AICE Media Blog: All About Drama

Techniques Used in Dramas

Camera Shots:

A close-up is often used to emphasize the expression of a character. The character usually takes up most of the frame so that the audience can understand this moment is significant to the plot. A long shot allows the audience to view the entire body of a character as well as their surroundings. The over-the shoulder shot is often used in conversations so you can use a character's perspective to view another character's emotions. A medium shot shows a character from the waist up so you can understand their body language or intentions.

Close-up shot Long shot

Over-the-shoulder shot Medium shot

Camera Angles:

A bird's eye view shot is when a high angle is used to make a shot. This allows the audience to experience a different perspective from above. The Dutch angle is a stylistic approach in film. This camera movement creates a dramatic effect that evokes a strong sense of emotions from the audience. This technique is effective when trying to create suspense. The audience can even feel a sense of thrill or uneasiness. These camera angles are helpful when trying to convey a message in the drama genre.

High angle Dutch angle

Sound:

Sounds allow you to create different effects such as tension. You can also use them to create a certain mood and change it just as easily. Sounds allow you to develop a setting or character. For example, a typical teenager that can be heard yawning. Sounds are very useful when trying to get the audience to visualize a scene. It is equally effective to use no sounds (silence) in a drama. You can create sounds with heavy breathing/sighing, objects, or even your own body.

Editing Techniques:

Open scenes with the faces of the main characters. This allows the audience to fully experience the character's perspectives and understand their feelings/actions. Allow the audience to observe how certain scenes affect a character. This will help them understand the character's future thoughts and actions. When characters react immediately to a scene, cut back to some kind of reaction instead of their face. For example, a frustrated character may clench their hands into fists. Showing vulnerabilities garners empathy from the audience. You can reestablish the audiences' connection with a character by reminding them of the character's weaknesses.

Mise en Scene:

Mise en scene means "the action of putting onto the stage". It plays an important role in developing the setting and characters of a film. The positioning of a character is significant since it can tell a story all on its own. The set and props are all meaningful and add details to the story you are trying to tell. Costume design and make-up helps demonstrate the characters in a visual way. The lighting helps emphasize the tone you are trying to set for the scene. The composition of the shot and how you display the characters/setting have the power to change the entire meaning of a scene.