Film & TV Essentials: Production, Performance, and Viewer Feedback

Understanding Film & TV Production

Key Elements of Film and Television

• Subtitles are helpful for people who cannot hear or understand a film's language.
• A critic writes about art, theater, or restaurants.
• A television show has viewers.
• A singer, an actor, or a dancer can give a performance.
• Films are set in a particular time period and in a certain place.
• Someone can have a role in a comedy, a TV program, or a play.
• You can shoot a video or a film.
• A film, a television drama, or a novel has a plot.

Behind the Scenes: Filmmaking Realities

• Actors have to be able to smile and laugh even when they are very unhappy.
• When a director thinks a scene is imperfect, it is shot again and again until it is exactly right.
• It is often impossible for an actor to earn a living only by acting.
• One disadvantage of shooting films outdoors is that the weather can be unpredictable.

The Twilight Saga: A Cinematic Case Study

Franchise Overview

The Twilight Saga is a series of fantasy vampire films based on four novels by Stephenie Meyer.

Key Cast and Production

• Film star Kristen Stewart plays the leading character.
• The cast also includes supporting actor Taylor Lautner, who plays Jacob Black.
• The filmmakers used animation to create the many special effects.

Box Office Success

The Twilight Saga was a huge box-office hit, especially popular with teenagers.

Film Reviews and Audience Reactions

Positive Film Experiences

• "I usually dislike thrillers, but this one was excellent."
• "I have never seen anything like it; it is very original."
• "I could not stop laughing; this film is hilarious!"
• "The film we watched last night was realistic."
• "The film had an interesting plot and a clever ending."
• "The actors were funny and entertaining; we could not stop laughing."

Negative Film Experiences

• "There is too much blood in this film. I think it is unnecessary."
• "The acting and the plot are both idiotic. Do not see this ridiculous film."
• "I was terrified during the film. It was so gory."
• "I usually love this director's films, but not this time. It was a real let-down."
• "The film was disappointing; we left in the middle."
• "Watching that film was a waste of time. It was so boring."
• "The film was long and dull. I fell asleep."

Mixed or Specific Observations

• The film shows the life of a strong, independent woman.
• Although the film is based on a historical event, many of the facts are inaccurate.
• "I have heard there is a new film showing. Is it worth seeing?"
• In nature films, the photography is often breathtaking.