D.

W Griffiths
D.W Griffiths is an American director who created a Birth of a Nation, a film which followed
the Klu Klux Klan and how African Americans were treated during the times of the racist
movement.
What shots are included?
The shots that are included within this production were establishing shots as most of the
production was filmed outside, wide shots, long shots and mid shots.
What is the reason for showing this variety of shots?
The variety of shots show different thoughts throughout the scene, the establishing and long
shot shows the environment behind the actors and show that they are filming in an outside
location, the close ups show the emotions created by the characters in this film. The mid
shots show the outfit that the characters are wearing and shows the time period it is in.
How has the story been portrayed?
The story is portrayed as the African American being the threat to this storyline and shows
how his race is dangerous during that time period. The story is fast paced and pursues the
fear and seriousness created within the story of the film.
How has Griffiths moved storytelling forward?
D.W Griffiths moved storytelling forward by introducing CGI effects. The effects were
ground breaking at the time it was created and motivated film makers to make more advance
technology. The music also made the story very interesting to follow.
Discuss how these features are used in films today finding examples from your favourite
productions
Films like Star Wars would use the CGI first used within A Birth Of A Nation, the features
like the music was a big inspiration for Star Wars to create their own soundtrack for the
movie.