Metalanguage Terms for Film Techniques

copied from descriptions provided by Mrs Wallace

CAMELS

The acronym for Camera, Acting, Mise en scène, Editing, Lighting, Sound – key elements of film analysis.

Symbolism

Visual representation of ideas or concepts through objects, colours, or imagery.

Framing

An arrangement that shows what is included or excluded in the camera’s view.

Setting

General place and time in which the story occurs.

Non-Diegetic Sound

Sound not heard by characters, added for audience effect (e.g., dramatic music).

Diegetic Sound

Audio that comes from a source within the world of the film and can be heard by characters.

Music

(instrumental or vocal) used within a scene, whether diegetic or non-diegetic.

Soundtrack

Recorded score or compilation of musical pieces used in the film.

Dialogue

Conversation between characters.

Voiceover

Narration spoken by an unseen voice, often a character or omniscient narrator.

Low Angle Camera Shot

Camera angle from below the subject, making them appear powerful or dominant.

Eye-Level/Mid- shot

Camera positioned at eye height to create a neutral and realistic perspective.

High Angle Shot

Camera angle from above, making the subject seem small, weak, or vulnerable.

Over the Shoulder Shot

Shot taken from behind a character’s shoulder, often used in conversations.

Colour and Hue

Lighting used to create mood, realism, or symbolism through shadows and brightness.

Costuming

The clothing and accessories worn by characters that reveal personality, era, or culture.

Lighting

Use of colours, shades, and tones to create mood or meaning.

Genre

Film category based on shared conventions, e.g., horror, comedy, romance.

Fantasy Genre

A film category involving imagined worlds, magical events, or supernatural beings.

Mise en scène

The look and arrangement of everything in the frame, including setting, lighting, costumes, and actors’ positions.

Motif

Recurring element (image, sound, phrase) that has thematic significance in a film.

Montage

Scenes edited together to condense time, space, or information (often used to show progression or training).

Panning Shot

Movement of the camera left or right from a fixed position.

Close Up

Framing that focuses closely on a face or object to show detail or emotion.

Long Shot

Camera shot that shows the full subject and much of the surrounding environment.

One Shot

A single continuous camera take without cuts.

Zoom

Camera movement where the lens moves closer or further from the subject without moving the camera itself.

Tracking Shot

Camera is physically moved to follow action or a character’s movement.