How to Read Music Video Finding meaning using

How to Read Music Video Finding meaning using film language

To gain a good mark in this standard you must demonstrate an understanding of: • Three Features of Film Language • Breakdown the Feature by describing how Elements of Film language are used in the text • Explain connotative meaning of film techniques and how they Enhance the Feature • Analyse how elements combine to make meaning • Analyse the effect of feature on the audience

What is a Feature • There are SIX Features of film language to choose from – Setting – Atmosphere – Camera Work – Mode of Address – Character – Manipulation of Time

• Each Feature uses many film techniques to create meaning. • You must identify and explain at least THREE techniques that has an effect on your feature. • Good examples include:

Setting • Establishing Shot (E. S) • Setting (location, time, recognisable landmarks) • Costume • Props • Lighting (particularly time of day, or lighting that enhances a time period) • Actions/Actors

Atmosphere • • Camera Shots Camera Angles Camera Movement Lighting Colour Film Type (grainy, stylised, handicam, modern) Setting

Camera Work • Camera Shots – Close Up, Mid Shots, Long Shots, Wide Shots, • Camera Angles – Birds-Eye, High Angle, Neutral, Low Angle, Worms. Eye, Dutch • Camera Movement – Dolly, Zoom, Pan, Tilt, Crane, Helicopter, Handheld, Steadiecam • Establishing shots

Mode of Address • • Camera Shots Camera Angles Camera Movement Acting Depth of field – Focal Depth Composition Lighting

Character • • Costume Props Acting Lighting Camera Shots Camera Angles Camera Movement

Manipulation Of Time • Setting • Compression of Time – Montage, Fast cutting, sped-up film • Expansion of Time – Slow Motion, Slow Cutting, Extended shot • Parallel Action • Flashback • Dissolve • Fade In / Fade Out

Exercise #1 • Watch the opening scenes from The Killers – ‘Dustland Fairytale’ • Explain how the director uses film elements to establish setting