180 Degree Rule

This rule states that the camera must always remain on one side of an imaginary line drawn perpendicular from the initial viewpoint of the camera at the start of the scene. This imaginary line is shown above.

This rule must (almost) never be broken, as this would negatively impact the continuity of the scene and cause a lack of interest or disorientation in the audience. The only time it may be broken is for effect, other wise it would confuse the viewers.

Below is an example of both how the 180 Degree is abided by and also broken for effect, this disorientation used in this scene helps to emphasise the confusing mindset of golem/smegal as he has a conversation argument with himself- conflicting personality.

Music Consumption

In the 21st Century there are various methods people use to purchase or listen to music, buy merchandise or book a concert; one of the most popular, easily done and cheaper methods is via the internet. Unlike only a few years ago when the internet was only hitting its stride people where very limited in their options for going about these various tasks, usually these were the purchasing of the vinyl track or CD. These were made available either in store or at various music specialists. These types of shops were more commonly found back then than they are now as a direct result of the internet.

            Nowadays with easy access to the internet and with an extra abundance of spending money, people can more easily purchase these various items via the internet. This along with a newly adapted "Techy" attitude; that our society has been developing has led to many of these providers to make their primary chain of supply via the online web rather than in store. Many large companies such as iTunes have heavily profited from this due to their easy accessibility and user friendly nature have built up a credible reputation (as opposed to the likes of "Napster" and so on) over the years and has become possibly the most used supplier for music and the like.

            Although we do have this degree of ease of access etc. we have developed this attitude that even though downloading (in particular) has been made comparably easier and cheaper that as a direct result we expect to receive this content without paying for it. This way of obtaining content 'pirating' has been made extremely easy to conduct and is free, yet illegal. Because of this it has almost become the social norm to use pirating sites such as 'the pirate bay' and torrenting sites such as 'bit torrent'. People appear to be impatient and would rather easily and without cost obtain this content maybe without even thinking of the consequences... and some who do disregard any chance of legal action being taken against them for downloading this content.

           On the other hand some still believe in buying these various items and pieces of content legally with or without the use of the internet; whether this be for what ever reason. Many may feel obliged to pay for the content legally, others may just want the merchandise in person rather than a digital download. It is essentially this divide between accessibility an morality that dictates societies attitude towards the consumption of music, this has changed greatly changed over time and I have no doubt that it will continue to do the same.

Production Design

My interpretation of Production Design is essentially the overall aesthetic of a film that is illustrated by set Design, Location, Correct Lighting, visual design/style, properties (props), Costume and makeup and also the the mood, flow, colour and atmosphere of the show.

The overall production design is conducted by various members of the film crew who organise and carry out various elements which all tie together to improve the aesthetics of the show/scene.

Colour Design

My interpretation of Colour design is when the particular selection of a colour, various colours, texture or material to communicate an emotion, mood, idea, atmosphere, tone or time period i.e Red can be used to represent red or passion, combined with other materials such as silk to create robes, these can be used to portray royalty or power, similarly red lighting can be used to communicate a romantic atmosphere if used appropriately.

In the above clip the overall theme is that of a western, as a result a lot of almost stereotypical western cliches have been used most often being the inclusion of dust dirt and the overall orange, brown and yellow tint and excess of colour. The use of this small range of colour automatically sets the location and atmosphere for each scene as anyone can recognised where the scene appears to be set (in). It also makes the scene more aesthetically pleasing.

Properties (Props)

My interpretation of Properties/ Props is the (careful) selection of items and accessories to accompany the characters and the set design. These are usually time period specific i.e their presence is historically correct in the fact that it would have been possible for the item to have existed during the time period the show/film is set but this is not always true as the inclusion of many props is not historically accurate and is therefore a flaw in the production design and selection.

The above shots show the range of props used in this particular scene  ranging from the realistic and period correct horse to the futuristic gun. These are used once again to add realism and immersion into the scene and overall increase their entertainment.

Set Design

My interpretation of of Set Design is basically the make up of a set (the place where the scene is shot) to either make it more visually attractive/ aesthetically pleasing or to covey the correct time period or overall meaning/ concept to a particular scene i.e if a scene is meant to be western styled, the set will be made up to look fairly vintage through the use of lighting colours and set props and often these stereotypical scenes include similar locations and a similar set design basis i.e the saloon, a dusty road or a gold mine.

