Film Terminology and Definitions

A comprehensive practice flashcard set based on the film terminology lecture notes, covering shots, camera angles, movements, transitions, lens techniques, and special effects.

Frame

A single picture on a length of film ($1\text{ second} = 24\text{ frames}$).

Shot

A film sequence photographed continuously by one camera that may be as short as one frame or as long as a filmmaker chooses.

Scene

A series of shots showing action in one location (edited version of camera work).

Sequence

A series of scenes.

Transitions

The change from one scene to another.

Cut

Instantaneous transfer from one shot to the next. This is the most used transition and allows the viewer to move in time and space freely.

Dissolve

One picture fades into another picture to create an image that appears to be blending into the other. Often used to show the passage of time.

Fade In

Gradual emergence of a shot out of darkness (starts with darkness, fades into shot).

Fade Out

Shot gradually disappears into darkness (starts with shot, fades into darkness).

Wipe

Transition used when one frame pushes the other off the screen.

Shot Composition

How cinematic shots are defined by the amount of subject matter within the frame.

Establishing Shot

A super-wide shot, usually exterior, that often establishes the location.

Long Shot

Shows the subject at a distance in their surroundings, generally head to toe.

Medium Shot

Between a close-up and a long shot; generally waist to top of head. This is the most popular shot.

Close-Up Shot

Close to the subject, generally head and shoulders.

Extreme Close-Up Shot

Shot taken to show extreme detail.

Insert Shot

Focuses the viewer on a specific detail, often placed from the point of view of a character (suggesting we see what the character sees).

Over the Shoulder

Camera is placed above the back of the shoulder and head of a subject; most commonly used to present conversation.

Camera Angles

Marks the specific location at which the movie camera or video camera is placed to take a shot.

High Angle

Camera looks down on the subject; often makes character seem smaller or weaker.

Low Angle

Camera looks up at the subject; often makes character seem bigger, stronger, or more intimidating.

Flat Angle

Camera is on the same plane as the subject (sometimes called eye level angle).

Dutch Angle

Tilted camera angle that makes viewers feel uneasy, terrified, confused, or tense.

Bird’s Eye Angle

A top-down shot from the perspective of a drone or bird; mainly used to provide an overview of the setting.

Camera Movement

How a camera moves about to help enhance a story.

Pan

Tripod remains in place, but camera rotates from side to side.

Tilt

Tripod remains in place, but camera pivots up and down; good way to reveal something or show more of the scene.

Tracking

Entire camera moves sideways, toward, or away from the subject; camera is often placed on a dolly that follows the subject.

Zoom In

Using the lens to increase the size of the subject and draw attention to a detail.

Zoom Out

Using the lens to decrease the size of the subject, often to reveal the environment of the character.

Boom / Crane

Camera is mounted on the end of a pole; camera can move up/down, in/out, swing, etc.

Point of View (POV)

Audience sees and hears what the character/subject sees and hears. Creates empathy or connection to the subject by placing us in their point of view.

Rack Focus

Shifting the focus from one point to another in one shot; one part becomes blurry while the other sharpens.

Fish Eye

Extremely wide shot that gives distortion towards the ends of the image, making it look as though you are looking out of an orb. Often used in landscapes and action scenes.

Iris

Draws focus to one image. Can be used to show a telescope perspective or the classic Looney Tunes ending.

Steadicam

Isolates and stabilizes the camera to give a smooth, steady shot when operator is moving.

Slow Motion

Filming a subject at a higher speed ($40+$ frames per second) and projecting at regular speed ($24$ frames per second). Used to show absurdity/dread, emphasize coolness, build fear/suspense, allow viewers to see details, or give time to process events.

CGI

Computer Generated Imagery.

Lighting

Directs the audience's attention to specific areas while darkening others, creating mood (e.g., cheerful/uplifting with brightness, or ominous with dark/grey lighting).

Symbolism

Directors use symbols (colors, objects, music) to represent abstract ideas or concepts, express inner thoughts/feelings, emphasize themes and motifs, and create atmosphere.