoulder slightly, emphasising her neck and shoulders while communicating that she is perhaps more submissive towards him. the shot/reverse shot technique is used mainly to show how Elena is reacting to what Damon is saying, showing her as the stereotypical woman in the relationship whose job is to listen to the man. The use of Damon's speech over the top of the clip shows that he is dominant over their relationship as other clips are shown of them together but he is speaking for the both of them. Also, the use of slow, romantic music communicates how their relationship is happy and positive with little to no issues that can't be overcome by the power of love alone.

Homosexuality - Santana and Britney - 'Glee'

Homosexual relationships are represented in this clip as being difficult and restricted because of what everybody else feels is acceptable. For example, when Finn confronts Santana in the corridor, the low camera angle makes it look as though he is towering over her and making her feel small and powerless. This echoes the fact that she feels that she can't express her true feeling towards Britney in front of everyone else because of how she will be seen by the rest of society. This is representative of how society stereotypically feels towards homosexuality, e.g. hostile, confused, disrespectful. When Britney and Santana are together, the camera is on the same level (eye level) and the shot/reverse shot shows both of them equally. This represents that they only feel secure and equal when they're in each others company and confidence as opposed to when other people confront them about it. When Santana tells her own mother for example, she is told to leave the house and never return due to the fact that her mother has strong religious beliefs and won't accept her as a lesbian. A slightly lower camera shot is used when the camera is behind Santana's shoulder to show how her mother is belittling her and Santana remains powerless. It is only when Britney and Santana are together that they are shown to be on the same level.

Bisexuality - Barbara and Renee/Barbara and Jim - 'Gotham'

Bisexuality is shown in this show as being a source of conflict as Barbara cant seem to choose whether she wants to be with Jim or Renee. This represents bisexuality as being quite destructive and difficult both for those who are bisexual and for those who are involved with someone who is bisexual. For example, when Barbara is with Jim in the first clip, the lighting is dim and romantic. There's a crackling fire and a nice apartment where Jim comes home from work to his 'trophy' of a girlfriend who takes up the stereotypical role of the comforting, listening type. After Jim decides he doesn't want to go out, she simply accepts it and moves on to make sure he's comfortable and talks to him about his day to try and allow him to relax. She seems happy here. However, in the second clip when she is with Renee, she looks conflicted as though she still wants Jim but she chooses to be with Renee. Again, the warm lighting and the crackling fire in the background shows the comfort and safety she feels when she is with Renee whereas the apartment where Jim is shown making the call to her is dark and cold. This could represent the fact that Barbara feels conflicted as a bisexual as she doesn't want to hurt either Jim or Renee but she knows that she can only bring light and comfort to one of them. However, in the first clip, the high camera angle shows her as being the more submissive of the two which is stereotypical of a heterosexual relationship whereas in the second clip, a mid shot is used to show her and Renee on the same level as  they are both women.

How is disablilty represented through the character of Donna in Eastenders?

Representation of disability - Donna

Donna portrays herself as being quite defensive and bitter towards the rest of the world, which could be seen as stereotypical of someone who is disabled. She does this by putting on a front and immediately shutting down/turning away anyone who tries to talk to her. By doing this she is showing that as a disabled person she is accepting and expecting everyone to see and treat her a certain way. E.g. she believes that everyone else will see her as a disabled before anything else. She is surprised when Fats makes her breakfast in bed after their one night stand and she claims that she 'isn't a lady' when Fats explains that he wants to treat a lady properly. A mid shot is used during this scene to imply that they are equals within the relationship. This is supported by the fact that when Fats comes in, he sits on the bed, therefore he is lowering himself (physically) so that they are on the same level. This helps to support the dominant ideology of able bodied people trying to make a conscious effort to try and make sure that disabled people feel equal.

