Film Terminology and Cinematic Effects Media Appreciation

Shot Image seen on-screen until replaced by another image Blink – same quick “cut”

Framing How the object will be positioned within the shot Three main types: Long shot Close-up Medium shot

Long Shot Object appears small or seen from a distance If person – generally will see her entire body Used to establish scene Show distance or separation between characters Show that a character is integrated with her surroundings

Long Shot

Long Shot Gives the viewer a sense of time an place Allows the viewer to decide where to look – so much on screen

Close-up Object or subject takes up nearly 80 % of screen space Appears very large Can be used to: direct the viewer’s attention to a crucial clue Emphasize a facial expression or gesture Forces the viewer to look at only what director intended

Medium Shot Most common and most naturalistic Most common in our real lives “neutral shot”

Focus Soft focus – ever so slightly out of focus Used to create a lighter mood in romantic films To communicate uncertainty Blurred image in Vertigo Sharp focus – shown in brilliant clarity High degree of realism Rack focus – changes to direct attention

Deep Focus one object in close-up while background in long shot

Deep Focus Shot

Camera Angles Low High Eye-level - neutral Camera below subject Can exaggerate size and strength power High Camera above subject Appear weaker and less in control Eye-level - neutral Dutch angle – a little off kilter

Low Angle

High Angle

Camera Movement Pan Tilt Zoom Tracking or Dolly Shots Camera pivots along horizontal axis Tilt Camera pivots along vertical axis Zoom The focal length of the lens changes Tracking or Dolly Shots Camera moves

Tilt

Key light Lighting Principal source of light on set Types: Low-key High-key Side/bottom front

Front Lighting

Sound Types: Classifications: Dialogue Music Sound effects Diegetic Nondiegetic Internal diegetic

Editing The fade The dissolve The crosscut Flashback and flash-forward Eye-Line match

Eye-Line Match

Editing Rhythm and Duration Average shot lasts 8 to 10 seconds Short take – 1 second or less Long take – lasts more than 20 or 30 seconds

Mise-en-Scene Sets, costume, lighting, and acting Significant to whole scene – important elements

Mise-en-Scene

Mise-en-Scene