Graphic Novel and Cinematography Terms

Panel

A distinct segment of the comic, containing a combination of image and text in endless variety.

Frame

The lines and borders that contain the panels.

Gutter

The space between the framed panels

Foreground

The figures closest to the viewer

Midground

Natural resting place for vision.

Not a term but reminder:

Placing an image off center or near the top or bottom can be used to create visual tension, but using the midground permits the artist to create a more readily accepted image.

Background

Provides additional, subtextual information for the reader

Graphic weight

Levels of contrast, patterns, vibrancy, help draw the eye more than other images.

Captions

Boxes with text elements, including scene setting, description, etc.

Speech balloons

Enclose both external and internal dialouge.

Figures

People, animals, etc. inside the panels.

Font

The format in which the caption or speech bubble is written.

Bleed

When the graphics in a panel extend beyond the edge of the page or panel.

Formalism

Surreal, artificial

Style and aesthetic

Scale of realism to formalism

Classicism

Blend of formalism and realism

Shift toward formalism = ?

Explain a perspective

Objective

Third person, no emotional connection

Subjective

Displays a character’s perspective

Objective vs subjective depends on …

Camera angles

Color manipulation

Affects audience emotionally and provides subtext

Warm color

Comfort

Lighting

Gives mood, atmosphere, directs the eye

Highkey lighting

Very well lit, minimum shadows

Lowkey lighting

Often only 1 light source, many shadows and contrast, adds suspense

Blocking

Movement of cameras and actors

Panning

Turns on x-axis

Tilting

Turns on y-axis

Zoom

In or out

Tracking

Camera moves through space

Crane (includes helicopter)

Moves vertically

Handheld

Loose, shaky movement

Cowboy

Medium shot from hips up, making them seem heroic