Cinematic Terms - Mr Richmond

choice of camera angles, framing, and movement to convey mood, perspective, and emotion

Cinematography

Manipulation of light to create atmosphere

Lighting

use of light to create a bright and cheerful mood

high key lighting

use of light to create tension and drama

low key lighting

use of light for contrast and depth

chiaroscuro

alteration of color to set tone and enhance visual storytelling

color grading

control of focus on specific subjects while blurring background or foreground, guiding viewwers attention and creating sense of depth

depth of field

choice of the film’s width and height ratio, impacts visual storytelling and aesthetics

aspect ratio

manipulation of shots, sequences, and pacing to control the narrative flow and emotional impact of the film. techniques like cross cutting and montage can create tension and build suspense

Editing

use of sound effects, music, dialogue to enhance emotional impact and atmosphere of a film

sound design

Sound that the characters can hear, like dialogue, music, etc

Diegetic Sound

Sound that characters cannot hear

Non-Diegetic Sound

The use of practical and visual effects to create visuals that are impossible or impractical to achieve in real life

Special Effects

the way scenes or shots are connected , including cuts, fades, wipes, and dissolves, which can convey the passage of time or thematic connections

Transitions

A fundamental editing technique in which one shot or image is abruptly transitioned to another

Cuts

This technique involves images becoming gradually darker or lighter. This can be used to signal the passing of time, a change in location, or a shift in mood in a film

Fades

when one shot or scene is replaced with another via a moving boundary that goes across the frame to reveal the new shot beneath

Wipes

the way the camera moves within a shot or scene, including technqiues like pans, tilts, dollies, and steadicam shots, which add dynamism and perspective

Camera Movement

When the camera is rotated horizontally on a fixed axis. Can be used to establish a location or setting, follow the motion of a character or object, reveal new info abt the frame, or provide a visually engagning shot

Pans

the camera rotated vertically on a fixed axis, in order to draw elements to specific things in the frame

Tilts

Shots executed using a dolly, in order that the camera might run smoothly and without wobbling. They can create complex and visually striking sequences

Dollies

Shots executed using a steadicam, which is an apparatus that keeps the camera stable. It is worn by camera operators.

Steadicam shots

The coordination of visual and auditory elements such as matching the timing of music to specific actions or dialogue to create emotional resonance

Synchronization

Extended, uninterrupted shots that can immerse the viewer in the scene, create tension, or showcase impressive choreography and performance

Long Takes

Filming from a character’s perspective to immerse the viewer in their experience to convey their emotions and thoughts

Point of View

The use of visual and narrative elements such as motif, allegory, and symbolism to convey deeper emotional or thematic meaning

Symbolism, Metaphor

The organization and arrangement of the plot, events, and other story events. It encompasses how a film’s story is presented to the audience, including the order of events, how information is presented, and the overall framework used to convey the narrative

Narrative Structure

Acting

Acting involves the portrayal of characters through physical, vocal, and emotional expressions.

Encompasses the evolution and growth of a character through the course of a film. It involves the creation of multi-dimensional characters with distinct personalities, backgrounds, and arcs

.Character Development

The deliberate selection, creation, and coordination of clothing and attire worn by actors in a film, guided by the artistic vision of the director and the specific requirements of the narrative

Costume Design

The meticulous planning, conceptualization, and execution of the visual elements that comprise a film’s physical and spatial environment. It encompasses the creation and arrangement of sets, locations, props, lighting, and overall aesthetics to establish the film’s visual identity.

Production Design

The creative and managerial process by which a director guides and orchestrates all elements of a film’s production, including the actors, camera work, lighting, sound, and overall artistic vision.

Direction