week 12. happy election day...time to choose not to loose!

1. What were the average shot lengths (ASLs) for the following periods?
1920s-4 to 6 seconds
1930-1960-8 to 11 seconds
Mid-1960s-6 to 8 seconds
1980s- 4 to 7 seconds
2000 (“by century’s end”)- 3 to 6 seconds


2. How has faster editing in Hollywood affected the other elements of film style?
It allows for jump cuts, fast and slow motion, and using short and long lenses within the same sequence. In addition, cutting in the midst of a camera movement and using matches on action became the norm.


3. How were wide angle (short) lenses used after 1970?
Wide lenses were used to provide views from within cramped quarters, give us expansive establishing shots and provide looming close ups.


4. How were telephoto (long) lenses used after 1970?
The telephoto lens was used to compress the background and foreground action.


5. Why did filmmakers start mixing long and short lenses within scenes?
Lenses were mixed because while filmmakers liked the advantages of long lenses, they still liked the look and feel they got from the wide lens.