Donna thinks nothing of what happened between them as though she doesn't feel like she is worthy of having a real relationship, without any awkwardness. However, everyone else wants her to have a real relationship and is very supportive of her as a disabled person. For example her friend Pam treats her like a child when they're talking about her one night stand and begins to tease her and treat her as though she were a small child who thinks they're in love. A mid shot is used in this scene to show to height difference between the two characters. The camera is also placed behind Donna at a slight distance as though the audience are viewing the conversation from across the square. The audience then sees how patronising Pam is being towards her by standing slightly over her and treating her as though she were a child. It is then emphasised as the camera gets closer and we see Pam from an over the shoulder/low angle shot. This could be representative of the fact that Donna is the talk of the square because a disabled person is stereotypically not expected to be sexually active.

When Fats goes over to Donna's house for a supposed date, she falls over and he runs in to help her up. The high camera angle means that we are looking down on her as well as Fats, making her seem more vulnerable and needy which is stereotypical of a disabled person. However, she shows power and control when she brings him down to her level to help her up where a midshot is used to show how she wants them to be equals. Never the less, she falls again and we then go back to seeing her from a high angle shot, therefore we are looking down on her. This could be representative of how disabled people feel (stereotypically) that are lower/limited in terms of living life the way other people do. The use of the midshot and the digetic sound of the radio playing upbeat music suggests that she is trying to create a warm, loving atmosphere for their 'date'. She also makes an effort to wear a nice dress and do her makeup, only to be ruined by Fats not being able to overlook the fact that she is disabled.

Peer Assessment:

good understanding of the question and excellent detail of representation however more explanation of terminology is needed and how it links to each other.

Areas of Representation: Vikings

Representation in TV Drama - Vikings

Editing techniques: Penny Dreadful

Penny Dreadful

CLIP

Editing Techniques and their effects:

Cross Cutting/Parallel editing

This editing technique is used mainly in the beginning of the clip where it shows the two characters, Ethan and Vanessa, in two separate locations at the same time, (Ethan is held captive on a boat taking him back to America whereas Vanessa is left in London, alone). This shows the audience how the characters are still emotionally connected even though they are physically apart. The use of the non-digetic spoken letter from Ethan to Vanessa along with the sad music emphasises the loss of their relationship through the loss of each other. This effect is supported by this editing technique as it shows the characters have been physically parted, though they are still emotionally connected at the same time, making the audience feel sympathetic towards them, echoing the words that are being spoken along with the sad tone of the music.

Continuity Editing

The chronological presentation of the narrative is used throughout the entire clip (showing Vanessa's perspective) as the series of events that are taking place are chronological and are there to represent the passing of time/the character moving on. Action matching is incorporated into the continuity sequences to give the impression of time passing along smoothly. These cuts follow Vanessa through her house, turning off all of the lights and leaving the dark rooms behind her, this shows her leaving the past behind and accepting her new life alone. As an audience, we also feel as though we are moving on/being left behind as the camera is left in the dark and Vanessa is shown to be walking away from the camera, involving the audience in her acceptance.

Cutaway

A cutaway shot is used at the beginning of the clip to briefly show where Ethan is before we are transported back to London to see the effect of his letter on Vanessa. I believe this is simply to give context to the scene so that we know they have been parted and he is in a worse place than she. This is effective as it shows Ethan is struggling just as much if not more than Vanessa, yet he is still trying to console and convince her that everything is going to be ok. This reinforces the heartbreak/desperation that the audience feel as we are temporarily given an omniscient viewpoint as we can see the situation that both of the characters are in whereas they don't know what's happening to the other.

Ellipsis

This could be seen in this clip as we aren't shown how Ethan came to be on the boat and the camera doesn't stay with Vanessa constantly. This is representative of the fact that both characters are distraught and otherwise disorientated due to their stress and sadness. By not constantly updating the audience on both characters whereabouts and emotional stability, we are also disorientated as an audience, creating an uneasy atmosphere.

Linear Narrative

The whole clip is linear in terms of how events are timed. We know this as Vanessa moves continuously and chronologically throughout the house, turning off each light as she goes. This helps the audience to understand what is going on by giving them checkpoints in her narrative to go by and piece together where she is going and what she is doing. It shows her final developments as a character as she goes from being paranoid and terrified to becoming cold, unfeeling and accepting of her fate/doom.

