Chapter 6 Video Language

Video Language Video and English are similar in how they are put together Frame – a single unit of video (1/30th of a second) is like a sound. Image – A static segment of video is like a word Shot – Continuously recorded stream is like a sentence Scene – Composed of several shots is like a paragraph Sequence – An assemblage of scenes is like a chapter

Camera Angle A camera angle is a distinctive, identifiable way of framing subjects from a particular position at a particular image size.

The Shots Tell the Story Extreme long shot – The figure is tiny and indistinct. Long shot – The figure is small in the frame and slightly indistinct.

The Shots Tell the Story Full Shot – The figure fill the screen from top to bottom with a small amount of head and foot room

The Shots Tell the Story Three-quarter shot – Shows the subject from the knees to the top of the head. Medium shot – shows the subject from the waist to the top of the head.

The Shots Tell the Story Closeup – Shows the subject from below the chin to the top of the head. Extreme closeup – shows the subject from the base of the nose to the top of the head.

The Shots Tell the Story Bird’s-eye angle – simulates the view from a plane or building. High angle – evidently higher than the eye level of a human subject.

The Shots Tell the Story Worm’s-eye angle – extremely low shot, looking dramatically upward. Low angle - evidently below the eye level of a human subject.

The Shots Tell the Story Over-the-shoulder shot – One performer is in the foreground while focusing on another subject. POV shot – Shows the audience what someone on screen is seeing.

Putting it together Create continuity by varying your shots. Make a smooth transition between shots by altering your shots. DO NOT USE similar shots back to back while editing. If you use a wide shot your next shot should be a medium or close-up.

Let’s watch some action to see how the pros do it!