Transcription (film analysis)

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In film analysis, the transcription (lat. Transscribere: "to rewrite") is the transfer of the content of a film into a written form, the film transcript or also the film protocol, and the visualization of this content using a graphic.

Example of a sequence graphic for the film Winchester '73 . In addition to the division into sequences and sub-sequences, content is given for orientation and investigation of the film structure.
Example of a cut frequency graphic; Particularly prominent sequences are marked and provided with content information.
Example of a timeline for the movie Winchester '73 ; the appearance of a figure, certain content-related passages and the use of montage are shown as additional information .

transcription

Transcription is suggested as a first step in many approaches to film analysis. Some film scholars also classify the transcription as an absolutely necessary analytical framework for a film analysis. The purpose of this process is to translate filmic content into a clear, precise, citable form that supports the subsequent analysis. The data collected can vary greatly depending on the intended analysis. Common data fields are:

  • Take number, start of the take (to classify the take in the film)
  • Description of the content of the image and sound level (for content classification)
  • Shot size, shot content, shot perspective, camera movement (to investigate the camera strategy)

Film protocol

The first step in the transcription of a film is the determination of the film information to be recorded. A film protocol template is created. This contains the selected information in the form of a table so that the individual contents can be noted in a structured manner when viewing the film. The “setting log”, in which the setting is noted as the smallest unit, and the “sequence log” have established themselves as two basic forms of the film log. In the sequence listing, a grouping of sub-sequences is usually combined into sequences. Both basic forms serve as a template for noting further film content such as B. the setting size in the setting log or the setting in the sequence log.

Data analysis

The data collected in the film protocol must be checked for relevance and meaningfulness in relation to the subsequent film analysis. Prior to logging, data fields considered important can be omitted and data fields can be structured and grouped.

Visualization

The data generated by the film protocol and the data analysis must be brought into an understandable and meaningful form using suitable visualization. Frequently used types of visualization are:

  • Still image (illustration of an individual film image or a group of individual film images)
  • Sequence graphics (representation of the entire film and its structure using a timeline)
  • Settings graphic (representation of a film excerpt in its fine structure with the possibility of drawing in camera movements or setting sizes)
  • Timeline (presentation of a film in order to note the structures and occurrence of factors relevant to the investigation; structural comparison of different films)
  • Cut frequency graph (weighted time axis used to display cuts per minute)

literature

  • Helmut Korte: Introduction to Systematic Film Analysis . 3rd, revised. u. exp. Aufl. Tübingen: ESB, 2003. ISBN 3503079211
  • Werner Faulstich : Introduction to film analysis . 4. unchangeable Aufl. Tübingen: G. Narr-Verlag, 2004. ISBN 387808921X
  • Knut Hickethier : Film and television analysis . 3rd, revised. Aufl. Tübingen: G. Narr-Verlag, 2001. ISBN 3476132773
  • Werner Kamp, Manfred Rüsel: From dealing with film . Berlin: People and Knowledge / Cornelsen, 2004. ISBN 306102824-2