Basic Film Terminology Flashcards

Film Terminology Study Notes

• Shot: A continuous piece of film without cuts, essential for storytelling continuity.

• Establishing Shot: Sets the scene, often a long shot, establishing location and context for transitions between scenes.

• Long Shot (LS): Shows the subject from a distance; when featuring a person, the full body is visible, conveying vulnerability.

• Medium Shot (MS): Frames the subject from the waist up, creating a balance between character detail and background.

• Close Up (CU): The subject fills at least 80% of the frame, focusing attention on details.

• Extreme Close Up: Highlights a specific part of the subject, such as facial features or hands, intensifying emotional connection.

• Two Shot: Captures a scene with two characters, often used in dialogues or romantic interactions, emphasizing both equally.

• Eye Level: A neutral camera position at the character’s eye level, predominant in realistic storytelling.

• High Angle: Positioned above the subject, suggesting weakness or vulnerability.

• Low Angle: Captured from below the subject, creating an impression of power or dominance.

• Pan: Camera movement side to side on a horizontal axis while remaining stationary, often used to follow action.

• Tilt: A vertical camera movement, adjusting the frame to reveal action above or below.

• Zoom: Alters the perspective by moving the lens closer or further from the subject, enhancing intimacy or distance.

• Dolly/Tracking: Involves moving the camera along a track, or using a vehicle to follow action, creating dynamic storytelling.

• Boom/Crane: Camera movement from above, suited for overhead shots and adding drama.

• High Key: Utilizes bright lighting to create an open and cheerful atmosphere.

• Low Key: Characterized by darker tones, fostering suspense and tension.

• Bottom/Side Lighting: Generates dramatic shadows, often indicating danger or malice in the character.

• Front/Back Lighting: Softens shadows, creating an innocent or ethereal effect around the subject.

• Cut: A primary editing technique where two shots are spliced together, changing the image abruptly.

• Fade: Transitional effect that gradually darkens or brightens the image, signaling time shifts or scene endings.

• Dissolve: A gradual transition where one image fades into another, linking two scenes thematically.

• Wipe: Transition technique where a new image replaces the previous one, smoother than a cut yet quicker than a dissolve.

• Flashback: Reenacts past events through cuts or dissolves, providing context or background information.

• Shot-Reverse-Shot: Alternating shots between two subjects, commonly used in conversations to depict interaction.

• Cross Cutting: Editing technique showing simultaneous actions; also known as parallel editing, used to create excitement or tension.

• Eye-Line Match: Cuts from a character to what they are observing, revealing their perspective and emotions.

• Diegetic Sound: Soundtrack elements that characters can hear, enhancing realism and immersion in the narrative.

Learn essential film terminology with these flashcards. Each card defines key terms such as 'Shot', 'Establishing Shot', and 'Long Shot'. Perfect for film students and enthusiasts alike.