MediaArtTutorials
W3: Technical Walkthrough Activity - Technical Scene Analysis (POV + Space)
Goal: Practice Week 1–3 vocabulary by analyzing how camera position (POV) shapes space and creates a relationship to the scene.
Group Setup
- Form groups of 4–5 students.
- Each group will choose one clip from the list below.
Clips
- Frankenstein (2011) | ‘Don’t Scream’ | National Theatre at Home
Stage production of Mary Shelley’s classic novel, directed by Danny Boyle and performed at the Royal National Theatre in London.
- Get Out (2017) - Hypnosis scene
Critically acclaimed psychological horror film written and directed by Jordan Peele.
- Contact (1997) - Mirror Scene
Science fiction drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on the 1985 novel by Carl Sagan.
- ”O” - Fire Performer only | Cirque du Soleil
Long-running, highly acclaimed aquatic-themed stage production residing at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.
- Euphoria - Maddy and cassie after fight | HBO
Psychological teen drama series that explores the lives of high school students and their transition into adulthood.
What you will do (in order)
- Watch the clip once without pausing.
- Note your first impression of the space and POV.
- Watch again, pause when needed to linger longer in specific moments.
- Use the vocabulary to describe what the camera is doing.
- Complete a short group analysis using the prompts below.
- Share-out: A few groups will be randomly selected to present their analysis to the class.
Timing (50 minutes)
- 20 minutes: Group work (watch + analyze + prepare)
- 30 minutes: Share-out + class discussion
Note: Even if your group is not selected to present, you are still expected to complete the analysis during class time.
Analysis Prompts (answer as a group)
- Where does the camera “stand” in relation to the scene (close/far, inside/outside)?
- What does the framing give us access to—and what does it withhold?
- What is centered vs peripheral through composition?
- What sits in the foreground, middleground, and background—and how does that shape meaning?
- What relationship does the POV create: witnessing or control or just recording (trying to stay neutral)? (Give one piece of evidence.)
Vocabulary to Use (no new terms)
Presentation Format
Select 2 students to speak in behalf of the group. Prepare:
- 1 sentence: What is happening in the clip?
- 2-3 lines: Describe POV + framing + composition + layers
- 2-3 lines: What relationship does this POV produce (witnessing, control, apparent neutrality), and why?
Credits: Jessica A. Rodríguez
AI Disclosure:
AI Disclosure: ChatGPT was used for editing and clarity only. No original course content was generated using AI.