2. What is Cinematography?
• Cinematography is the art and
science of motion picture
photography – including both the
shooting and development of the film.
The 4 main areas of focus on
cinematography are:
• Camera shots/ angles/ framing/
composition
• Editing
• Sound
• Mise – en – scene

3. Camera Shots and Angles
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Low angle – the camera is positioned from a low point of
view almost looking up towards the character.
High angle – the camera is positioned from a high point of
view looking down on the character.
Tracking shot – the camera follows the character in their
current situation.
Tilting shot – the camera is titled up or down establishing
the setting/character/object.
Panning shot – the camera moves left or right establishing
the setting/character/object.
Mid-shot – the camera is positioned to only view the mid
section of a character – centralizing them.
Close-up – the camera is positioned to tightly frame a
person or object
Extreme shot – in this shot the human figure is either

4. Editing
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By joining two shots together and transcending the visual
information contained in each individual shot produces meaning
– this is one of the basic theoretical principles of editing. This
is called The Kuleshov Effect. Editing involves creating
meaning through collage, tempo and timing.
A collage is an assortment of images joined together in a
sequence which allow the audience to formulate ideas and
derive meaning. This can be done by using different shots such
as shot reverse shot, close ups, high angles, low angles, mid
shots, long shots, panning etc…
Tempo can either be slowed down or sped up in order to create
effect and derive meaning of the particular scene. Normally
when a shot is sped up it is to create some sense of tension or
to foreshadow the adrenaline within the scene. It conveys the
emotions of the characters or the duration of the event within
the shot. The opposite is down by slowing down the tempo – this
is often done in romantic films.

5. Sound
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Through editing sound is added to create an effect within the
shot or scene. Two types of sound are added wither together
or individually – non diegetic sound (sound added such as music
or sound effects) and diegetic sound (sound that can be heard
from the shot or scene)
Music is added to create some sort of atmosphere within the
shot or to evoke specific emotions form the audience. Sound
helps create relationships between the images. For
example, in romantic films slow, sensual music is added to
intimate scenes to help evoke personal emotions from the
audience, whereas, in thriller films for example
dark, suspenseful music – usually in low tones – is used to
create that tension and mystery that thriller are so
famously known for.
Sound enables the audience to access the characters
thoughts and feelings – especially if the image still continues
whilst the character is doing something at an objective level.
Diegetic sound is normally added to bring realism to the shot

6. Mise-en-scene
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Mise-en-scene is the French expression of that is used to
describe the design aspects of theatre or film production. It
literally means “visual theme” – or “telling a story”
Mise-en-scene is made up of different elements such as lighting,
set design, costumes, composition, space, make-up and hairstyle
and acting.
Lighting can be broken down into soft light – which is used from
a larger source that is diffused (scattered) over a bigger
area or reflected off a surface before it strikes the subject
– minimizing facial features, including wrinkles. Hard light is
produced by a smaller source that is positioned to close to the
subject creates deep shadows and emphasises surface
imperfections. This light tends to be unflattering.
Set design is just the setting of the scene and the props within
the scene. This includes elements such as props, objects,
colours, furniture etc. It is used to amplify the characters
emotions or the dominant mood, which, has psychological,
social, physical, emotional, economic and cultural significance

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Composition is simply the organization of the objects, actors
and space within the frame. Maintaining a balance of
symmetry is highly important in composition. The frame can be
partitioned horizontally, on a left-right axis, and vertically
from top-bottom to ensure a balanced composition. This
ensures that there is equality in dark and light areas
ranging from colours, objects and/or figures.
Space is important as it affects the interpretation of the film.
Manipulating the depth, proximity, size and proportions of the
places and objects in a film effectively determines moods or
relationships between elements. For example, if the camera
remained stationary in the same position it produces a sense of
stagnation.
Make-up and hairstyle falls in with costume. The different
styles used or the different kind of shades of make up used
really creates the characters and conveys many different
emotions and idea towards them.
Acting plays a huge role in mise-en-scene as it helps make the