Film Terminology

Film Terminology

1. Genres

   • are based on a set of narrative conventions and stylistic "rules" that filmmakers adhere to in order to deliver the "type" of film that is expected by the audience. Each genre has its own set of generic conventions.
   • ie) Western
     • STYLE - set on the American frontier (the wild west) in a small town. Guns feature extensively and cinematography is used to capture the excitement of gun fights. NARRATIVE - a male hero protects a small town from external hostilities. Violence is used to restore social order and the lone hero usually rides away once his job is done.

2. Camera Angles

   • High
     • DESCRIPTION - the camera is placed above and looks down on the subject or object PURPOSE - it is used to make the character look smaller and also indicate the character is weak or inferior
   • Eye
     • DESCRIPTION - an eye level places the audience on eye level with the character PURPOSE - it is used to indicate that the character is equal footing with the audience
   • Low
     • DESCRIPTION - the camera is placed looking up on the subject or object PURPOSE - it is used make the character look big and indicicates that character being powerful and dominant
   • Overhead/Birds Eye
     • DESCRIPTION - the camera is placed over head or directly above the object or scene PURPOSE - characters and objects are made to look small and vulnerable. A character or object could be followed a different speed or pace

3. Camera Movements

   • Zoom
     • DESCRIPTION - the camera moves towards or away from a particular object or subject PURPOSE - it is used to make object seem closer or further away
   • Panning
     • DESCRIPTION - the camera turns from side to side, ie. left to right or right to left PURPOSE - it is often in the opening scene of a movie or can be used to show the landscape from the view of the characters
   • Tilt
     • DESCRIPTION - the camera moves diagonally from top to bottom of the frame PURPOSE - it is used to show the character from head to toe and can emphasize size. it can also indicate speed and the reaction
   • Dolly
     • DESCRIPTION - the camera moves towrds or away from the character. The camera is often placed on wheels to allow for smooth movement PURPOSE - it allows you to follow the characters or the action from one place to another
   • Tracking
     • DESCRIPTION - the camera moves along with the actors or the action. The camera is usually on wheels PURPOSE - it engages the viewer in the action where the audience can feel part of it

4. Camera Shots

   • Extreme Close-Up
     • CODE - ECUDESCRIPTION - this is a very close shot showing detail of an object or the physical features of a person PURPOSE - to make the viewer aware of some specific details in the film. it can be used to hieghten tension
   • Very Close -Up
     • CODE - VCU DESCRIPTION - this is a face shot taken from the mid-forehead to above the chin PURPOSE - this shows the close detail of the characters eyes and mouth. it can be used to heighten tension
   • Big Close-UP
     • CODE - BCU DESCRIPTION - this is full head height and the head takes up the entire screen. it contains little or no background PURPOSE - this shows the detail of the character face
   • Close Up
     • CODE = CU DESCRIPTION - this is a shot taken of a persons head from just above the head to the top of the upper chest. it can also  be used to film an object at close range. it contains little or no backgroundPURPOSE - this is used to introduce a character and allows the character to show emotions. it can be used to heighten tension
   • Medium Close-Up
     • CODE = MCU DESCRIPTION - this shows the upper half of the body. the shot is taken from above the head to the lower chestPURPOSE - good for conversation between to characters
   • Medium Shot
     • CODE = MS DESCRIPTION - this shows half of the body. the shot is taken from above the head to just below the waistPURPOSE - this allows you to get to know the character more closely by viewing their facial expressions and body language
   • Medium Long Shot
     • CODE = MLS DESCRIPTION - this shows the whole person as well as some of the backgroundPURPOSE - places the person in context
   • Long Shot
     • CODE = LS DESCRIPTION - this shows the whole person and other characters, but the background dominates the shotPURPOSE - this allows the viewer to understand the relationship between the characters and the environment
   • Extra Long Shot
     • CODE = ELS DESCRIPTION - this shows the landscape of the film or a barely visible character in the distance of the backgroundPURPOSE - this gives information to the viewer about where the action is about to take place. it often sets the atmosphere of the film
   • Point Of View
     • CODE = POVDESCRIPTION - a shot that is taken from the perspective of one of the characters called a point of view shot (POV) PURPOSE - it is used to make the audience see the scene from the characters own eyes. A POV shot forces the viewer into the action