Film Techniques Glossary

Camera Work

Camera work involves various techniques to convey meaning and emotions. These include:

• High/Low Angles: Used to show dominance or inferiority.
• Point of View/Over the Shoulder Shots: Encourage audience identification with the character.
• Camera Movement: Suggests character's state, such as fast-paced or anxious.
• Two Shots: Emphasize the relationship between characters.
• Zoom: For emphasis.
• Close-Ups: Capture emotions and reactions.
• Long/Establishing Shots: Show setting and costumes.

Common camera shots include establishing shot, master shot, close-up, mid-shot, long shot, wide shot, two-shot, aerial shot, point of view shot, over the shoulder shot, high angle, low angle, canted angle.

Camera movements include pan, tilt, track, crane, Steadicam, hand-held (shaky effect), zoom, and reverse zoom.

Editing

Editing techniques create connections and convey information:

• Cutting: Joining shots together.
• Shot/Reverse Shot: Shows conversation between characters.
• Eyeline Match: Shows what a character is looking at.
• Graphic Match: Links consecutive shots through similar visuals.
• Action Match: Shows different angles of the same action.
• Jump Cut: Removes a portion of a shot.
• Crosscutting: Shows simultaneous scenes.

Transitions include dissolve, fade out/fade in, and superimposition.

Other editing techniques include slow motion and long takes.

Sound

Sound elements contribute to character and setting development:

• Diegetic Sound: Originates from within the scene.
• Non-Diegetic Sound: Added sound, like music or voiceover.
• Sound Bridge: Links scenes through sound.

Sound categories include dialogue, voiceover, direct address (actor speaking to camera), sound mix, and ambient sound.

Mise-en-Scène

Mise-en-scène refers to the visual elements of a scene:

• Location: Where the scene takes place.
• Set Design: The appearance of the setting.
• Costume: Character's clothing.
• Make-Up: Character's appearance.
• Props: Objects used in the scene.
• High Key Lighting: Bright lighting.
• Low Key Lighting: Dark lighting.

These elements provide information about characters and the setting.