'Gaze' theory

Gender gaze from MrsCmedia

Male gaze:

The male gaze is the way in which men view who and what is presented on screen, often women. It is also how men view themselves due to how men are stereotypically represented in the media. The male gaze is often the dominant ideology, therefore a lot of women look at themselves and other women through a male gaze and judge how they look through a male perspective as they feel that they have to be visually pleasing to men. Women then become objectified.

Female gaze:

Whether or not the female gaze actually exists is arguable as it simply reaffirms the male gaze of male power and dominance. The way most women see men is they way that men want to be seen themselves, eg: strong, muscular, powerful, wealthy, etc. Because of this, the question of the female gaze's existence is questionable as it is more of a male gaze but through a woman's perspective on a man.

My opinion:

I do agree with these theories in that they do exist and are quite prominent in todays society. Whilst these views can be quite objectifying and sexist (especially towards women) they are useful when creating things such as advertisements as they allow you to reach out to your target audience more. For example, by including a half naked or overly sexualised image of a woman in an advert directed at men, you are more likely to gain a male audience (the target audience) as it is what a man typically wants to see. This supports the male gaze as men see women the way they want to and woman see what they then feel is what men want them to be like, therefore they try to aspire to be like the women that are used in the adverts. 

An example of the male gaze is depicted above. In this case, the breasts are the only part of the woman that are on show, simply to draw men towards the advert. This advert objectifies women as it  shows them as sexual objects which are there 'for men'.

Film research: Ex_Machina

Ex-Machina (2015)



Producer/Production companies:

This movie was produced by DNA films in collaboration with Film4 along with many international distributors all over the world such as Universal Pictures International, Universal Pictures, NOS Audiovisuals, A24, intercontinental video and Mongrel media. The production companies and distributors have distributed this film in around 14 different countries. DNA films is the same production company that worked on the movie '28 days later' which was made by the same writer and director that produced Ex_Machina, giving them a marketing point to go from when advertising as the film '28 days later' was very successful and gave DNA films some kind of positive reputation.

Andrew Macdonald (best known for 'Trainspotting', '28 days later' and 'Ex_Machina') and Allon Reich (best known for 'Ex_Machina', '28 weeks later' and 'The last King of Scotland') are the main producers that worked on this film alongside many executive and associate producers.

Director/Screenwriter:

Name: Alex Garland

Best Known for: '28 days later' (2002), 'Ex_Machina' (2015), 'Dredd' (2012) and 'Sunshine' (2007)

Awards: 

• 2004: Nominated for Saturn Award by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA: Writing for 28 Days Later
• 2004: Won the Best Screenplay Award at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards for his screenplay of 28 Days Later
• 2011: Won an award from the Writer's Guild of Great Britain (along with co-writer Tameem Antoniades) for his writing on the video game, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (2010).
• 2015: Won a Jury Prize for writing/directing Ex Machina at the Gerardmer Film Festival.

Actors (main cast):

Name: Domhnall Gleeson

Character: Caleb

Best known for: 'About time' (2013), 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2' (2011), 'Unbroken' (2014) and 'Ex_Machina' (2015)

Name: Corey Johnson

Character: Jay

Best known for: 'The Bourne Ultimatum' (2007), 'Captain Phillips' (2013), 'Saving Private Ryan' (1998) and 'Ex_Machina' (2015)

Name: Oscar Isaac

Character: Nathan

Best known for: 'Inside Llewyn Davis' (2013), 'Drive' (2011), 'Ex_Machina' (2015), 'A Most Violent Year' (2014)

Name: Alicia Vikander

Character: Ava

Best known for: 'Ex_Machina' (2015), 'A Royal Affair' (2012), 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E' (2015), 'Seventh Son' (2014)

Name: Sonoya Mizuno

Character: Kyoko

Best known for: 'Ex_Machina' (2015), 'Beauty and the Beast' (2017), 'The Theo Adams Company' (2015)

Name: Symara A. Templeman

Character: Jasmine

Best known for: 'Ex_Machina' (2015), 'Jupiter Ascending' (2015), 'Darkness' (2014)

Name: Gana Bayarsaikhan

Character: Jade

Best known for: 'Ex_Machina' (2015)

Name: Claire Selby

Character: Lily

Best known for: 'Ex_Machina' (2015)

