Reflections on Shots

1) Identify in what way this shot signifies your chosen genre? This shot features the genre conventions of a Mystery Drama. The framing of the shot is at an obscure angle and reveals little detail about the situation, however the expression and body language of my actor suggests curiosity as well as fear. Because of the lack of detail given, the audience doesn’t know what is about to happen, keeping them engaged. I also created a shadow to heighten suspense and make the scene more dramatic and atmospheric.
2) How did you direct the shot to achieve the desired effect?To achieve this effect, I took the shot from behind a white corner, contrasting with the actor’s dark clothing and the dark corridor he is in. I also used a hand-held light to create shadows around the actor, making him seem more concealed. The mise-en-scene is very generic but the framing and lighting makes it seem more intense, engaging the audience.
3) How did you intend the audience to interpret your still - what meanings did you intend to convey?
With the use of contrast in lighting I tried to show how the actor was unsure of the situation and was unaware of what was about to happen, both physically and mentally being ‘in the dark’. His facial expression shows both determination as well as uncertainty, suggesting he is the protagonist. The way in which the camera is peering around the corner matches the pose of the actor, leading the audience to sympathise with him. This shot is supposed to capture part of the intense climax before the mystery is revealed. 
4) Identify what is successful about your shot The framing of the shot is successful because it fills the frame with an engaging image without being too busy. The audience’s eyes are immediately drawn to the actor and his expression
5) What would you have done differently in hindsight? In hindsight, I would make the entire still darker and less saturated to fit more effectively with the genre conventions of a Mystery Drama. I would also have made the shadow affect more prominent to reinforce the connotations that things are not as they seem and that the truth is being concealed.