Similar to the scene from location  the above shots shows a western styled set, with correct era props (bar a few tweaks which are core to the plot i.e the modern street lamps), buildings and climate. This adds to the immersion into the scene and the overall enjoyment of the shot.

Costume & Make-up

My interpretation of Costume and Make-Up is essentially the selection and use of various clothing, time period specific costumes, fashion accessories and the likes of face paint. This is often used to make a scene more visually attractive or to adhere more to the time period for further historical accuracy.

 The above scene shows many of the cast in their western era attire, These characters are dressed in these costumes to add some realism to the scene, by almost attempting to make it period specific and historically accurate. Often because many costumes used are so outrageous and outlandish it can also be used for a more humorous, entertaining effect.

Location

My interpretation of Location is simply the place in which the film/ show is shot. Although the location in reality my be different from the location apparently portraying in the film, e.g. a film may be shot in a woodland area in New Zealand or the UK (in reality) but in the movie this may be used to portray a heavily forested remote island or a dangerous jungle, the audience being submerged in this fake reality by the overall production design.

The above Scene (Behind the scenes) from Doctor Who was filmed in Spain, but used as the location of a western set. The dry arid ground and spectres of dust sparsely blowing about add further to the false sense of realism that this scene is trying to convey to the audience.

Lighting (Available, Artificial, Key, Fill, Back, Set)

My interpretation of lighting is the lighting arrangement used in any particular scene, whether this be the brightness, colour or contrast of the lighting or the appropriate positioning of it. Available light is light that is present when filming it is also not supplied by the photographer i.e the natural light cast by the sun. Artificial light is the last cast essentially from a man made object i.e a lamp rather than a naturally luminous object such as the sun. Key lighting appears to be the main or primary source of lighting in a scene. Back lighting is when an object or subject is illuminated from behind i.e both the subject and light source are pointed towards the audience. Back Light also can be used to give the illusion of three dimensional space on a two dimensional screen. Set lighting on the other hand is when a light source is used to highlight parts or the whole set.

I believe any and all these lighting techniques are used to highlight specific points of interest, detail of the set, a certain character, a particular action in a scene, as well as attempt to convey a particular mood or atmosphere to the audience.

In the above pictures : artificial, available and back lighting are used respectively each to add an extra visual appealing element to the scene. The addition of artificial lights and effects gives it a more sy-fi feel while the available light gives it a sense of realism. Finally the back light further adds another aesthetic element to the image making it more entertaining to watch.

Studio

The studio is essentially the space/ indoor location in which many scenes are shot i.e scenes which require a green screen etc. Often some parts of post production are done here, this is evident by the many "the making of" videos. A film studio on the other hand is a company that produces films.

As evident by the above clip, a studio is often used with various pieces of equipment; most commonly the green screen. This is essentially a backdrop that is later animated to look like more lifelike scenery whether it is realistic or not. The result is a more entertaining, often more high tech looking, smoother experience in which the audience enjoy the scene more.

Themes And Stings

My interpretation of Stings is when a short musical phrase or piece is used as punctuation, often used to introduce a certain part of a show or for comic relief (ba dum tss).

Theme on the other hand is similar in that respect to Score, except the piece may not have been written directly for the show or be part of its soundtrack. is usually another musical phrase associated with an action, event, show or character. Essentially its the shows theme song e.g. Doctor who's Theme.

The above musical piece is used to dramatise certain events throughout the series involving the doctors character, it is directly tied to his character. As a result of the catch action styled piece of music it emphasises his strength as a character and this as a result is more engaging for the audience to watch.

Ambient Sound

My interpretation of Ambient Sound is essentially background noise used often either to fill noiseless gaps between and during scenes or to create an atmospheric tone or mood for the scene.

The use of the mellow almost comic elevator styled music in the background grants almost a lighthearted warm atmosphere to the scene, giving a false sense of security and calmness, this almost foreshadows a future event. This meakes the scene more atmospheric and therefore enjoyable for the audience to watch.

