Lecture 5: Visual and Aesthetic Storytelling
Required readings: Music videos linked on Canvas
Key Terms
● “Shot” is a continuous piece of footage that ends with an edit or cut to the next shot
● “Sequence” is composed of a series of shots, which are then put together to generate the
narrative thrust of the scene
● “Scene” is typically something that happens within a specific time or place, as in the
opening “scene” of the movie before the credits
● “Motif” is a repeating image or sign that often addresses the themes of the text
● “Cinematography” is all of the techniques used to capture specific shots
● “Mise-en-scene” is the arrangement of characters, pieces of the set, the lighting,
costumes, and so forth within each scene (in general, it’s the arrangement of things)
● “Editing” is the technique of putting together various shots and sequences to create a
continuous and logical flow both within and between scenes
Angle Types
1. High angle (shot from overhead): puts the eye of the camera above the subjects of the
shot, making them look small and diminutive. Think of the relation of eye and subject.
2. Low angle (shot from below): puts the character in power, obscuring the size.
3. Dutch angle (shot from an angle, titled from the side): can create a sense of unease
Shot Types and Framing
1. Long shot: can be used to communicate the dramatic size of the scene, or to establish the
environment or setting. All about the size and epic qualities.
2. Medium shot: medium distance away from the characters. The eye of the camera should
be similar to a human eye. Draws the viewer in, making them feel a part of the scene.
3. Close-up: when the camera is directly in the face of the character. Often used to express
vitally important information. Very intimate and specific.
Editing
● Shot and Reverse shot: cutting between subjects in a scene, often in opposing directions
● Crosscutting: when a film cuts between two or more sequences taking place in different
locations and settings
● Jump Cut: a cut that breaks the continuity of the scene and jumps ahead in time
Mise-En-Scene
● The frame defines the borders of the shot
● Composition: the arrangement of everything within the frame
● High Key lighting: everything is brightly lit
● Low Key lighting: when there is significant contrast between light and dark in the frame
Required readings: Music videos linked on Canvas
Key Terms
● “Shot” is a continuous piece of footage that ends with an edit or cut to the next shot
● “Sequence” is composed of a series of shots, which are then put together to generate the
narrative thrust of the scene
● “Scene” is typically something that happens within a specific time or place, as in the
opening “scene” of the movie before the credits
● “Motif” is a repeating image or sign that often addresses the themes of the text
● “Cinematography” is all of the techniques used to capture specific shots
● “Mise-en-scene” is the arrangement of characters, pieces of the set, the lighting,
costumes, and so forth within each scene (in general, it’s the arrangement of things)
● “Editing” is the technique of putting together various shots and sequences to create a
continuous and logical flow both within and between scenes
Angle Types
1. High angle (shot from overhead): puts the eye of the camera above the subjects of the
shot, making them look small and diminutive. Think of the relation of eye and subject.
2. Low angle (shot from below): puts the character in power, obscuring the size.
3. Dutch angle (shot from an angle, titled from the side): can create a sense of unease
Shot Types and Framing
1. Long shot: can be used to communicate the dramatic size of the scene, or to establish the
environment or setting. All about the size and epic qualities.
2. Medium shot: medium distance away from the characters. The eye of the camera should
be similar to a human eye. Draws the viewer in, making them feel a part of the scene.
3. Close-up: when the camera is directly in the face of the character. Often used to express
vitally important information. Very intimate and specific.
Editing
● Shot and Reverse shot: cutting between subjects in a scene, often in opposing directions
● Crosscutting: when a film cuts between two or more sequences taking place in different
locations and settings
● Jump Cut: a cut that breaks the continuity of the scene and jumps ahead in time
Mise-En-Scene
● The frame defines the borders of the shot
● Composition: the arrangement of everything within the frame
● High Key lighting: everything is brightly lit
● Low Key lighting: when there is significant contrast between light and dark in the frame
