Film Classification and Structure

Film Classification

• Narrative films: tell a story with a plot, characters, and setting
• Documentary films: present information or facts about a topic or issue
• Experimental films: explore new ways of storytelling or filmmaking techniques
• Animated films: use animation techniques to create moving images
• Hybrid films: combine multiple genres or styles

Film Structure

• Three-act structure:
  1. Setup: introduces characters and setting
  2. Confrontation: conflict or problem arises
  3. Resolution: conflict is resolved
• Character arc: character's transformation or growth throughout the story
• Plot twist: unexpected turn of events that changes the story's direction

Film Techniques

• Camera angles:
  • Establishing shot: sets the scene and establishes setting
  • Close-up: focuses on a character's face or object
  • Over-the-shoulder: frames one character from behind the shoulder of another
• Lighting:
  • High-key lighting: bright and even lighting
  • Low-key lighting: dim and moody lighting
• Sound:
  • Diegetic sound: originates from within the scene
  • Non-diegetic sound: added in post-production (e.g. music, sound effects)

Film Genres

• Action films: feature high-energy action sequences and stunts
• Comedy films: intended to be humorous and entertaining
• Drama films: focus on character development and emotional conflict
• Horror films: intended to scare or unsettle the audience
• Romance films: focus on romantic relationships and emotions

Film Industry

• Production companies: responsible for financing and producing films
• Distributors: responsible for releasing films to the public
• Box office: measures a film's commercial success based on ticket sales
• Film festivals: showcase new and independent films to audiences and critics

Film Classification

• Narrative films have a plot, characters, and setting, telling a story
• Documentary films present information or facts about a topic or issue
• Experimental films explore new ways of storytelling or filmmaking techniques
• Animated films use animation techniques to create moving images
• Hybrid films combine multiple genres or styles

Film Structure

Three-Act Structure

• Introduces characters and setting in the setup
• Conflict or problem arises in the confrontation
• Conflict is resolved in the resolution
• Character arc refers to a character's transformation or growth throughout the story
• Plot twist is an unexpected turn of events that changes the story's direction

Film Techniques

Camera Angles

• Establishing shot sets the scene and establishes setting
• Close-up focuses on a character's face or object
• Over-the-shoulder frames one character from behind the shoulder of another

Lighting

• High-key lighting is bright and even
• Low-key lighting is dim and moody

Sound

• Diegetic sound originates from within the scene
• Non-diegetic sound is added in post-production (e.g. music, sound effects)

Film Genres

• Action films feature high-energy action sequences and stunts
• Comedy films are intended to be humorous and entertaining
• Drama films focus on character development and emotional conflict
• Horror films are intended to scare or unsettle the audience
• Romance films focus on romantic relationships and emotions

Film Industry

• Production companies finance and produce films
• Distributors release films to the public
• Box office measures a film's commercial success based on ticket sales
• Film festivals showcase new and independent films to audiences and critics