Film Language and Techniques

What this page covers

This page collects resources on how films make meaning through the camera, the cut, the set and the soundtrack. Most of it is mind maps. You will find several on cinematography, editing, mise-en-scène and sound, plus flashcard decks and a smaller set of quizzes, notes and slide sets.

Key terms and shot types

The Cinematography Terms mind map lists shot types such as long shot, close up and extreme close up. It also covers camera movement, including panning, tracking and crane shots. The Camera Angles flashcard deck covers establishing shots, master shots, two-shots, aerial shots, high angles and low angles.

Form, style and editing

The Film Form & Style mind map separates narrative elements from stylistic ones. It touches on story versus plot and diegetic versus non-diegetic sound. The Editing mind maps explain how one shot is coordinated with the next, and how transitions such as fades work. For a worked example, the Hitchcock mind map looks at framing, voyeurism and the male gaze in his films.

Where to start

1. Open the Film Studies GCSE - Key Terms mind map to see micro elements and macro elements laid out together.
2. Work through the Film Studies flashcard deck, which asks short questions such as what a tracking shot or a canted angle is.
3. Take the Shot Types Quiz and the Film techniques quiz, where you name the technique you see.
4. Return to a mind map on the area where you lost points, such as editing or sound.

Using quizzes and maps together

Use a quiz first to find what you do not yet know. Then read the matching map, such as the cinematography or editing map, and test yourself again. Some resources refer to GCSE Media Studies, A-level Media Studies and A-level Film Studies, so check the titles to find ones that match your course.

Where this unit sits

This unit belongs to the Film Studies strand of Media studies. Teachers can use the maps and decks as ready-made starting points for lessons or homework. Pick one mind map today, then try a quiz to see what stayed with you.