Score & Incidental music

My interpretation of Score is when a piece(s) of music is written specifically for a show or film, it is usually part of the film's soundtrack and may include dialogue and or sound effects. This usually consists of orchestral or instrumental pieces.

Incidental music on the other hand is more usually associated with plays and the like, essentially it is background music used to set a scenes atmosphere or mood or signify the end of an act etc.

I think this was used in this show to give it a memorable factor, its catchy tune is well known and as its direct correlation is with Doctor Who people will therefor think of Doctor Who when they hear this theme. It's use therefore results in a more entertaining and engaging start to the show.

Voiceover

My interpretation of Voiceover is when a voice can be heard by the audience, and more often than not, is 'not' heard by the characters on screen, this voice often acts as guidance or communicates a narrative to the audience.

I believe a voice over was used in this scene to give a recap of the story by relaying crucial information to the audience in an engaging manner making the audience become more immersed in this world and as a result are more entertained by it.

Mode Of Address/Direct Address

My interpretation of this is essentially the method in which a person(s) are targeted by the speaker(s) i.e loud speaker, acoustic etc. This can be direct i.e. the speaker is shown to be attempting to talk to/ address a person or the audience.

In the above scene I believe this was used to convey critical information to the audience without breaking the overall tone of the show/ the forth wall. As a result the image and sound dialogue is played through a monitor through to the character in the chair. This makes the information and the method in which it is delivered have a more outlandish/ syfi feel to it and as a result makes it more entertaining to watch.

Sound Effects

My interpretation of sound effects is basically the opposite of Synchronous Sound, i.e. it is noise that is added during pre-production/ after it is initially filmed. This is usually to emphasise a noise made by an object or an action e.g.a punch.

I think sound effects have been used in this scene (and throughout the show) to create a more entertaining, atmospheric adventure for the audience, whether it be the clicking and beeping of these futuristic styled computers, the erratic noises used to emphasises various activities occurring around the hub or the frantic and syfi influenced noises heard from the computer itself.

Sound Bridge

My interpretation of Sound Bridge is when a scene begins the sound from the end of the previous scene is carried over before any new sound begins.

I believe that a Sound Bridge was used here, similarly to the beginning to any primeval episode when the sound from the end of the title screen (reminiscent of a creatures screech) is carried forth through the opening few seconds of the next scene. This creates a more entertaining entrance to the start of a scene and as a result makes it more enjoyable for the audience to watch.

Sound Perspective

My interpretation of this is the sense/ feeling of a sounds location (in a space) given by its loudness, volume and pitch.

I think sound perspective was used in this scene to try and convey to the audience an added sense of realism to the viewers as it attempts to communicate the position of various noise sources throughout the café/ restaurant as we he the banging of glasses, the shuffling of tables and the whispers of people. This along with the passing of cars and cabs outside which appear diminished in sound whilst inside the restaurant but when the scene transitions to outside they're appear more clear and louder as they drive past, given a more engaging and appropriate representation of their location in space.

Sound Motif

My interpretation Sound Motif is when a sound/ combination of sound effects is used to connect the audience with a particular character, event, location or action or even to express an emotive response from the audience/ signify how they should react to a scene with these cues. Its  basically a noise generated to get a response from the audience.

I believe a Sound Motif was used in the above scene to communicate a change in the mood of the scene, as it changes from almost a warm and light hearted conversation to a more serious, dark and atmospheric tone. This makes the scene appear more entertaining and emphasises certain characterisations about the characters on screen and their methods of observation.

Sound Mixing

My interpretation of Sound mixing is when during the post production stage, sounds and layers of sounds and their attributes are combined and altered for various effects.

I believe Sound mixing was used in the above scene to increase the volume of the various sounds audible throughout the scene that otherwise would not be that easy to hear such as the tapping of Sherlock's fingers on the table or the clattering of wine glasses across the room. This makes the audience more keen to pay attention to the small details and overall what is happening.

Synchronous Sound

My interpretation of Synchronous sound is similar to that of Diegetic Sound, as the noise audible is the noise that was present when the scene was initially filmed.

I believe this was used in the above scene to give it a more human, realistic feel, as there is no music, unnatural background noise, only the swaying of the pool waster and the characters themselves. This results in the addition of tension and an almost darker yet more entertaining atmosphere.

