Film Analysis

IF20 Assignment 1: Film shot list template: you must use this template for your shot list.
Select ONE of the clips posted under the Clips for assignment 1 tab on vUWS).
Maximum 700 words.
There are two shot list samples on vUWS for an example of how to do this. We will do a practice session with this clip from Down By Law in tutorials in week 4.
NB You may not know some technical terms – you can describe something briefly. However, you must use correct terms for shot size and camera movement: e.g. close-up/CU; mid-shot, zoom, tracking shot, tilt.

Template
Title of clip:
Shot
number Description of shot:
Content of shot:
Brief description of action
shot size, eg close-up/CU. Use only correct abbreviations

Camera
Camera still or moving?
Camera angle? Light/mise en scène
Describe it
Is it bright/dim/
high or low contrast/ coloured? Edits
Transition to shot: does it cut/fade/
dissolve from one shot to another? Note. the quality of the edits, e.g. are the edits fast/ jumpy. smooth? Voice
Is there a voice?
note its quality
(not the exact details of what it says)
e.g. husky/ soft/ loud/metallic. Don’t repeat what is said in the dialgue Sound effects
Note any sound effects and their quality/
volume/pitch, e.g loud, raspy, banging, rhythmic Music
Note any music and its volume/quality
e.g very quiet, slow rhythm, flute, pulsing beat

Template
Title of clip
Shot Description of shot Camera Light/mise en scène Edits Voice Sound effects Music
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
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19
20
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22

IF 20- FAQ
Which scene do I write about for the assignment?
There are a choice of six film clips available on vUWS. You must choose ONE of the film clips and complete a shot list and film analysis based on this scene.
What is the word count for the assessment?
Part 1: Shot List is 700 words.
Part 2: Film Analysis is an 800 words formal analysis on how sound, editing and image work together in this scene. Part 2 develops what you discovered in your shot list.
Can I choose just some of the shots from the scene?
No. You must describe every shot of the chosen film clip on vUWS and complete all the columns in the template provided on vUWS.
Do I need to watch the whole film?
No. You are not expected to be familiar with the source film or to address the narrative of the whole film. Focus only on the particular scene provided.
Do I need to use the template on vUWS for the shot list?
Yes. Make sure that you use the exact template that is provided on vUWS to complete the shot list. Do not reformat the template.
Should I do research for this assignment?
No. This is not a research assignment. The shot list must be informed by your own viewing of the scene. Do not use secondary sources such as internet reviews, which will result in a penalty.
For the film analysis in part 2, the only materials you should draw from are set readings, lectures and tutorials. The assignment is an exercise in close observation, listening and application of key concepts to a scene analysis.

How can I prepare for this assignment?
You should complete the week 6 online module, set reading and worksheet before you do the assignment. This week 6 module focuses on how to write about film – you can also bring questions each week to the tutorials to ask your tutor.
Correct abbreviations to use in the shot list are provided in the assessment zone on vUWS, where you can also find sample responses.
When is the assignment due?
The due date for the assignment is Monday, April 27, at 10 pm.