Name: Tiffany Pisani

Character: Katya

Best known for: 'Ex_Machina' (2015), 'Britain and Irelands next Top Model' (2005), 'Hollyoaks' (1995)

Name: Elina Alminas

Character: Amber

Best known for: 'Ex_Machina' (2015), 'Residue' (2015), 'Cinderella' (2015), 'Jupiter Ascending' (2015)

 Budget/Box office sales/Screens shown on:

This film was made on an estimated budget of 15 million dollars and after being a huge success aroun the world, has brought in over 36 million dollars worldwide and has had many positive reviews from critics all around. In the USA the film made $250,000 on its opening weekend in April 2015, being shown on around 1,255 screens. During May of 2015, the film had its highest selling point, reaching around $3,510,000 and was shown on over 2000 screens.

Composers:

Name: Geoff Barrow

Other works: 'Lord of War' (2005), 'Wild' (2014), 'Columbiana' (2011), 'Assassins' (1995)

Name: Ben Sailsbury

Other works: 'Beyoncé: Life is but a Dream' (2013), 'Inside the Perfect Predator' (2010), 'The life of Mammals' (2002)

Marketing:

The production designer for this film is Mark Digby, notable foe his work in other films such as 'Rush' (2013), 'Slumdog Millionaire' (2008) and 'Dredd' (2012).

A viral marketing campaign was designed and in the USA which used the famous dating site Tinder to raise awareness for the Sci-Fi thriller. The robot in the film is played by the Swedish actress, Alicia Vikander and using her pictures, the marketing team set up a robot account on Tinder which asked fellow users what makes them human and what attracted them to Ava. This clever marketing scheme was designed to test the audience and almost involve them in the film as they had a brief experience of what the protagonist experiences in the movie.

Alongside this, a series of films posters and teaser trailers were also made and shown through TV advertising and general poster advertisements.

Official Trailer

Special effects:

The largest area of special effects was used on the actress Alicia Vikander as she plays, Ava - the robot. Most of her body has CG effects put onto it to make her look as though parts of her body are made of machinery and certain parts are completely see through. The only parts of her that are kept as skin are the face, hands and feet.

Special technology was used to make sure that Alicia looked as robotic as she could when playing Ava whilst still being able to move exactly the way a human would. To do this, she was taken into a photo booth and scanned from head to foot, from there a team then built her CG elements which were then refined to match the live action photography. An anamorphic lens was applied which could have been an issue as the rig used had to be 'astonishingly flexible' in order to convey the human likeness of Ava. This lens meant that if Alicia wasn't completely in focus then the image would be distorted and it would then have to be reverted back to how the image was originally.

Flares were used to create the almost sterilised brightness that is used in the house to create the feeling that the house is more of a research/hospital facility. It also conveys the fact that the movie is of the science fiction genre as flares are typically used to create a flashy futuristic atmosphere.    

Technical Specifications:

Runtime	1 hr 48 min (108 min)
Sound Mix	Dolby Digital | SDDS | Datasat
Color	Black and White (some shots) | Color
Aspect Ratio	2.35 : 1
Camera	GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition Sony CineAlta F65, Cooke Xtal Express, Kowa Prominar and Angenieux Optimo Lenses Sony CineAlta PMW-F55, Cooke Xtal Express, Kowa Prominar and Angenieux Optimo Lenses
Laboratory	Molinare, London, UK
Negative Format	AXSM SRMemory Video (HD)
Cinematographic Process	Digital Intermediate (2K) (master format) J-D-C Scope (anamorphic) (source format) Kowa Scope (anamorphic) (source format) (some scenes)
Printed Film Format	D-Cinema

Issues:

One of the main issues when shooting this movie was the fact that the lens used to create Ava's robotic yet human feel happened to distort a lot of the images within the filming. The anamorphic lens tended to reflect and distort everything around it, which interrupted the smooth, polished continuity that the directors wanted to create. However, this effect is successful in creating a false sense of intimacy with the audience.

