GRADE 7: Film Terminology Notes

Types of Scenes

Mise en Scene “To place on stage” – everything you see in front of the camera Ex. Props, camera angles, lighting, etc.

Open Space Open space on screen that symbolizes isolation (no need to be filled)

Types of Shots

Freeze Frame Hold the scene for a few seconds “moments that last forever”

Re-Framing The composition of the frame changes as the camera alters its position in relation to the object being filmed. Ex. A romantic close-up of two lovers whispering may suddenly change its meaning if the camera pulls back to reveal a long shot of spectators. What was once romantic becomes comedic

Camera Angles

High Angle The camera looks down at what is being photographed

Low Angle Shot from below. Makes characters seem large, powerful, and dominant.

Camera Movement

Pan The camera moves horizontally on a fixed base

Tilt The camera points up or down from a fixed base

Tracking (Dolly) The camera moves through space on a wheeled truck (or dolly), but stays in the same place.

Zoom A shift in the focal length of the camera lens to give the impression that the camera is getting closer to or farther from an object.

Camera Transitions

Cut The most common type of transition in which one scene ends and a new one immediately begins.

Dissolve A gradual transition in which the end of one scene is superimposed over the beginning of a new one.

Match Dissolve A shape maintains position between 2 scenes, usually meant to show a connection between them.

Wipe An optical effect in which one shot appears to “wipe” the preceding one from the screen