Non Diegetic Sound

My interpretation of Non- Diegetic sound is basically the opposite of Diegetic noise i.e. noise which the audience can hear but the characters on screen cannot. This is often to display cues, scene transactions or for background music.

The use of this in the above scene increases the tension as the piano (riffs) slowly build up which almost prematurely communicates an event/action to the audience, making the resulting scene more engaging and entertaining.

Diegetic Sound

My interpretation of Diegetic Sound is the sound(s) which are audible to the audience are also audible to the characters on screen, in the above scene this being the sound of the movement of the pool water.

This results in a more atmospheric, almost realistic experience for the audience to view, making it in turn more entertaining and enjoyable.

Asynchronous Sound

My interpretation of Asynchronous sound is when a noise/ sound is heard by the cast off screen, the characters may know what this noise is or where the source is coming from but at this point it has not been revealed to the audience.

I believe Asynchronous sound was used in the above scene to communicate a more tense, eerie and mysterious atmosphere to the audience as they hear what appears to be this quite horror styled, ear piercing, metallic scraping noise which is later revealed to be a swinging ceiling light. This adds to the tension and in turn engages the audience more.

Fade in / Fade Out

My interpretation of Fade in / Fade out is that it is the gradual transaction from a blank screen to a desired image, and then a further gradual transaction from the image to a blank screen.

I believe that this was used in the above scene to add dramatic tension, almost pulsing like a heartbeat, which in turn further emphasises the tense and dark atmosphere displayed by this scene.

Dialogue

Dialogue is essentially the lines spoken by an actor, usually used to convey information to the audience either by themselves or through the exchange of dialogue between actors.

Dialogue was used in the above scene to communicate information to the audience as well as convey the tone and atmosphere of the scene and show how distressed Sherlock and Watson are as apposed to the unpredictable eccentric nature of Moriarty through his attitude and spoken words.

Visual Effects

My interpretation of Visual Effects is when imagery is manipulated beyond whats natural, this may be because the scope of creating the effect without the software i.e. creating an excessively large, expensive set. It would in reality cost a lot more time and money to do this rather than use visual effects software.

I believe Visual Effects was used in the above scene to make it more artistic and visually appealing, with an added tech effect. This Gives the impression of first person view though a helmet with an attached camera with the various writing and recording symbol superimposed on. This gives the impression almost as if they're dealing with hazardous materials in a hazmat suit or the like. This makes it more entertaining and appealing for the audience to watch.

Superimposition

I believe that Superimposition is when multiple images are exposed on the same film strip causing concealment of certain areas/ items on the base image. This may also be used for various effects from the added layers of images.

I think this was used in the above scene to communicate a syfi feel and aura to the audience with its blue tint and multiple super imposed layers (Black Space background - Futuristic city - Space ship). This makes it interesting for the audience to watch and is immediately recognisable  as having a science fiction theme.

Post Production

My interpretation of Post Production is essentially all the processes involved after the initial shooting of the film. From image editing, audio manipulation and editing and cuts, to visual & digital effects, transactions and manipulation of time. This process often takes longer than the actual shooting of the film.

Post production was used in the above scene to splice together short sequences and important parts from previous episodes with various transaction techniques to give a nostalgic feel while displaying all the necessary information to the audience in an engaging way.

Long Take, Short Take

My interpretation of a long take is essentially a long uninterrupted shot, sometimes lasting for minutes.
while a short take which only lasts for (if even) a few seconds, as apposed to the long take.

I believe the Long Take was used above so that a lot of information can be delivered to the audience without changing cameras, emphasising the importance of the scene and the information being delivered in turn.

I think the Short Take was used simply to display the detail of the scenery and set as it quickly jumps between short panning takes.

Ellipsis & Expansion Of Time

Ellipsis:

Expansion Of Time:

My interpretation of Ellipsis is basically when a cut, effect or transaction is used while editing to signify the passage of time or remove unneeded scenes from a film such as a walk down the street to the shop as apposed to editing the scene removing the traversal of the street and just showing the person arrive at the shop. Expansion Of Time is basically the opposite, essentially a form of slow motion as it shows the slow passage of time as opposed to the swiftness of its passage with Ellipsis.

