This refers to how close or far
away the camera is to the
action being filmed. It also
refers to where the camera is
positioned in respect to the
actor.
A close-up is when the
camera is positioned
(or zooms) close to the
subject, perhaps
showing just the
human face
This shot is taken with the
camera extremely close
to the subject. For
example, this shot could
be used to show things
such as:
•Just the eyes on a
human subject
•A small part of a
machine
•An individual leaf from a
tree
A long shot is when the camera is long way
from the subject and will usually show an entire
person plus the background around them
This is when the camera is extremely far away from the subjects
and usually shows an entire setting. This type of camera angle is
often used as an ‘establishing shot’ at the beginning of the film to
show the audience where (what location) the film is set.
The camera is still
close to the subject
and usually shows an
actor from the waist
up. This shot also
reveals surrounding
objects/setting.
This is when the
camera is
positioned above
the subject and
looks down.
When the camera is
positioned below the subject
looking upwards
This is when the camera is positioned at
eye-level to the subject (this is why this
shot is also known as an ‘eye level shot’)
This explains how the camera
moves in relation to the
action.
A crane shot is when the camera moves
down and across the scene from an
enormous height. This is achieved by
attaching the camera to a large crane
that is able to move around the scene.
These types of shots are often used as
part of the establishing shot at beginning
of films.
A panning shot is when the camera is
mounted onto a stand and moves in a
left or right direction to follow the action
being filmed.
This is when the camera is mounted onto a
travelling stand so that the camera can
travel along with the action/actor being
filmed.
When filmmakers shoot the
action, they also decide
what the light will be like in
the shot. Lighting is used to
indicate not only time of day,
but also mood/atmosphere.
Low Key lighting (also known as High Contrast Lighting)
creates a strong contrast or comparison between light and
dark areas. This lighting is often used to show a suspicious
character/action.
This is when the scene
is brightly lit without
shadows and this
achieved with flood
lights. This type of
lighting is frequently
used to show joy and
happiness.
This is where the lighting is exactly
how it appears in real life.
Soundtrack is the sounds and music you hear while
watching the action on the screen. Music (also known
as the ‘score’) is used to indicate changes in the
characters’ feelings. For example, if a character has
received sad news, slow mournful music will be played.
The soundtrack also includes the everyday sounds of
the action on the screen. For example, footsteps, train
horns, ambulance sirens, doorbells etc.
Voiceover : when an actor’s voice
narrates the action on the screen
(narrator)
 Sound effects: when particular sounds
are exaggerated for effect e.g. the
sounds of a knife slashing in a horror film
 Dialogue: the words the actors speak

Characters are the people in the film. Although
each character is different and unique, there
are some familiar character types that
recycled.
The hero is a physically and emotionally
strong character who embarks on a
quest. This quest usually involves
overcoming a series of obstacles
before the hero reaches his/her goal.
Famous Heroes:
•Lara Croft
•Superman
•James Bond
•Indiana Jones
•Thor
•Jason Bourne
Part of the hero’s quest usually involves
preventing the villain from achieving
world domination.
Generally the hero is unselfish,
protective of others, strong in spirit and
body and intelligent.
The villain is the hero’s greatest obstacle. The villain
is usually intent on achieving ultimate power over
other characters in the film. The villain is selfish,
flawed and greedy.
Famous Villains:
•The Joker
•Freddy Kruger
•Lex Luther
•The White Queen
Well Known AntiHeroes:
• Captain Jack
Sparrow
•Juno
•Hannibal Lecter
•Shrek
•Achilles
The Anti-Hero is a character who is rebellious,
a loner and distrustful of authority. However,
the Anti-Hero also displays some of the
characteristics of the Hero and generally ends
up ‘saving the day’ in his/her own way. It’s a
character that lies somewhere between the
Hero and the Villain, sharing traits of both.
Sometimes the Anti-Hero is a character who is
weakened and suffers a series of
disappointments, and yet still perseveres to
reach his/her goals.
The mentor is someone
who guides, teaches
and supports the hero
(or anti-hero) on his/her
journey.
Well known mentors:
Obi Wan Kenobi-”Star
Wars”
Mr Miyagi- “The Karate
Kid”
Splinter-”Teenage Mutant
Ninja Turtles”
Dumbledore-”Harry Potter”
These a stories that we already know
from fairy tales, the bible, children’s
books etc that are recycled again
and again.
Films that have used this
storyline: The Castle,
‘Rocky’ films, The
Benchwarmers, The Karate
Kid, Gridiron Gang
David and Goliath is the story of a boy who overcame a
giant that was terrorising the land. David, the smallest
and youngest of a family of eight sons, took on the giant
when no one else (not even an army) would. David outwitted the giant by using a sling-shot and stone to kill
him by stoning the giant in-between the eyes. A ‘David
and Goliath’ narrative involves an underdog taking on
and defeating a more powerful enemy .
The tale of two young
lovers who, in spite of
opposition from their
families, conspire to be
together.
Films that have used this storyline:
Titanic, The Notebook, Twilight…
The quest storyline involves a hero
who has to overcome a series of
obstacles to find hidden treasure
and to defend the world from evil.
The hero usually achieves his/her
goal with the assistance of a
sidekick.
Examples:
Indiana Jones: Temple of Doom
Pirates of the Caribbean
Harry Potter
Holes
Costumes are the clothes,
hairstyles and make-up the
characters wear.
Costumes can be used to show the time
period the film is set in. For instance, in this
pictures the people are dressed in a style
that was popular in the 90s. .