This document discusses cinematic language and film grammar. It defines key cinematic concepts like sequence, scene, shot types (close-up, wide shot), camera angles (high angle, low angle), and editing techniques (cut, jump cut, cross-cutting). These concepts are important for script writing and understanding how meaning is constructed in films. The course aims to teach students about script formats, the Indian film industry, and basic film grammar to improve their skills in writing scripts for different genres.

1. Script Writing and Film Language
Topic – Cinematic Language
By-
Parveen Saini, Assistant Professor
University Institute of Media Studies
Chandigarh University
www.cuchd.in
Campus: Gharuan, Mohaliwww.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali

2. Course Objectives
• To understand the details of Script Writing
• To learn the details of Film and its concepts
Ms.Gagandeep Kaur, Assistant Professor
(UIMS)
2www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali

3. Topic Objectives
• To understand basic concepts of Cinema
• To know the language and grammar used in
Cinema
Ms.Gagandeep Kaur, Assistant Professor
(UIMS)
3www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali

4. Basic Grammar
• SEQUENCE- It is a distinct narrative unit.
• SCENE - It is described as an action that takes place in a
single location and continuous time
• Frame- Single Image
• Insert/ Cut-in- It covers action already covered in the master
shot but also emphasizes a different aspect of that action.
Ms.Gagandeep Kaur, Assistant Professor
(UIMS)
4www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali

5. Basic Grammar
• CUT – It is an abrupt change of shot from one viewpoint or
location to another. It also changes scene, compresses time and
has a varied point of view.
• JUMP CUT - It is when the two shots don’t match.
• CROSS-CUTTING- It is described as actions occurring at the
same time in two different locations
I. Expresses simultaneity / Creates suspense / Suggests
II. Parallels, contrasts, dichotomies…
Ms.Gagandeep Kaur, Assistant Professor
(UIMS)
5www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali

6. www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali
Camera Angles
• Eye-Level- shows subjects as in real life. It is a fairly
neutral shot.
• High Angle- shows the subject from above, i.e. the
camera is angled down towards the subject.
I. Contains the effect of diminishing the subject
II. The subject appears less powerful, less significant or
even submissive.

7. www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali
Contd.
• Low Angle - shows the subject from below
I. Creates impression of being more powerful or
dominant.
• Bird's Eye - shown from directly above.
I. Unnatural point of view
II. Dramatic effect used for showing a different spatial
perspective.

8. • Slanted - Camera is purposely tilted to one side so the
horizon is on an angle.
I. Creates an interesting and dramatic effect. Famous
examples include Carol Reed's The Third Man, Orson
Welles' Citizen Kane and the Batman series.
II. Popular in MTV-style video production
www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali
Contd.

9. www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali
Contd.
• Aerial – It is filmed from the air and used to establish a
location.
• Establishing Shot- It is the head of the scene and
establishes the location the action.
I. Sets the tone of the scene

10. www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali
Contd.
• Close- Up (CU)- It is a component in cinematic
storytelling.
I. Framed from above the shoulders and keeps only the
actor’s face in full frame
II. Captures the smallest facial variations
III. Eliminates any surrounding

11. www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali
Contd.
• Extreme Close Up - Focuses on a small part of the actor’s
face or body
I. Conveys intense and intimate emotions.
• Medium Shot- It is also referred to as a ‘semi-close shot’
or ‘mid-shot’
I. Shoots the actor(s) from the waist up

12. www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali
Contd.
• Over The Shoulder- Camera is positioned behind a
subject’s shoulder
I. Used for filming conversations between two actors.
• Low Angle- Films from a lower point and shoots up at a
character or subject
I. Makes them appear larger so as to convey them as
heroic, dominant or intimidating.

13. www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali
Contd.
• Two Shot - Shows two characters within the frame
• Wide Shot - Frames the subject from the top of their
head to their feet and helps in capturing the
environment.
• Master Shot– Identifies key signifiers
Captures all actors in the scene

14. Course Outcome
• Students will understand the script, its format
and how to write script for different genres
• Students will become aware about the details
of Cinema in India.
Ms.Gagandeep Kaur, Assistant Professor
(UIMS)
14www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali

15. Topic Outcome
• Students gained basic understanding of basic
grammar used in films.
Ms.Gagandeep Kaur, Assistant Professor
(UIMS)
15www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali

16. • http://www.mediaknowall.com/camangles.html
• http://www.mediacollege.com/video/camera/angles/
• https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/12-most-popular-camera-shots-actors-should-
know/
• History of Indian Cinema By Renu Saran
https://books.google.co.in/books?id=XAT4AgAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=histo
ry+of+indian+cinema&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi5to-H-
pfYAhVINiYKHTu0D1IQ6AEIKDAA#v=onepage&q=history%20of%20indian%20cin
ema&f=false
www.cuchd.in Campus: Gharuan, Mohali
REFERENCES