Cinematic Language: Essential Film Terminology and Techniques

Fundamental Units of Cinematic Language

Defining the Basic Elements

Frame

The basic image recorded. The continuous projection of frames (24 per second, 18 in silent films) creates the effect of movement.

Take

This is the duration from the operation of the camera ("action") until it turns off ("cut"). While often used synonymously with Shot (Plano), the correct usage refers to the recording of the action without changing the frame or the camera's position. The shot is chosen for editing.

Shot (Plano)

The basic unit of audiovisual language. It is filmed in one continuous action with a specific frame.

Scene

The unit of space-time. It is formed by the union of consecutive shots that follow a specific narrative approach.

Sequence

The unit of action, pace, and content itself. It is usually made up of different scenes and shots.

Framework and Spatial Concepts

The intention of selecting certain elements of reality through the lens results in the Framework. This, depending on the will of the cinematographer or photographer, determines the amount of items that appear, the camera position, movement, or recording stage. All these aspects form the language of cinema.

Field

The space in which the action is performed, and also the field of view of the camera.

Contracampo (Reverse Angle)

The angle opposite to the recording.

Off-Field (Off-Screen Space)

What is outside the field. The space where the action is performed that we cannot see.

Camera Techniques and Continuity

Types of Shots (Plano)

The following are common classifications of shots based on proximity and scope:

• Detail Shot
• Extreme Close-Up (Primerísimo Primer Plano)
• Close-Up (Primer Plano)
• Medium Close-Up (Plano Medio Corto)
• Medium Shot (Plano Medio)
• Medium Full Shot (Plano Americano)
• Full Shot (Plano Entero or Set Shot)
• Long Shot (Plano General)
• Extreme Long Shot (Gran Plano General)
• Reverse Shot (Plano Contraplano)
• Sequence Shot (Plano Secuencia)

Camera Angulation

Camera angulation refers to the vertical position of the camera relative to the subject:

• High Angle (Picado)
• Low Angle (Contrapicado)
• Overhead (Cenital)
• Normal Angle
• Nadir (Opposite of Overhead)
• Aerial Shot (Plano Aéreo)
• Aberrant Angulation (Dutch Tilt)

Camera Movement

Panning (Pan or Panoramic)

Movements of the camera rotating on its own axis (horizontal or vertical).

Traveling

A physical movement of the camera from one place to another, either sideways, forward, backward, in a circle, up, or down.

Raccord and Continuity

Raccord is the interrelationship between space and time from one shot to the next, which allows us to associate them as consecutive, even though they may have been recorded at different times and places. The professional responsible for advising on continuity between film professionals is the Script Supervisor (or executive secretary).