Characters
The protagonist, a widowed father who launches a frantic investigation into the sudden disappearance of his daughter
David Kim
What is the full name of the Module we are studying this term?
Module A: Contemporary Possibilities
What is a norm?
an accepted standard, way of behaving, or way of doing things that most people agree with.
What is the your teacher's names?
Mrs Masuda and Mrs Elliott
What is Diegetic Sound
Sound that originates from within the film’s world (e.g., characters talking, a phone ringing).
16 years old, introverted, intelligent, and struggling emotionally after her mother’s death
Margot Kim
Where can you find important course information for Standard English in year 11 and 12? e.g. syllabus/ module statements.
What is a 'found footage' film?
A type of film presented as if it were discovered or recovered video, often shot by the characters themselves using handheld cameras, phones, or security footage. The story is usually told through this "raw" or "unedited" footage to create a sense of realism and immersion.
Bonus Free Points
Free Points
What is Surveillance
The monitoring of activity, often using cameras or digital tracking, which is a key theme in Searching.
The police detective assigned to the case. Initially appears sympathetic and helpful, but as the investigation unfolds, her own motives and involvement come under scrutiny.
Detective Rosemary Vick
Define the term hybridity. Why might this be important when analysing modern digital texts?
Hybridity refers to the blending of different genres, styles, or media forms within a single text. This is important in digital texts because many modern works combine video, text, sound, and interactivity, creating complex forms that require layered analysis.
(French for “truthful cinema”) is a style of documentary filmmaking that aims to capture real life as authentically as possible, with minimal interference from the filmmaker. What is the name of this?
Cinéma vérité
What is the 3 Act film structure? Bonus 300 points if you can describe each part.
The three-act structure is a classic storytelling framework used in most films, dividing the narrative into three parts. It helps organise the plot for maximum engagement and emotional impact.
ACT I - Orientation -
Introduces the main characters, setting, and tone. Establishes the protagonist’s normal world. Ends with an inciting incident – the event that sets the story in motion
ACT II - Complication - The protagonist faces rising challenges and conflict
ACT III – Climax + Resolution-
The most intense moment, when the truth is revealed or the conflict peaks. Falling action and final resolution. The story ties up loose ends and shows character transformation
What is non-diegetic sound
Sound added for the audience's benefit that characters cannot hear (e.g., background music, voiceover).
Passed away from cancer. Though not alive during the film’s events, her presence is felt through home videos, texts, and memories that impact the family dynamic.
Pamela Nam Kim
What does ethical use of digital technology mean? Give an example of using digital media ethically in your own schoolwork.
It means using technology in a way that is honest, respectful, and legal.
Example: Citing all sources when using online research or images in a presentation.
What is a POV shot?
A camera angle that shows exactly what a character sees, placing the audience directly in their perspective.
What are the 4 layers of film analysis?
1. Semiotic Analysis
2. Contextual Analysis
3. Mise en scène Analysis
4. Narrative Structure Analysis
What is Anonymity
Being unidentifiable online, often linked to both safety and risk.
Becomes a brief suspect due to some mysterious activity, but ultimately proves innocent. Uncle of Margot
Peter Kim
The module statement refers to “multimodal texts.” What do these terms mean in your own words?
Multimodal: Texts that combine different modes of communication (e.g., images, audio, video, written language).
When someone feels or imagines an experience second-hand, by observing, reading about, or empathising with someone else’s actions or emotions. This is called what?
vicarious experience/s
True or False: The entire film was shot in just 13 days, but the post-production took over a year and a half, mostly due to the complex editing involved in creating the screen-based storytelling.
True
What is Ethics
Moral principles that govern behaviour, especially relevant in digital contexts and online communication.
His identity and role in the plot are part of the film’s major twist, so detailing this would risk spoilers—but he is key to the film’s climax.
Robert Vick
The module refers to “nonlinear texts.” What do these terms mean in your own words?
Nonlinear: Texts that do not follow a straight, chronological sequence—users can choose their own reading path (e.g., websites, games, hypertexts).
What is a dutch/ canted shot?
Where the audience are shown something from an odd, awkward, or uncomfortable perspective/ angle. The intended effect is to make the viewer feel uneasy, anxious, disorientated, or tense. Often used in thriller films.
John Cho plays a detective trying to solve a missing persons case. True or False.
False. John Cho plays David Kim, the father, not a detective.
What is bias
A particular preference or prejudice in presenting information, often shaping audience perception.
A classmate of Margot's who is interviewed during the investigation. Offers insights into Margot’s school life and social connections.
Isaac
Explain what is meant by the terms composer and responder. What are your responsibilities in each of these roles?
Composer: The creator of a text (e.g., writer, filmmaker, designer). Responsibility: to craft meaning effectively and ethically.
Responder: The person engaging with the text (e.g., reader, viewer). Responsibility: to interpret, question, and reflect on the ideas presented.
A French term meaning “placed into the abyss.” E.g.
A story within a story, A film or artwork that reflects its own structure, Creates layers of meaning, self-reflection, or complexity, Often used to explore themes of identity, truth, or perception
Mise en abyme
What are the 7 elements of any narrative film (100 for each correct one)
These elements include:
1. Plot and action
2. Characterisation
3. Setting
4. Structure
5. Theme
6. Dialogue and song lyrics
7. Sound (both diegetic and non-diegetic)
What is intertextuality
When a text references or echoes other texts, adding layers of meaning.
His confession is later revealed to be completely fabricated—a setup orchestrated to mislead the public and close the case quickly.
Randy Cartoff
Define the term intertextuality. How might understanding this concept help you analyse digital or multimedia texts?
Intertextuality is when a text refers to or incorporates elements of other texts.
Understanding it helps you recognise how meaning is shaped through references, influences, or responses to other works—common in memes, mashups, and digital storytelling.
Real-time web
The real-time web refers to internet technologies that allow information to be created, shared, and accessed instantly, as it happens, without delay.
Searching was inspired by a viral short film Chaganty made for Google Glass. True or False.
True. Chaganty’s Google short Seeds inspired the film’s style.
What is symbolism?
The use of symbols to represent deeper meanings or themes in a text.