Technical codes

 LIGHTING

Tones of lighting in romance would change based on the character's mood but the common key color is warm and bright which creates a warm-hearted scene and gives off romantic vibes. Conversely, lighting would carry a dark and cold color when the character is under a difficult circumstance.

Soft light with warm color temperature and a few low-light fixtures instead of one ample light. Plus, the key light at the focal points where the characters are seen in the romantic space. Dimmable lighting is a great way to create intimacy which is an essential aspect including both physical and emotional connection in a healthy relationship. Adjusting the light could allow the couple to set the mood. For example, a relaxing and romantic bedroom or cozy living room for movie nights.

Practical lighting such as using lamps, candles, or streetlights as light sources in the set design. The light from the practical creates a realistic and authentic look for the scene but it is hard to control which makes it more challenging. For instance, romance and intimacy can be generated from a dimly lit candle but the way it lights the subject cannot be fully controlled which couldn't give out an exact result as expected. If using only practical lighting without a standard light setup, it could be too dim to reveal other details.

An example of correct practical lighting is this scene of Barry Lyndon where the candles' light source makes the set design look unique and artistic.

Natural light sources from the sun, moon, etc are primarily used for outdoor shots and they could also be integrated into indoor scenes through ceiling skylights, large windows, glass windows, etc. Natural light creates a warm, inviting setting and has a positive effect on the mood which prevents stress, and anxiety. Plus, it could be used to make a small place seem open and spacious. For instance, light shining through the window directly into the main character could create a dreamy scene with the convention in which that character seems special to her or his partner. But natural lighting does not always have the right intensity for example the glare of the sun could make the scene blurred. Therefore, using tools such as diffusers to alleviate the innate harshness of the sunlight, and reflectors to redirect the light.

Sound

A romantic film includes both non-diegetic and diegetic sound. A lively and cheerful sound is used in the scene when the character is full of joy, hope, or the couple's happy moment. And so, the disheartening and depressing sound is used in a bitter or heartbroken scene. But in the opening, the film usually begins with a voice-over of a storyteller or a piece of music that reveals a bit of the main character's personality. 

CAMERAWORK

1. Close-up shots

This shot type is often used to draw attention to the characters' colloquial and to indicate the characters' connections along with their feelings. Besides, a close-up shot is also employed in the characters' conversation scene. 

2. Long/Very long shots

A long/very long shot is used to demonstrate the current situation of the character plus their external appearance to give the audience a clear view of the character so they can form their own opinions on the character. For example, the character's outfit could contain some demographic details such as their personality, social class, age, etc.

3. Shot-reverse-shots

This is the most prevalent shot of the genre as it reveals the facial expressions of both characters during the dialogue. Each conversation brings important information that updates to audience with new details of the plot. Hence, shots reverse shots are used in most of the dialogue to emphasize the characters’ emotions so that the audience can understand more about the characters and predict the story's direction. For example in The girl's indignant expression when she knows her boyfriend cheating with her best friend, the audience could think that her strong personality would lead to her revenge on the people who betrayed her, and on the contrary, that girl cries and runs away, we could think of her as sensitive and fragile so that she could have a more gentle respond to her circumstance like break up and leaving in silence. 

4. Over Shoulder shots

This is the most popular shot as it puts the audience in the situation of a character so that they share the same feelings of the character from her or view of the other facial expression. Furthermore, this shot could be used in addition to shot-reverse-shots in a conversation.