Mystery filming techniques

All films genres have common editing techniques and camera shots that are used in order to capture the reactions or get the best outcomes of what is being shown. So below I have listed a few of the most common camera shorts and editing techniques that are using during mystery films as I am going to try and apply them to my own short film as and where possible.

Camera shots:

• Close up's: This camera technique is used in order to show the reaction on a characters face once a major event has occurred or they have found out an importance piece of information. It gets the most detail as possible about the scene from the expression shown on the characters face.
• Tracking/ Panning shot: This is used in order to show that a character is being followed or watched. This can also be used to set the scene due to the audience being able to get a full view of where the scene is taking place. Tracking shots also build suspense as the audience will be able to sense the fact that something is going to occur as the scene will be building up to something leaving them in suspense.
• Point of View shot: The name of this camera shot gives away what it is, this type of shot allows the audience see what is going on through the perspective of one of the characters.
• Over the shoulder: This creates tension has a character might be being followed however they are going to be unaware of this which creates a sense of tension as the audience are going to waiting for the character to realise that someone is behind them.

Editing Techniques:

• Timing: During mystery films the timing always has to be exact, not a minute late or a minute too early. This leaves the audience in suspense, as when a major event occurs the editing has to be on time in order to cut the scene at the right time leaving the murder or that is a mystery unsolved and the scene moves onto something else, growing as much suspense as possible.
• Not showing all: Another editing technique used is not showing what the whole location of where the scene is, for example if a sign is being shown the director may zoom into that one sign which will leave the audience wondering where the sign is and the reason in which it is there. As the sign has been focused on the audience will understand that it is going to have some sort of significance to the scene.

 Mise en scene:

• Not showing all: Due to being a mystery not everything in the scene is going to be shown or things maybe placed in the background for a reason however are only going to be noticed by a few people. Example: During the end scene of my short film the girls are all going to receive a text message with Aaron being in the back of the shot without a phone in his hand, this gives the indication that Aaron isn't the only person going against the girls and there is also someone else going against them. However not everyone will notice this but when they do it will make them think more about who could be going against the girls.