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Film Language & Roles

  • Film Language & Roles

We actualize the work we do in the course through collaborating in our roles; with each role providing a unique way of expressing meaning in film language.

Start here to learn about the language of film and the crew roles that use this language to create meaning. 

Film Language

We have organized this site so that the elements of film can be found under the IB Film roles so that you can look carefully at how each role has its own language.  An understanding of this language is essential for all tasks of the course.  Please see our page on  Film Language and Elements for a more comprehensive discussion of what is meant by 'film language', 'film elements' and 'film vocabulary'. 

Five Roles, Four Assessments

Working in specific film roles is a fundamental aspect to the coursework of IB film, both in the Film Portfolio and the Collaborative Film. Working in these different roles allows you to delve into the multifaceted world of filmmaking and gain a comprehensive understanding of the different responsibilities and skills required in the industry from multiple perspectives.

However, understanding the film language associated with each role will also be critical to the research and analysis that you perform for the  Textual Analysis and the  Comparative Study as well as the  Extended Essay (if you choose to do a film EE).

Production Work

Working collaboratively in the roles of  Director, Cinematographer, Editor, Sound Designer and Screenwriter will give you the opportunity to not only explore the techniques and creative capacities of each job, but to learn from others on your teams as well. 

Each film production role has distinct responsibilities and areas of expertise, but there are also overlaps that create important spaces for meaningful collaboration. Below you will find a brief description of each role from the guide, as well as links for further exploration of each role. These roles form the backbone of an IB Film production team.  There are also opportunities to explore other roles for the portfolio film where class time and practicality allows. 

In addition, the film roles you will engage in help you to cultivate critical interpersonal skills, such as effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are integral not just to the collaborative nature of your film projects, but to group work in school and beyond. 

The pages linked below should help you understand both the parameters and the possibilities for the roles as well as the film langauge associated with each. Note that it is important that while there is a great deal of overlap in how these roles are executed in both the Film Portfolio and the Collaborative Film, that your participation in these roles are assessed differently. 

Please visit the Film Portfolio page to gain a deeper understanding how you are assessed on your work in the role as led by your filmmaker intentions. 

On the Collaborative Film page you will gain an understanding of how you are assessed on your work in the role as led by your agreed upon team intentions, as well as your collaborative work. 

Screenwriter

 The screenwriter is responsible for crafting the script and guiding the narrative of the film from concept to final product.

Director

I think a good director is a good listener.Denis VilleneuveThe director is responsible for articulating and maintaining the logistical and artistic visions of the film.

Sound Designer

I always say there’s sound effects, like footsteps, and then there’s music... And then there’s sound effects that are like music. . . . They conjure a feeling. - David Lynch

Editor

Putting it Together.Editing shapes the raw footage into a cohesive and engaging narrative, controlling the pacing, rhythm, and emotional impact of the final film.

Cinematographer

Seeing the World Through a New LensThe Cinematographer is responsible for the overall composition of the on-screen image, including camera framing, picture composition, movement, and lighting. Their expertise...

 Other Roles

For the film portfolio only (not the collaborative film), students or teachers may choose to include a 6th film role that meets the needs of the class experience, is something that the teacher has experience with, or something that the student might choose independently.  Some other film roles that could be considered include (but are not limited to):

  • Animator
  • Special Effects
  • Music Composer
  • Production Designer

Selected Pages

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