production shots and camera terminology

Wide shot

A shot that includes a large portion of the surroundings, establishing the subject's environment and providing context.

Medium shot

A shot that frames a subject at a moderate distance, showing both the subject and some surrounding detail.

Close-up

A tightly framed shot that emphasizes a subject's face, an object, or a specific detail.

Tight shot

A closely framed shot that emphasizes a subject or a particular detail; it is often used as another term for a close-up.

Two-shot

A composition that includes two subjects in the same frame.

Pan

A horizontal camera movement in which the camera rotates left or right while remaining in a fixed position.

Dolly shot

A shot in which the camera physically moves through space, often along a track or with a wheeled support.

Camera movement

The physical movement or repositioning of the camera during a shot, used to change perspective or guide attention.

Tripod

A three-legged camera support designed to hold the camera steady and reduce unwanted movement.

Camera framing

The way a subject and surrounding elements are positioned within the camera's view.

Composition

The arrangement of visual elements within a frame to communicate information and guide the viewer's attention.

Exposure

The amount of light reaching the camera sensor, which determines how bright or dark the recorded image appears.

Focus

The adjustment that makes a subject or particular part of an image appear sharp and clearly defined.

White balance

A camera setting that adjusts color reproduction so that objects that should appear white look neutral under different lighting conditions.

Cutaway

A shot that temporarily shifts attention away from the main subject to show a related object, action, or detail.

A-roll

The primary footage that carries the main content of a production, such as an interview or the central action.

B-roll

Supplementary footage that visually illustrates, supports, or adds context to the main content.

Pickup shot

Additional footage recorded later to replace, complete, or supplement material that was missing or inadequate.

Shot coverage

The variety and amount of footage captured to give the editor enough material to construct a sequence.

Continuity

The consistency of details between shots, such as positions, actions, props, and wardrobe, so that the edited sequence appears coherent.

Why is a shot list useful during production?

It gives the crew a record of the required shots, helps prevent missing footage, and makes it easier to track what has already been captured.

Why is B-roll used in an interview?

It can illustrate what the interviewee is discussing, add visual variety, and cover edits without showing the interview continuously.

What is the difference between A-roll and B-roll?

A-roll carries the main content, while B-roll provides supplementary visuals that support or illustrate that content.

What is the difference between a pickup shot and B-roll?

A pickup shot describes footage captured later to fill a gap or improve a sequence; B-roll describes footage used to support the main content. A pickup can also become B-roll.

What does 'see it, say it' mean in production?

When something is discussed in the audio, relevant visuals can be shown to help the audience understand or visualize it.