1. Chapter 6
Video Language

2. Video Language
Video and English are similar in how they are put together
Frame – a single unit of video (1/30th of a second) is like a sound.
Image – A static segment of video is like a word
Shot – Continuously recorded stream is like a sentence
Scene – Composed of several shots is like a paragraph
Sequence – An assemblage of scenes is like a chapter

3. Camera Angle
A camera angle is a distinctive, identifiable way of framing subjects from a particular position at a particular image size.

4. The Shots Tell the Story
Extreme long shot – The figure is tiny and indistinct.
Long shot – The figure is small in the frame and slightly indistinct.

5. The Shots Tell the Story
Full Shot – The figure fill the screen from top to bottom with a small amount of head and foot room

6. The Shots Tell the Story
Three-quarter shot – Shows the subject from the knees to the top of the head.
Medium shot – shows the subject from the waist to the top of the head.

7. The Shots Tell the Story
Closeup – Shows the subject from below the chin to the top of the head.
Extreme closeup – shows the
subject from the base of the
nose to the top of the head.

8. The Shots Tell the Story
Bird’s-eye angle – simulates the view from a plane or building.
High angle – evidently higher than the eye level of a human subject.

9. The Shots Tell the Story
Worm’s-eye angle – extremely low shot, looking dramatically upward.
Low angle - evidently below the eye level of a human subject.

10. The Shots Tell the Story
Over-the-shoulder shot – One performer is in the foreground while focusing on another subject.
POV shot – Shows the
audience what someone on
screen is seeing.

11. Putting it together Create continuity by varying your shots.
Make a smooth transition between shots by altering your shots.
DO NOT USE similar shots back to back while editing.
If you use a wide shot your next shot should be a medium or close-up.

12. Let’s watch some action to see how the pros do it!