Screen language (shots) in action... [5 W'S &H]

In this weeks lecture we learnt about the different types of camera shots and how they are put to use to engage the audience most effectively. We were told to put these methods to the test on a show or movie of our choice. I chose to analyse an episode of Home and Away last night and this is what i noticed...

Each scene generally began with a Wide Shot/Extreme Long Shot to let the audience see the place/setting which answers the question WHERE.

Following that was a Mid Shot. This allowed the audience to see the character(s) in the scene and their actions which answers the question WHAT.

Once this has been done, a Close Up shot of the character is used to further relate the audience to the story by showing distinct expressions and gestures in their faces which answer the question WHO.

This shot was also used in other sections to demonstrate the WHY question.

The WHEN question was somewhat irrelevant in this sense as it it a half an hour show that has a continuous story. The time period in which it is set in, is assumed known. However the use of lighting indicates certain 'when' aspects such as day/night.

I found it very difficult to pin point the HOW in this show, however i do understand that shots can be used to show how something it done such as series of shots of someone waiting in a cafe, looking at their watch, then their phone, then the wall clock would indicate that person has been waiting there for a long time. It demonstrates how long.

Other shots were used throughout to suit the context of the story line.