The Jungle Book

Media Language: The Moving Image

During the production of any large Movie or Television series, there are always 6 aspects that are used to help engross the viewers into the Media source. These are Camera, Editing, Lighting, Sound,  Mise-en-scene and Special effects.

The First aspects is that of camera work, such as the different shot types, angles and movement of the camera. The different genres of moving media have different conventions on how camera is used to create a certain effect. An example being the use of close up shots and slow pans to aid in building tension in a horror movie. Whereas an action movie would use Mid and Long shots so that the audience has a clear view of the action. However, no matter what genre, all camera work is down to:

1) Camera Positioninghe positioning of the camera is very crucial because it is what the audience is able to see in a shot. Therefore, clarity and the effect of the shot must always be taken into consideration. These are some of the most common uses for camera in moving image media.
Camera Distance- referring to the distance between the viewer and subject in the frame.

• Long shot- Usually allows the viewer to see the location and holds a lot of information or to create an idea of scale. This type of shot can also be used to establish the location of the scene, which is called an establishing shot. An extreme long shot is even wider and encompasses a large location, often being an eye view level of a landscape scene.

• Mid shot-Often referred to as ‘head and shoulders’ shot, this shot is used to identify the subject(s) of the shot. This shot can also be used to show the subjects relation to both other characters and the location of the scene. By letting us clearly see the main subject, this hot also allows us to see facial expressions and dialogue. A Mid shot is therefore often used to shoot conversations between characters.  2 common shots types from a mid shot are over the shoulder shots, where the camera is over the shoulder of the listening character, and a 2 shot, where both subjects are framed in the scene while talking.

• Close Up- A fairly simple shot, a close up shot is when the camera is positioned near the subject. Close up shots are most often used to clearly show the face of the actor, which allows for a better view of the actor’s facial expressions and thus portrays more emotions. This type of shot is also referred to as a reaction shot. A close-up view gives a more intimate mood to the scene and allows the director to focus on the details of the face. The main effect of this intimate feeling is that it makes the viewer more attached to the characters on screen.

• Extreme close up- Like the close up, the extreme close up is shot by placing the camera closer to the subject. However, the extreme close up gets even closer and more precise, allowing the viewers to see more detail on a single subject or object. This shot type is often used to focus on important details and key visual information, such as an item that adds to the story. It can also , just like the close, be used to magnify and emphasize emotions.

Camera Angle- The angle at which a shot is filmed, often used to achieve different effects/emotions such as power or vulnerability

• High Angle-The shot is filmed from above and the camera is facing down on the subject. This angle is used as it creates a sense of scale and can cause the subject to look smaller, which connotes to the idea of weakness/vulnerability.

• Low angle-The camera is placed at a low-level and faces upwards to the subject. This camera angle creates a sense of strengthen, importance and power as the angle makes the subject almost admirable.

• Eye level shot- This shot is often used in soap operas. The scenes is viewed as if the camera was a spectator as we get to have an immersive view of the scene.
• Point of View Shot- The scene is shot with the camera as if it were from a characters perspective. The audience is able to see from that character’s perspective, which makes them more immersed in that character and can make a scene more gripping.
•  Crane shot- Because fir this type of shot a camera gets attached to a crane, it can result in a lot of flexible shots. The crane can move in all directions but this type of shot is usually shot from above looking down on the subjects and/or location. A lot of information can be shown by using this shot and like the high angle shot, it can create a sense of powerlessness.
• Canted shot- This type of angled shot is when the camera is tilted at an angle and so the entire shot is at an angle. This stilted look is often used to create an ‘off’ uncanny atmosphere that can be used to create tension in a scene.

Camera Movement- Unlike photography, where images are still. Moving image media allows us to move the camera. This results in more dynamic scenes as we can direct where and how to follow an action.

• Tracking- This is when the camera literally tracks and follows the action by moving horizontally along with the subjects on the shot.
•  Panning- Almost the same as a tracking shot, a pan follows the subjects horizontally whilst staying      at a fixed position.
•  Tilting- This shot is the same as a panning shot expect it moves vertically whilst remaining at a fixed axis position.

2) Editing allows for transitions between shots to create a coherent sequence that the audience can follow. Usually, different types of editing can create a different effect and can emote a certain mood, again, following the conventions of certain genres. Such as the fast paced jump cuts of an action film that creates a rush due to the quick paced editing.Conversely, romantic scenes would apply more slow dissolves due to the gradual change being connoted to a more peaceful atmosphere.

• Straight cut- The most commonly used type of editing is this. This edit creates a natural movement and transition between different shots that seem to replicate the natural movement of the audience’s eye movement. An example being during a conversation the shot of the subject speaking will be on focus and then will cut again when the other subject is talking.
• Dissolve- The Old shot gradually disappears as the new shot is brought into focus. During this transition, the 2 shots will appear at the same time. This transition is slow and often creates a sombre or ambient transition.
• The fade- This is when the old shot/image slowly disappears (usually fading into a black screen) while the new image is shown. This editing technique is very like that of dissolving.
• The wipe- The new shot/image appears to ‘push’ out the old image. This transition often occurs using a shape, such as side swipe, circle, or even a star and from different positions. Though different shapes suit different purposes as some are more serious while others are more childish. Star Wars is famous for using this edit as the main method of transition.

