Movies

What specific visual film techniques do you see utilized in contemporary television
The visual techniques used by film and television are similar to the point that they  trade  or  interchange  techniques.   One is the use of the camera.  Besides the angle and perspective of capturing images with the aid of the cinematographer, there is also technology to take into consideration as newer models of cameras are now digital, replacing the older celluloid and analog models (Mitchell, 2004).  In addition there is also the use of the technique called  mise en scene  which entail the organization of the elements seen onscreen which consist of costume or wardrobe, setting or backdrop, action and the use of light to capture the best image possible (Stadler and McWilliam, 2009).   This is very evident is some television shows like Dexter and 24 which makes use of various  plays  of the camera to set the mood to make the television viewer feel they are watching a movie.  The same can be said of the television reality series like Survivor and its derivatives where camera angle captures the best image of the participants as they do through the motions.  It is the visual techniques employed that made these seemingly  natural  actions more dramatic and appealing (Thompson, 2003).

What specific television visual techniques do you see utilized in contemporary films  
Film is also influenced by television in the use of equipment.  Before, filmmakers used to employ the  ancient  cranked camera and the use of analog projectors using celluloid film.   In keeping with the times, film outfits now make use of digital models of cameras to record movies which have proven to be easier to use and more efficient in terms of editing and shortens the time in processing the film before it it released (Midnightanjel, 2009).In what ways have film and television influenced each other during their shared history  
Film and television have both influenced one another. It would be erroneous to think that television is the  poor cousin  of film as  shown by the way television has influenced film in terms of the technology used and it is through technology that they are becoming closer to the point of being intertwined.  Chronologically, films were first and before television came into being, filmmakers have developed and perfected various techniques in getting the best out of their resources whether it is the equipment they use or the quality of performance of the actors.  When television started becoming available in almost every household, the cinematic techniques of film was applied here.  In addition, popular actors such as Tom Hanks (Bosom Buddies), John Travolta (Welcome Back, Kotter) and Jennifer Anniston (Friends) started out by appearing on television shows before  graduating  to the big screen.  If it were not for the influence of film on television with regard to the cinematic techniques used, these actors would remain unknown to us.  It is no surprise that the transition from television to film was not that hard for them.  The same can be said with the directors who alternate between television and film.

These instances show that film and television are headed to a point where they would be difficult to distinguish in terms of the visual techniques despite other aspects that sets them apart such as aspects of production that includes budgeting, format, shooting or taping schedules and locations.