Film Techniques Flashcards
Establishing shot definition
Establishes the context for a scene by showing the relationship between its important figures and objects.
Establishing shot effect
It shows where it is set, and the audience can begin to understand more about the movie. Normally at the beginning of the film.
Extreme long shot definition
Extreme long shot. This can be taken from as much as a quarter of a mile away and is generally used as a scene-setting, establishing shot. It normally shows an exterior.
Extreme long shot effect
To give a view of the scene and you can understand where the person/subject is relative to the whole place.
Long shot definition
In film, a view of a scene that is shot from a considerable distance, so that people appear as indistinct shapes.
Long shot effect
To show a bit of the scene while still being able to determine what is what in a scene.
Medium shot definition
A shot taken at a medium distance. Usually showing a person’s shoulders or mid-body and up.
Medium shot effect
The medium shot is a general, all-purpose shot. Medium shots allow the viewer to pick up on the character’s movements and gestures. Body language is important in conveying emotion.
Close up definition
A photograph or film image taken at close range and showing the subject on a large scale.
Close up effect
In the closeup shot, a certain feature or part of the subject takes up most of the frame. A close up of a person usually means a close up of their face. Close-ups are obviously useful for showing detail.
Extreme close up definition
The shot is so tight that only a detail of the subject, such as someone’s eyes, can be seen.
Extreme close up effect
To see in extreme detail of an object that takes up the shot.
Over the shoulder definition
Is a shot of someone or something taken from the perspective or camera angle from the shoulder of another person.
Over the shoulder effect
Usually used when two characters or more are having a discussion, and you see the emotion and body language of a character as a result of being near/talking to another.
Point of view definition
A point of view shot is a short film scene that shows what a character is looking at.
Point of view effect
A shot showing the character’s reaction.
High angle definition
A high-angle shot is a cinematic technique where the camera looks down on the subject from a high angle and the point of focus often gets “swallowed up.”
High angle effect
To make the object being focused on from a high angle to make look small, insignificant and weak.
Low angle definition
A shot from a camera angle positioned low on the vertical axis, anywhere below the eye line, looking up.
Low angle effect
Psychologically, the effect of the low-angle shot is that it makes the subject look strong and powerful.
Eye level definition
A shot taken at eye level. As though the audience is looking at the object face on.
Eye level effect
To show a neutral level, and not much impact is involved.
High-key lighting definition
High-key lighting is a style of lighting for film, television, or photography that aims to reduce the lighting ratio present in the scene.
High-key lighting effect
Is used to suggest an upbeat mood.
Low-key lighting definition
A low-key image is one that contains predominantly dark tones and colours.
Low-key lighting effect
Low-key lighting is typically used when the director wants to either isolate a subject or convey drama/mystery.
Diegetic sound definition
Diegetic sound is any sound presented as originated from source within the film’s world.
Diegetic sound effect
It is naturally occuring, and more realistic.
Non-diegetic sound definition
Sound whose source is neither visible on the screen nor has been implied to be present in the action: narrator’s commentary or sound effects.
Non-diegetic sound effect
Sound which is added for the dramatic effect. Mood music.
Dialogue definition
A conversation between two or more people to give a story.
Costume definition
Costume design is the investing of clothing and the overall appearance of a character or performer.
Props definition
Is an object used on stage or on screen by actors during a performance or screen production.
