Unit 1 General Film Terminology IB Lang/Lit SL 1

Vocabulary flashcards covering general film terminology including narrative elements, shot placement, camera movement, editing, lighting, and sound concepts for IB Lang/Lit SL 1.

Subplot

a minor or secondary storyline that stems from the main plotline

Character Development

the process of building a unique character through their experiences

High-angle shot

the camera above the action; typically makes the subject appear small and vulnerable

Low-angle shot

the camera below the action; typically makes the subject look big and powerful

Eye-level shot

the camera is at eye level; can create a personal tone between the audience and the subject

Dutch-angle shot

camera is tilted so that the frame is not level; gives an impression of imbalance, discomfort, wrongness

Bird’s-Eye shot

shot taken from a very high point; implies the observer’s omniscience

Pedestal

when the entire camera raises or lowers, typically to show size

Roll

when a camera turns on its side as if rolling

Cut

when one scene ends and a new scene begins

Dissolve

a type of cut where one scene gradually fades away as the next scene replaces it

High Key

a type of lighting that is bright with low contrast. It is often used in happy or dream-like scenes. It shows everything and thus implies openness. The tone is generally meant to be hopeful and optimistic.

Low Key

a type of lighting that includes deep, dominant shadows and is high contrast. It is often used in dramas or horror films.

Diegetic Sound

sound whose source is implied to be present within the action of the film; sounds that originate from the film's frame that characters can hear

Non-diegetic Sound

sound whose source is not implied to be present within the action of the film; sounds that originate from outside the film's frame that the characters do not hear

Score

all of the original music used in a film