Film Terminology Some useful vocabulary for studying film

Camera Work Obviously the camera is a fundamental aspect of film There are three basic ways to discuss camera work: i.Shots- Continuous filming at one time. These vary in length, and can be anywhere from a fraction of a second to multiple minutes in duration ii.Angle- This is the placement of the camera relative to the subject in the shot iii.Movement- This is how the camera moves throughout the shot. Sometimes there is no movement, other times it pans.

Basic types of shots

Other shot types Two-shot- A MLS/MS shot with two people in it Establishing shot- Usually an XLS-to-LS shot which shows the setting of a new scene Over the shoulder (O-S)- A showing one actor over the shoulder of another. This is usually done to show perspective during a conversation POV- A first person perspective, where the camera represents a character’s eyes.

Camera Movement Still shot- The camera doesn’t move Pan- The camera moves from one side to another on a fixed axis Crane shot- The camera is attached to a crane very high up Tracking- The camera follows the action, moving along a path Hand-held- Shaky camera, often used to denote action or realism

Mise en scene All of the elements together in one frame, which combine to give a certain “look” or “feel” Combines: ⁻Setting & Props-Actors movements & expressions ⁻Costumes & Make-up- Lighting & colour See how subtle differences in costume, lighting, colour, make- up, and actor expression can communicate a different feel?

Lighting- This is an often overlooked element of film, but lighting can make a big difference on screen.

Other important elements Sound- there are three main types of sound in films: i.Dialogue- character’s talking ii.Music- creates atmosphere and elicits emotion iii.Sound FX- Adds to the action on screen Editing- Once all of the elements are filmed, the editor pieces it all together. Many argue that this is the single most important job in filmmaking.