Media Aesthetics Midterm Study Guide- 1,2,4,5,6,7

The study of how visual, auditory, and narrative elements of media affect perception, emotion, and meaning.

Media Aesthetics

Breaking down a media text by its elements: color, composition, lighting, sound, movement, and editing.

Formal Analysis

Everything in the frame including setting, lighting, costume, actor positioning, and props.

Mise-en-Scène

The art of capturing visual images through framing, camera angles, depth, and movement.

Cinematography 

  Shows environment with subject appearing small.

Extreme Long Shot (ELS)

Full body of subject with context visible.

Long Shot (LS) 

Waist up, emphasizes gestures and interaction.

Medium Shot (MS)

Emphasizes emotion or detail of subject.

Close-Up (CU) 

Focuses on a specific detail for dramatic effect.

Extreme Close-Up (ECU) 

  Camera looks down on subject, making them appear smaller or weaker.

High Angle

  Camera looks up at subject, making them appear powerful or intimidating.

Low Angle

Neutral perspective, realistic view of subject.

Eye Level

  Abstract or omniscient perspective.

Bird’s Eye / Overhead

Primary source of illumination on a subject.

Key Light

Light used to reduce shadows created by key light.

Fill Light

Light placed behind subject to separate them from background.

Back Light

Bright, low-contrast lighting often for cheerful moods.

High-Key Lighting

Dark, high-contrast lighting for dramatic or mysterious effect.

Low-Key Lighting 

Convey energy, emotion, and intimacy.

Warm Colors

Convey calm, distance, or melancholy.

Cool Colors

Intensity of color, from muted to vivid.

Saturation

Sound that exists within the story world (dialogue, footsteps).

Diegetic Sound

Sound external to story world (music,

Non-Diegetic Sound