Ultimate Guide-IB Film(HL)

Film Analysis

The examination of various elements of a film to understand how they contribute to the overall narrative, themes, and emotional impact.

Diegesis

The narrative world of the film, including events, characters, objects, settings, and sounds that exist within the story world.

Non-Diegetic Elements

Elements that exist outside the film’s story world, such as background music or voice-over narration.

Continuity Editing

A style of editing that seeks to maintain a continuous and clear narrative action by following a set of rules.

Foley

The reproduction of everyday sound effects that are added to film in post-production to enhance audio quality.

Mise-en-Scène

The arrangement of everything that appears in the frame, including settings, props, costumes, and actors.

Method Acting

A technique of acting in which the actor fully immerses themselves into the character’s experiences and emotions.

Practical Effects

Special effects produced physically, without computer-generated imagery (CGI), such as pyrotechnics and prosthetics.

High-Key Lighting

Bright, even lighting with few shadows, often used in comedies and musicals.

Freudian Analysis

A film theory approach that explores the psychological dimensions of characters, including concepts like the Id, Ego, and Superego.

Auteur Theory

The concept that views the director as the primary creative force behind a film, akin to an author in literature.

Cinematography

The art of photographing and lighting a film, which contributes to the overall visual storytelling.

Editing

The process of assembling various clips of a film into a coherent and flowing narrative.

Cross-Cutting

Cutting between two or more scenes happening simultaneously but in different locations.

Sound Design

The process of creating and integrating audio elements, including dialogue, music, and sound effects.

Hybrid Genre

A film that blends elements of two or more genres.

Academy Ratio

Traditional film aspect ratio of 1.37:1, commonly used in early cinema.

Color Grading

The process of adjusting and enhancing the color in post-production to achieve a particular look.

Script Supervisor

A crew member responsible for ensuring continuity in dialogue, action, and props across scenes.

Hybrid Genre

A blend of elements from two or more genres in film.

Subplot

A secondary plot that runs parallel to the main plot and often intersects with it.

Blocking

The precise staging of actors in a scene, which involves the arrangement and movement of actors on set.

Visual Effects (VFX)

Effects created or enhanced through computer technology, such as CGI.

Quantitative Analysis

An evaluation method that uses numerical measurements to assess film effectiveness and audience reception.

Genre Analysis

The study of the conventions and expectations of a film’s genre.

Social Issues in Film

Themes relating to societal norms and critiques represented within films, such as race, gender, and class.

Location Manager

The individual responsible for scouting and securing filming locations.

Economic Impact

The influence of film production on local economies, including job creation and tourism.

Collaborative Tools

Software and platforms like Slack and Google Drive used for communication and file sharing among film production teams.

Special Effects

Techniques used to create illusions that evoke excitement or emotional responses in the audience.

Insider/Outsider Perspective

A film analysis framework examining the context and viewpoints of individuals involved (insiders) versus those observing from outside.

Distribution Channels

The various means, such as theaters and streaming platforms, through which films reach their audience.

Production Designer

The person responsible for the overall visual look of a film, including set design, props, and costumes.

Critical Theory

A theoretical framework used to analyze the deeper meanings and implications of films.

Three-Point Lighting

A standard method used in visual media that involves three lights: key light, fill light, and back light.

Cultural Context

The cultural factors influencing the creation and reception of a film, including societal norms and expectations.

Character Chemistry

The mutual rapport and relationship dynamics between characters that affect performance and believability.

Film Noir

A cinematic genre characterized by its dark themes, moral ambiguity, and visual style.

Post-Production

The phase in which a film is edited and completed after filming has wrapped.

Voice-over Narration

A production technique where a voice that is not part of the film's narrative provides commentary or insight to the audience.

Symbolism

The use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts in a film, enhancing the narrative and thematic depth.

Character Arc

The transformation or inner journey of a character throughout the course of a film, often involving growth or change.

Exposition

The introduction of background information within a film’s narrative to help the audience understand the plot and characters.

Screenplay

The written script of a film, outlining the dialogue, actions, and sequences that guide production.

Cinematic Language

The visual and audio elements used in film to convey meaning and tell a story, including camera angles, lighting, and sound.

Narrative Structure

The framework that underpins the story of a film, usually encompassing elements like exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution.

Character Motivation

The reasons or desires that drive a character's actions and decisions within a film.

Theme

The underlying message or main idea that a film conveys, often reflecting societal issues or universal truths.

Voice Actor

An actor who provides the voice for animated characters or for dubbing in films.

Pitching

The process of presenting a film idea or script to potential producers or investors to gain support and funding.

Film Festival

An event where filmmakers showcase their films to the public, industry professionals, and critics, often awarding prizes.

Grading

The process of adjusting a film's visuals, primarily color and light, to enhance mood and style.

Audience Reception

The response of viewers to a film, which can include their emotional reactions and critiques.

Casting Director

The individual responsible for selecting actors

Narrative Arc

The structure of a story that includes the setup, conflict, climax, and resolution.

Theme Exploration

The analysis of underlying themes in a film, examining how they are developed and represented throughout the narrative.

Editing Techniques

Various methods used during editing to enhance storytelling, including cuts, transitions, and pacing.

Audience Demographics

Characterization of the audience based on age, gender, income, and other factors to target film marketing.

Character Development

The process of creating a believable and dynamic character through their actions, thoughts, and interactions.

Lighting Techniques

Different methods of lighting in film, such as low-key and high-key lighting, which affect mood and visibility.

Sound Mixing

The process of combining different audio tracks to create a harmonious soundscape for the film.

Film Critique

A detailed analysis and evaluation of a film's artistic, technical, and thematic components.

Audience Engagement

The ways in which a film captures and maintains the attention and interest of its viewers.

Genre Blending

Creating films that incorporate elements from multiple genres to appeal to a wider audience.