Film Terminology

Framing Shot- a single piece of film, uninterrupted by cuts or changes of scenery.

Long Shot A shot from some distance. Shows the full body and may suggest isolation or vulnerability of the character.

Established Shot A long short or a series of shots that sets the scene. Establishes setting and shows transition between location

Medium Shot Medium distance from the object being filmed. Shows a person from the waist up.

Close-Up Image being shot takes up at least 80% of the frame. Shows facial expressions.

Extreme Close-Up The image being shot is part of a whole. Fills the screen with the details of the shot.

Two SHot A scene between two people shot exclusively from a n angle that includes both characters more or less equally

Camera Angles

Eye Level A shot taken from a normal height-the character’s eye level

High Angle The camera is placed above eye level, looking downward. Can make a character look smaller, younger, weak, confused, or more childlike.

Low Angle The camera is placed below eye level, looking upward. A low angle shot (upshot) can make a character look bigger, stronger, or nobler. It also gives the impression of height

Lighting

High Key Th escene is flooded with light, creating a bright and open looking scene.

Low Key The scene is flooded with shadows and darkness, creating suspense or suspcion.

Neutral Neither high key or low key-the lighting is even in the shot.

Front or Back Lighting Soft lighting on the actor’s face or from behind give the appearance of innocence or goodness, or a halo effect.

SOUND

Diegetic Sound that could logically be heard by the characters in the film

Non-Diegetic Sound that cannot be heard by the characters but is designed for audience reaction only. Background music.