Samantha Schilf - Intro to Film Blog

In Chapter 5, I learned a lot about all of the moving parts that goes on behind the scenes of a film. For example, I didn't realize that the different types of lighting, the intensity and exposure could play a significant role in a particular scene. Also, black and white versus color could make a scene convey different emotions. Lastly, the composition arrangement and how the lens or camera captures it plays a key role in filming a scene. Making the composition of a particular scene look symmetrical and proportionate could overall help the scene look more pleasing to the eye. 

Some things I learned about shot analysis were that the type of shot the director uses can add a certain meaning or depth to the scene. I didn't realize how many different type of camera shots directors could use and that they all can add different meanings to the scene and film. However, the shot analysis exercise did re-inform me that set design also plays a huge role in a film's meaning and story. 

One of my favorite film shots is from Tangled (2010) which is directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard. My favorite shot is when Flynn Rider is healed and brought back to life. When Flynn dies, the scene has a lot of shadows and gray tones. The colors appear very muted and quiet, instrumental music is playing in the background to create a sorrowful feeling. However, when Flynn is healed, the screen is immediately saturated with bright colors and the room is filled with sunlight. I believe that if I were to film this shot, I wouldn't change much about it because I think it connects with the audience and conveys the appropriate emotion well. 

Hello! I am Samantha Schilf. I'm a Sophomore at North Central and I am majoring in Exercise Science on the Physical Therapy track. My favorite films to watch are Devil Wears Prada, How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, and Beauty and the Beast . I am not a huge movie person but when I do watch movies, I usually go for Romcoms and sometimes horror films. I am taking Intro to Film because I am interested in how a filmmaker's thought process works in order to create a successful film. I'm also interested in how to better understand the deeper aspects and little details about films. I don't have any future career plans in working in film or media as I am hoping to pursue Physical Therapy as my future career. However, I do think it is beneficial to know and understand the different aspects of media and/or film for most careers.