3) Lighting is a technical code of moving image media that , like the other aspects, can help create the atmosphere of a scene. It can be either natural lighting, with sources of light such as the sun, or unnatural lighting that incorporate devices such as camera or torch lights. Scenes with heavy shadows and dim lights are visually unnerving and sinister and so are often used by horror, thriller or dramas. On the contrary, brightly shot scenes with saturated colours are connoted to innocence and joy, and are the heavily used in light hearted shows/films.

• High Key lighting-Every area of the framed shot is will lit by using multiple lights. This can be used for both day time scenes as well as night-time scenes as the light doesn’t have to be bright light. An area full of dim light can still be high key lighting so long as the shot is lit everywhere.
•  Low key Lighting- The opposite of High key lighting, only some areas of the frame are lit while other are in shadow. There is a distinct difference of shadow and Light which creates a pleasing visual contrast.
• Coloured Lighting- As the name suggests, this is when coloured lights are used to give a certain effect to the scene. A more golden, warm glow is used to create a soft light that makes the subjects more visually appealing. Furthermore, the use of different coloured lighting can be used to convey the idea of changing locations. An example is the constantly changing coloured lighting in the movie  ‘The Matrix’ as each location has a different colour.
• Diegetic Lighting- Light that comes from a source that exists in the scene. Such as Lamps, torches or a Fireplace.
• Location of Light source- Where the lights are placed can also create different effects. The use of Up Lighting, which is when light is shone down on the subject, can create a dramatic lighting that can create intense shadows on the subject, making them more threatening or mysterious.

4) Sound is very important to a scene as sound, whether music or dialogue, can evoke or amplify emotions in a scene that visuals can't achieve. Sounds can include music, sound effects, special effects, voice-over, dialogue and more.

• Diegetic sounds- Much like Diegetic lighting, this is when sound is emitted from an object that exists in the world of text. An example of this would be when there is a record playing in the background or if a real gun is being shot.
• Non-Diegetic sounds- Sounds that don’t come from any objects form that world. Examples of this would be the musical soundtrack or possibly voice-overs.
• On screen sound- Diegetic sound that is from an on screen object. Dialogue between characters, weapons, musical instruments and more would fit into this section of sound.
• Off screen sound- Diegetic sounds that are from off screen sources. The sounds of an approaching vehicle or voices of off screen characters would be Off screen sounds.
• Parallel sound (synchronous)- This when the sound/Music matches the action that is on screen. This is usually the work of the soundtrack as the music is made to accompany the visuals on screen, such as when depressing music is played during a death scene. A movie such as Baby Driver takes this idea even further as the music matches the pace of the action on screen.
• Contrapuntal sound (asynchronous) -The exact opposite of Parallel sound; when the sound/Music doesn’t match the visuals on screen. An example would be when Pop music is played during the beginning of Suicide Squad as we see people being killed yet it is contrasted by up beat music. The main effect of this is that it creates shock in the audience due to the mismatch of sound and action. This often also emphasises the insanity of a certain character. However, this can also be used for comedy as more action type music could be put together with mundane actions, such as with the movie Hot Fuzz.

5) Mise-en-scene means 'That which is place within the scenes' and refers to a wide variety of different aspects of a shot. What we actually see in a scene can be just as important as how a scene is shot because visual information can assist in the viewers understanding a scene.

• Location and setting- The physical place where the scene is set. It can be external , such as a forest, or internal , such as a small apartment. The use of location is very key in helping to reinforce ideas and the atmosphere in a scene: a small room represents how a character feels trapped or isolated.
• Set dressing-  This is simply how the set of a scene is presented. Items and props are usually placed on a set on purpose, whether it is to give visual information or to create a more believable set. Decorations and furniture are used in internal sets while key landscapes are shown for external sets.
• Costume- The clothing that are given to characters to wear. These are designed to give information about the character, such as wealth, occupation, personality or even status. Make is also used to further give more visual information about a character.
• Dialogue- The words spoken by the characters are crucial in helping to carry on the narrative. In addition, dialogue can also help with character development and to express a characters emotions, helping to engage the audience with the story.
• Casting- Actors are chosen on their ability to portray a character. This may range from their voice, acting skills, public persona or simply looks. Directors choose actors on how well they think they can portray the role and this is important in being able to sell the performance.
• Body Language/ Acting Styles- An important part of creating an effective mise-en-scene is the ability of the actors and the style of their acting. Whether subtle or expressive, how an actor responds to actions helps to sell a scene.
• Framing/Blocking-The positioning of the objects and actors within the frame, relative to each other. For example, if one subject had more screen presence in a shot, then this implies that they are more powerful and more important.

6) With the advancements of technology, special effects have begun to play a larger part in the production of moving image media. Originally being practical effects that occurred on screen, nowadays, special effects are often added in post production to enhance imagery or sound. Most large scale movies and TV shows use visual special effects to aid in the portrayal of the unrealistic to enhance the experience.
Blue/ Green screens are used to almost transport characters from one location to another. This is done by superimposing different images onto another which the subjects can act on. This is very helpful for projects that require the location to be very different, such as a sci fi or fantasy movie.

CGI- It is very expensive but is used to create a lot of the imagery on screen that is either too complex or too expensive to build. It is often used in more big budget block busters and less so in dramas or Television series such as soap operas as they would not be required. Movies such as Sin use CGI to entirely create the mise-en-scene as it is more flexible and can achieve a very distinct appearance.