Exam Preparation; Textual Analysis on 'Pretty Little Liars'

Our next TV Drama we looked at was 'Pretty Little Liars'. Series 1, Episode 1. 

Camera Angle
Throughout the full scene, the camera angle was kept eye level. This made it feel like we were part of the group of girls and made us feel just as scared as them.

Camera Shot
There was a weather shot, this sets the scene and gives the audience an idea of what the weather is like. There is a group shot to show the group of girls and this introduces the characters. Furthermore, there is a POV shot, again to make it feel like we are part of the group of girls. There is also a reaction shot to show how scared the girls are.

Movement
Dolly out is used to move away from the girls. This distances the audience away from the girls and reattaches them to the new character entering, seeing the funny side of the scare.

Focus
Depth of field focus is used at the very beginning of the scene, this contrast to what is happening in the scene as we don't know what going on yet everything is in focus. Selective focus is then used when the new character enters, giving the idea that she isn't as simple as the other girls.

Lighting
Natural lighting is mostly used because of where the scene is set. Again, it adds to the mystery and makes things seem more scary.

Mise-en-Scene
You can tell by the clothing that the girls are wearing; that they are only young and probably still in school. This may relate the a large audience range watching and makes them feel even more apart of the group of girls.

Another thing I picked up on was the weather. It is thundering and lightening and that can be dangerous, therefore the weather creates a sense of foreboding as we know something bad is going to happen.