Scene - What is a scene in a film?

Wow, what a scene, stunning, thrilling, how exciting! You've probably thought the same thing when watching a film or series. But what exactly is a film scene and how does it differ from a sequence and a shot?

Film scene - definition

The term "scene" actually comes from the theatre. It therefore already existed before the invention of the sound film. Originally, it was used to describe a theatre stage or a small unit of action in a play. Later, after the rise of Hollywood and the breakthrough of the film industry, the term was increasingly used for action units in filmed productions - whether in a series or in a film. Film scenes are characterised by the unity of time, space and actors . A new scene automatically begins with every new character that appears. A film scene can consist of several camera shots. The decisive factor is that space, time and personnel do not change.

The difference between a scene and a sequence

A sequence is longer and more extensive than a film scene. On average, it consists of three to seven connected scenes. If you look at a film hierarchically, the sequence is a superordinate unit of the film scene. Incidentally, there are no sequences in theatre, but there are scenes.

Differentiation from a shot

In the film hierarchy, the shot is the next smaller unit after the scene. The order is therefore: several shots make a film scene, several film scenes in turn make a sequence.

Script defines the individual film scenes

When acting in a film, actors are generally guided by a script . This serves as an instruction manual and defines the individual scenes. On average, modern screenplays for a 90-minute film contain between 40 and 60 scenes. Important in this context: even so-called "one-takers" - films with just a single camera shot - contain more than just a single scene. The change occurs as soon as a new actor appears.

Action-centred scenes vs. character-centred scenes

Depending on what the focus is on in a film scene, it is referred to as a plot-centred or character-centred scene. In plot-centred scenes, the primary focus is on how the plot develops and what decisions the characters make. Person-centred scenes are different: Here, the focus is on the characters themselves, their feelings, thoughts and inner lives.

Analysing a scene in a film: Approaches and ideas

If you want to learn more about the art of filmmaking as a model or actor, it's essential that you get to grips with the subject of film analysis. Both entire films and individual scenes are suitable for analysis. In addition to film compositional, formal and technical aspects, the analysis should also deal with further questions such as the position of the film scene within the film, the development of the characters and the soundtrack. The more holistic the view of the film scene, the better and more in-depth the analysis.