Understanding Film: Terminology

Shot- a piece of unedited film In establishing a shot a director must consider what he/she is trying to communicate to audiences: In establishing a shot a director must consider what he/she is trying to communicate to audiences: Types of shots: -bird’s eye view -long shot -medium shot -over-the-shoulder shot -close-up shot

Bird’s-Eye-View Shot a.k.a. Establishing shot This type of shot will depict an entire city’s skyline, for example, in order for the audience to know the setting of the story. This type of shot will depict an entire city’s skyline, for example, in order for the audience to know the setting of the story.

Long Shot Shot normally taken from a long distance, however, not as far away as the establishing shot. This shot is used to establish where action is about to occur. Shot normally taken from a long distance, however, not as far away as the establishing shot. This shot is used to establish where action is about to occur. In a science fiction movie, for example, a director may show a monster causing traffic jams in a city. In a science fiction movie, for example, a director may show a monster causing traffic jams in a city.

Medium Shot This shot normally shows actors only from the waist up. This shot normally shows actors only from the waist up. This shot is used to This shot is used to show interaction between actors, a struggle or an embrace.

Over-The-Shoulder Shot A shot taken over the shoulder of another actor A shot taken over the shoulder of another actor This shot is used when two or more actors are interacting. This shot is used when two or more actors are interacting. This shot forces audiences to consider one actor’s words, thoughts, actions at a time. This shot forces audiences to consider one actor’s words, thoughts, actions at a time.

Close-Up Shot A shot taken at very close range of an actor or a prop. A shot taken at very close range of an actor or a prop. The close-up is designed to focus attention on an actor's expression, to give significance to a certain object, or to direct the audience to some other important element of the film The close-up is designed to focus attention on an actor's expression, to give significance to a certain object, or to direct the audience to some other important element of the film

Moving Shots Tracking shot- single continuous shot made with a camera moving along the ground Tracking shot- single continuous shot made with a camera moving along the ground Reverse shot- shot taken at a 180 degree angle from the preceding shot (reverse-shot editing is commonly used during dialogue, angle is often 120 to 160 degrees) Reverse shot- shot taken at a 180 degree angle from the preceding shot (reverse-shot editing is commonly used during dialogue, angle is often 120 to 160 degrees)

Scene a series of shots that together form a complete episode or unit of the narrative. a series of shots that together form a complete episode or unit of the narrative. Storyboard- rough draft of a scene, usually drawn before filming Storyboard- rough draft of a scene, usually drawn before filming

Camera Movements Pan: Camera moves from side to side from a stationary position Pan: Camera moves from side to side from a stationary position Tilt: Movement up or down from a stationary position Tilt: Movement up or down from a stationary position Tracking: The camera moves to follow a moving object or person Tracking: The camera moves to follow a moving object or person

Camera Angles Low Angle Camera: shoots up at subject. Used to increase size, power, status of subject Low Angle Camera: shoots up at subject. Used to increase size, power, status of subject High Angle Camera: shoots down at subject. Used to increase vulnerability, powerlessness, decrease size High Angle Camera: shoots down at subject. Used to increase vulnerability, powerlessness, decrease size

Editing- How shots are put together Cut: The ending of a shot. If the cut seems inconsistent with the next shot, it is called a jump cut. Cut: The ending of a shot. If the cut seems inconsistent with the next shot, it is called a jump cut. Fade in or out: The image appears or disappears gradually. Often used as a division between scenes. Fade in or out: The image appears or disappears gradually. Often used as a division between scenes. Dissolve: One image fades in while another fades out so that for a few seconds, the two are superimposed. Dissolve: One image fades in while another fades out so that for a few seconds, the two are superimposed.

Sound Human voice (dialogue)-used to bring a storyteller’s character to life. Human voice (dialogue)-used to bring a storyteller’s character to life. Sound effects- synchronous and asynchronous Sound effects- synchronous and asynchronous Music- background music used to create tone of scene Music- background music used to create tone of scene

Synchronous Sound Sound that is synchronized or matched to what is being viewed. Sound that is synchronized or matched to what is being viewed. For instance, if a shot depicts someone playing a piano, the sound of the piano is projected. For instance, if a shot depicts someone playing a piano, the sound of the piano is projected. By synchronizing sound to action directors can create realism and tone in a film. By synchronizing sound to action directors can create realism and tone in a film. For instance in a scene in which a burglar intrudes, a director may increase the sound of a creaking door the burglar opens to increase the anxieties of viewers. For instance in a scene in which a burglar intrudes, a director may increase the sound of a creaking door the burglar opens to increase the anxieties of viewers.

Asynchronous Sound Sounds that are not matched to a visible, on-screen source. Sounds that are not matched to a visible, on-screen source. For instance, during a scene in which a couple is arguing in an apartment building, a director may include a faint background sound of an unseen ambulance to symbolize the emotional injury which is occurring onscreen or to suggest the realism of a bustling city setting. For instance, during a scene in which a couple is arguing in an apartment building, a director may include a faint background sound of an unseen ambulance to symbolize the emotional injury which is occurring onscreen or to suggest the realism of a bustling city setting.

Background music-score Used to add emotion and rhythm to a film but is most often meant to go unnoticed. (aids in the creating tone) Used to add emotion and rhythm to a film but is most often meant to go unnoticed. (aids in the creating tone) Also may aid in linking similar scenes or situations or in developing a certain character. Also may aid in linking similar scenes or situations or in developing a certain character. For instance, audiences expect a fast rhythm when viewing a car chase or slow music during romantic scenes; however, this is intended to feed the subconscious experience of viewing For instance, audiences expect a fast rhythm when viewing a car chase or slow music during romantic scenes; however, this is intended to feed the subconscious experience of viewing