I think Ellipsis was used in the above scene to remove some unneeded content and skip straight to the important plot point to keep the audience engaged.

I believe Expansion Of Time was used in the above scene similarly to slow motion as it communicates time is ticking away as these people entertaining themselves through bowling, possibly foreshadowing an event in a dynamic fashion.

Slow Motion

My interpretation of Slow Motion is when a scene or an action is slowed down significantly beyond reality. This is often used so that the audience can see an action in more detail than usually possible.

I believe this technique was used so that the action of the characters bowling is slow down by a significant amount allowing for an almost comical, enjoyable atmosphere surrounding the action, it is easier to see action occurring and the characters movements. This means the audience have more of an opportunity to perceive what is happening and as a result pay more attention.

Action Match

My interpretation of Action Match is when an action is being captured, then the perspective is suddenly changed i.e the camera is moved to a different location or angle, but the same action is still being shown, albeit from a different perspective.

I believe this was used in the above scene to allow almost a fluency or seamless flow between the short scenes in which appears to be very visually appealing to the audience.

Wipe

My interpretation of the Wipe transaction is when an image transaction occurs between two scenes, the first scene is moved/swiped off screen to show the next scene. The are various ways this can be done : vertically, horizontally  a shape in the centre gradually getting bigger etc.

This results in a scene transaction change as the flared shape in the centre gradually enlarges giving it an overall more aesthetically pleasing and interactive experience.

Shot/Reverse Shot

My interpretation of the Shot/Reverse Shot is similar to an Eyeline Match as the initial scene shows one character looking at another character, then a cut is included showing the second character looking back at the first character, the premise is that these characters are talking or engaging with one another.

This results in almost a back and forth between the characters as the camera in turn shows what the previous character was looking at i.e matching their eye level/ what they see. This makes the scene appear more important and dramatic in turn.

Cut

A cut is essentially a transaction of either image or sound. Combined with many other techniques such as crossfade etc. it can be used to show a change in location, atmosphere or even just to continue on with a scene.

The above results in simply showing the movement of car from location to location as it gradually comes closer to the house without the camera constantly following it. This results in a quicker scene, not wasted on the boring journey along the road and a more slick splicing of scenes which in turn keeps the audiences attention.

Crossdissolve & Crossfade

My interpretation of both these transactions is similar to both dissolve and fade except this time it refers to the blending and eventual transaction of two or more audio files in  a scene using various software. This may be to used to manipulate the mood or atmosphere of a scene.

The result is through the seamless and smooth transaction of audio files one scene appears to blend with the next without the audience even realising, to as insure not to lose the audiences attention.

Cutaway

My interpretation of a Cutaway shot is when a scene is interrupted by a cut showing a completely different scene occurring, often used with a lethargic atmosphere as it may show someone reminiscing or remembering the past, or this may be used often for humorous effect.

The result is unlike a normal cutaway, the scene showing a seemingly alien planet is scanned over before cutting away to the character reminiscing of this location. This gives a lethargic atmosphere to the scene and adds an element of mystery as the audience wants to know more.

Eyeline Match

My interpretation of Eyeline match is when the initial scene shows the subject looking off screen then a cut is included to show what the subject is looking at off-screen. This is used to further immerse the audience into the scene making them feel part of it in-turn.

This results in the audience being able to see off camera what the character is able to see. Making the audience seem part of the scene and as a result is more engaging.

Insert

My interpretation of an Insert cut is similar to that of a cutaway as it interrupts the proceedings of the master shot but unlike a cutaway, the insert instead shows the master shot from a different angle and/or distance as well as perspective.

The result is that as the master shot is interrupted by this insert, we get a different perspective to view the original master shot, this further immerses the audience, almost making them feel part of the action/scene.

Parallel Editing & Crosscutting

My interpretation of Parallel Editing is when a cut is made during one scene to show another scene happening simultaneously often at a different location, this is often used in action sequences. This goes the same for cross cutting except with parallel editing it can be more than two simultaneous sequences occurring.

The result is two scenes going on at the same time, whilst flicking between the two, this creates a tenser faster paced atmosphere for the viewers to experience.