Terminology and Definitions
Films are made in three places -
on paper, in the camera and on the editing screen.
Structure
Shot
A single 'run' of the camera (sometimes also referred to as a 'take').
The basic unit from which a video is put together. The duration (length)
of a shot depends on:
- its purpose - to establish a location, to show action or reaction.
- the pace (or tempo) of the sequence in which it is placed.
Sequence
A group of shots depicting one action, or, which seem to belong with or
depend on each other.
Scene
A group of sequences, or a group of shots (in a short scene). The scene:
- depicts an event in a story, and
- occurs in one place.
Shot Size
Long Shot
(L.S.) or Wide Shot (W.S.)
The camera is placed at a distance from the subject so that the setting
rather than a character is emphasised. This is used to establish the place
where the action will take place. This is why it is also call an establishing
shot. Given this function, a long shot (or wide shot) is often used
at the beginning of a scene or sequence. It may be combined with movements
of the camera to show us a wider area if necessary.
Mid Shot
(M.S.)
The camera is placed at a middle distance from the subject so that our
attention is focused on a particular subject. The camera is close enough
to pick up details but it is still far enough away to be able to follow
any actions.
Close
Up (C.U.)
The camera is placed close to an object or person so that our attention
is focused on a particular detail. The CU may serve as an in-point to
a new scene, depicting a new fact or location in the story. CUs of a person
have a number of different functions:
- subject is suggested to be the main character
- the first close up of a character (in a sequence of shots) establishes a point of view - who is watching an event
- close ups are most commonly used to show the reaction of a character - called a reaction shot
Camera Movement
Pan
Movement from side to side from a stationary position (tripod).
Tilt
Movement up or down from a stationary position (tripod).
Tracking
The camera moves to follow an object or person on a device such as a rail
platform, a dolly or a vehicle.
Zoom
Movement toward (zoom in) or away (zoom out) from a subject. (This is
best accomplished by moving the camera itself closer to the subject rather
than using the adjustable lens.)
Note: The speed of a camera movement (from very fast to very slow) can dramatically alter the effect.
Camera Angle
When recording a shot the angle at which the camera is pointed at the subject, either high or low, can be used to influence our impression of a subject.
A character shown from a low angle (the camera is low) will seem strong, tall, proud, etc., while shown from a high angle (the camera is high) the character will appear weak, insignificant, vulnerable, small, etc. Our impression of an object or structure can be manipulated in a similar way.
A distorted angle may be used to make a scene more frightening, or to make the viewer feel anxious or queasy (especially if fast or jerky camera movement is also used).
Other Terms
Soft
Focus
A slightly blurred shot to make the subject seem more attractive, romantic,
nostalgic or dreamlike.
Hand
Held Camera
The tripop and dolly are deliberately abandoned in favor of this method
when a director wants to create a sense of axiety or confusion, exploiting
the unsteady movemnt of the camera.
Steadicam
A harness device to support a camera and counterwieghts worn by a cameraperson
that allows the camera to be moved anywhere with graceful, gliding movements.
Camera Terms | Editing Terms | Elements of Cinema
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