Semiotics are used in everyday life and are also used in all films. Semiotics are used in films to the the audience what something means. For example:
This image of Tony Stark (aka Iron Man) shows him in his garage surrounded by Cars and machinery whilst he is wearing his metal iron man suit. The cars in the background show me that Tony is a very wealthy man who can afford expensive items. The machinery shows me that he likes to create and put things together like cars and the Iron man suit he is currently wearing. The fact that he can build his own equipment also tells me that he is very intelligent.
In this image we see Oliver twist. By his clothes we are able to tell that he does not own a lot as he has not got money. By his facial expressions we are able to tell that he is upset and is sad. The bowl in his hand shows that he is hungry and could also tell us that he is not fed a lot of food.
In this image we see the joker within a prison cell who seems to have a smug look on his face. From this image we can tell that the joker is a bad person as he is in prison. Also the style of his hair and make-up can show that he is crazy and can be insane. His look on his face can mean that he planning something...maybe a prison escape?
Contrapuntal sound is when the music heard is completely different to the mood of the current scene.
Non-diegetic sound is when the sound can only be heard by the audience and not the characters on screen.
Diegetic sound is sound that can be heard by both the audience an characters.
Pleonastic sound is sound that is exaggerated. For example, fight scenes may have the sound of bones breaking louder than it would be in real life to give it an effect.
A voice over is when we can hear a voice talking,however the character may not be taking or may not even be on screen.
A sound bridge is when sound continues over two different scenes.
Mise-en-scene is french term meaning what is put into a scene or frame which shows the audience essential information. It is also made up of 5 elements.
The 5 Elements:
Each aspect of mise-en-scene has hidden meanings within a film and sends signals to the audience on how we are supposed to feel at a certain point. This is done by using 5 elements which are:
Settings and props
Costume, Hair and make-up
Facial expressions and body language
Lighting and colour
Positioning of characters/Objects within the frame
Iconography:
In a specific genre of film we expect to see specific settings and props used. For example:
Horror Films:
An example of a setting used in a horror film may be a old, dark and creepy house and they may use props such as masks (for the murderer), Weapons and blood etc.
Sci-Fi:
An example of a setting in a Sci-Fi film maybe in the future or on a different planet. In Sci-Fi films they use props such as high tech gadgets which dont see today in real life.
Action:
An action film may be set in a huge city such as New york or london. They may use props such as expensive cars, guns and Helicopters etc.
This scene has many different sound effects, camera angles and techniques used to help give the audience information about the character 'Quicksilver'. The scene starts off with a explosion which puts everyone within the house in danger, which tells the audience that this should be a intense scene, however, we are suddenly taken outside and are shown a slow motion shot of a bee. This is when we see the feet of a character come into frame to the song 'Sweet Dreams'. The camera shot then slowly moves up to reveal that the character is Quicksilver. The music playing is non-diegetic and is also a example of contrapuntal sound.The song is used to tell the audience that the character can be fun and humorous even though the house is about to explode.From Quicksilver's appearance i can tell that he can be considered as a 'cool' character as he comes into frame wearing silver Nike trainers, jeans and leather jacket. This shows that he has his own sense of style and does not care what others think, which can come across as smug. Before he runs into the house a close up shot is used to show his expressions as he knows something is wrong and the close up can also indicate that he is the main focus and is about to save the day.
Many more close up shots are used on his and the other characters faces to show there skin wobble as they are being quickly dashed out of the house. The faces they pull can also be seen as 'silly' which also applies some humour to the scene.
There are also some pleonastic sounds used, for example, as he is running we can hear dashing sounds and when he takes drink from the can we can hear him gulping. In each room we are shown different camera shots such as low shots so we can see the floor rising with fire to show its danger, we are also shown medium shots to show the audience everyone in each room who Quicksilver has to save. We are also given 'over the shoulder' shots to give a point of view of the character and also a 'Pan' shot in one of the classrooms which shows the chalkboard being destroyed as the fire comes through it and follows it to show who is in that room whilst Quicksilver is saving them. The scene then ends with closes ups of all the people who have just been saved. This is, once again, used to show the shock on all their faces as they notice the house has just been blow up and they wonder how they survived.
This video covers most of the basic camera shots that are used when filming. The long shots and the extreme long shots cover a lot of space and show the audience the whole setting of the scene. The close up shots show us the characters emotions and expressions on his face so the audience know how the character is feeling. The medium shots are able to get most of the character in frame so we can see his body movements and actions. The cut-in shot can give us a basic point of view of what the character is reading on the letter.
I chose BTEC media studies because I'm very interested in filming and editing videos. To be able to make my own project is something I'm looking forward to doing during my 2 year course. Media is a subject Ive always been interested in, however I did not do media as a GCSE in year 11. This will mean media may be difficult for me but I am willing to try my hardest and do the best I can.
In this image we see Oliver twist. By his clothes we are able to tell that he does not own a lot as he has not got money. By his facial expressions we are able to tell that he is upset and is sad. The bowl in his hand shows that he is hungry and could also tell us that he is not fed a lot of food.