Camera Shots and techniques

Camera Shots and techniques

Extreme long shot:

The extreme long shot can be used as an establishing shot within TV drama. an establishing shot is used to communicate to the audience where the scene is taking place, which characters are involved, it's time and location. The establishing shot is usually used at the beginning of a TV drama as it provides the audience with a setting for the beginning of the storyline. 

Long Shot:

The long shot usually follows and establishing shot and gives the audience a view of a character from head to toe. This allows the audience to see the relationship between the character within the story and their environment that is set in the establishing shot.

Mid Shot:

This shot gives a view of the character from the waist upwards, making them become comfortable with the character. The audience become comfortable with the character as they can engage with their emotions, facial expression and body language.

Two shot:

The two shot contains two characters who are usually communicating in some way. This shot expresses that relationship and is used in things such as TV chat shows.

Close up:

The audience will only see the head and shoulders of the character with very little background, which means that all of the attention is focused in on the character. By doing this, the audience will have a clear view of the characters emotions through facial expression. This could also be used to show an item of significance within the show.

Point of view:

This is used as a reference to the close up shot, therefore it usually follows on from the close up. This gives the audience context following a close up and it allows us to engage more with the character and understand their motives within the narrative.

Extreme close up:

This shot focuses all of the attention onto the characters face, especially the eyes or on an item of significance. This creates a sense of intensity for the audience as it is an unfamiliar perspective which places the audience in an awkward position which may feel uncomfortable - adding to the intensity.

High angle shot:

The high angle shot gives a the character a sense of vulnerability as we as an audience are looking down on them, seemingly giving us the higher ground, therefore a feeling of authority over them. This kind of shot is used in scenes of confrontation to show how small the character looks and feels or in scenes where the character we are focusing on is physically defeated.

Low angle shot:

The low angle shot gives the opposite effect to the high angle shot and makes us as an audience feel vulnerable as we are forced to look up at the character, emphasising their height and signifying their authority and importance. Movies with characters such as superheroes and villains will use this shot a lot to show power and strength along with making the audience feel slightly intimidated and at the mercy of the character on screen.

Tracking shot:

The camera during this shot will be mounted on a dolly on a track which will follow the character or object of significance at a constant distance throughout the shot. This draws in the audience and helps them to feel as though they are a part of the narrative as they are following the character into their narrative.

Sideways tracking/crab shot:

This shot is the same as a tracking shot, only the camera will only follow from side to side and can be used at a closer distance to the character. This shot is mainly used to show the character going to or leaving a scene. The crab shot can show the audience specific areas of the body such as the feet when the character is walking to show the character moving from place to place whilst creating a sense of mystery as we do not see the rest of the character.

Tilt shot:

This shot is similar to a panning shot only the camera moves vertically rather than horizontally. This kind of shot can be used in a similar way to a low angle shot, by tilting upwards from a low angle shot, it can emphasise a person or objects importance, authority and power. Eg: this kind of shot could start at the bottom of a building and pan upwards to show the sheer height and mass of the building, showing importance and significance towards it.

Zoom:

The zoom shot can be used to alter the audiences perspective by bringing them closer or further away from a character or object of significance. Also, the focus of the camera can change, creating a depth of focus by blurring the object in the background and focusing on the character or object in the foreground or vice versa. This can gently introduce the audience to a new scene or give them context as to where or what the character is doing. It makes us aware of their surroundings which aids the narrative.

Arc Shot:

This is similar to a tracking shot, only the camera follows in a rough semicircle or circle around the character or characters, as this shot is usually used in scenes where a group conversation is being held as it allows thee audience to witness the reactions of each character and we can then see everything that the scene has to offer us. It can also change our perspective as we can start out looking over the shoulder of one character, giving us insight into their perspective and end up behind the shoulder of the person opposite, therefore the audience sees the scene from a different point of view.

Crane shot:

The crane shot allows for a wide range of movement in terms of perspective, as the camera will mounted on a crane which is balanced by a heavy weight, meaning that the camera can be moved in almost any way possible. This shot is effective as you can capture a wide range of movements and perspectives which can draw in the audience using fluid camera technique which can vary in terms of perspective. This means that conventional technique can be broken and the director/camera operator has more freedom in terms of creative cinematography.