Week 3 Lecture Posted by Sarah:):) , Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 4:03 AM, in

So, this week's lecture was on language of the cinema, something I know well from Film and TV in high school and last semester in Intro to Film and Screen Analysis. The lecture was interesting as it relates to what I want to do after uni. Anyway, here is some shots from the Office (best.show.ever) to demonstrate the way filmmakers utilise certain shots to convey story information (as demonstrated in the lecture). I chose the Office because I can relate to the satirical humour and I am drawn to the characters. It is shot in mockumentary style. This means there is only a single camera setup without a studio audience. The characters openly acknowledge the camera and this results in the show looking and feeling very realistic to the audience. The show is set in Scranton Pennsylvania and a lot of the exterior building shots are actually filmed in Scranton.

This mid shot answers the what: It shows Michael waiting at Pam's desk. The shot establishes Pam's work ethic and Michael's immaturity as Pam is on the phone to an important client and Michael is distracting her. Michael is played by Steve Carrell and Pam by Jenna Fischer. In the first seasons, these scenes were shot in an actual office but as time went on, they moved to a sound stage.

The close up answers the who: This shot shows Michael in detail and establishes character. This shot establishes character by monitoring Michael's characteristics and mannerisms during his monologue. These scenes give the audience an understanding of the kind of boss Michael is. These scenes were often shot in the actual town of Scranton.

The long shot answers the where: Also known as the establishing shot, this shot shows the audience where the action is taking place i.e Michael and Dwight are outside the office on a street. This location is supposed to indicate shady surroundings as the two characters are planning something they shouldn't be. Dwight is played by Rainn Wilson. Some outdoor shots are still set in Scranton but are actually filmed in Los Angeles.

The wide shot or medium shot can answer the when. This medium shot of Jim holding the clock is an indication of time. This is important in establishing the joke they are playing on Michael. It helps the audience to understand that the characters are changing the time while Michael is asleep at his desk so they can go home early. Jim is played by John Krasinski. Sorry it's blurry, I got the picture off youtube.

The Extreme Close Up answers the why: it reveals more about the characters and their personalities. This ECU shows photos of Michael, Pam and Ryan when they were a part of Michael Scott Paper Company. This shot indicates the relationship they developed during this period and the fun times they had. Ryan is played by BJ Novack, who also produces the show.

The medium close up can explain an event and answer the how: it shows Jim and Creed playing a game of chess and shows how it is playing out. This shot is important in telling the audience that these two characters are trying to stay out of the office politics by playing a game of chess. This shot was likely to be filmed in a sound stage.