James G. Pappas
The following selections of technical
terms are to be used as a guide to identify the tools of film makers. These
cinematic and editing terms and their descriptions are only used to assist
in explaining complex techniques that are often given different names and
explanations. These terms are being used in the class room for the comprehension
of viewing operations that go on while you are watching a film. Most of
these "tricks" are designed to maintain continuity and smoothness of the
experience which are often overlooked by an unsensitized spectator.
Included in the listing will be some
semiotic terms which apply to the visual cognition of signs, symbols, metaphors,
and icons. It is important to "read" these visual reference points as they
help the viewer to make contact with the film makers intentions.
Aerial view: A shot that is
usually atmospheric in nature maybe called a high angle shot which is positioned
overhead. This criterion shot reduces the images to their lowest denominator
creating in the viewer's mind a sense of unimportance. (See also, establishing
shot)
Analysis: Describes in detail
the various components of a film in order to understand the complexities
involved in visual presentation on film. It is an objective view of a subjective
experience.
Auteur: It is presumed that
the director (author) is solely responsible over the artistic license of
a film. So called great directors usually place their mark on a motion
picture so that the viewer makes a connection with his or her aesthetic.
Aesthetic: A philosophical
way of expressing terms and conditions in the ideals of beauty. It can
be the criteria under which an image can be translated into taste, an appreciation
of cultural symbolic meanings and expressions.
Artistic Licence: The film
maker may make certain decisions about shaping reality as he or she may
see it. These inclusions are of ten fictionalized experiences incorporated
into the text of the film to add to the plot.
Back Lighting: The source
of lighting comes from behind the object or subject is referred to as silhouette.
Character: Fictional people
created by an author or screen writer
Chiaroscuro: The arrangement
of light and dark passages to create a modeling effect to dramatize space.
A compositional technique used by artists such as Carravaggio and his contemporaries
in the Italian high Renaissance period of Art.
Close Up: Taking the example
of the human body, close up might be a finger or eye or some specific location
that is in detail from the whole. The camera outdoors would focus on a
tree in a forest of trees.
Climax: The action in the
story line comes to a heightened tension as the plot unfolds. Usually found
near the end of the story where some activity has to be resolved in the
plot.
Continuity: A piecing together
of separate elements to secure a sense of organization.
Composition: An arrangement
of the visual space on the screen usually includes the placement of objects
and subjects on the picture plane. The object is to keep the viewer's attention
on the screen space.
Contrast: The difference between
strong lighting and dark shadow effect. (See chiaroscuro effect)
Content: The substance of
emotional and intellectual intent by the film maker(s) strong, or soft
Credits: Listing of persons
responsible for contributing to the film.
Crosscutting: An editing technique;
two events occur simultaneously to enable the viewer to see what is happening.
This is accomplished by cutting these sequences into their components (back
and forth) to allow an anticipatory action to come to a conclusion. A technique
used by the film maker to bring to closure a tension filled a climatic
act.
Cut: A common transitional
device used to separate scenes or shots for continuous flow of time and
space.
Documentary film: A style
of film making that provides the viewer with factual information. It also
has a point of view which often broadens the notion of actual documentation.
This type of film can also be used as a form of propaganda, or a simulation
of reality. It can be subjective as well as objective in its content.
Dynamic editing: The rapid assemblage of film footage or shots to engage the viewer in ways that will enhance the entertainment experience. Usually associated with action or adventure films where brevity of time is important to gain the optimum effect. Sometimes called rapid fire editing.
Expressive lighting: The use
of light to express agitation, abstract qualities in figurative and subjective
imagery to induce an emotional reaction.
Environment: The interior,
exterior space surroundings object or images.
Establishing shot: This shot
usually sets the location of an environment. A film maker uses this shot
in the opening of a story to place the viewer in its context. It may also
be used to set the spacial relationship to an event or location within
the plot.
Fade Out: A transitional device
in the story to move from one shot to another. Usually the picture goes
dark with a brief moment for transition. "Fade in" is the reverse of this
method. Sometime the transitional space is filled with a flash of White
light.
Flattened effect: A wash of
light over the object or subject to flatten its expressive features.
Fiction Film: This type of
film uses a story line to express a point of view to the audience which
may or may not be convincing as reality. Some fiction is based on bits
and pieces of real experiences to shape the characters from the point of
view of film makers.
Film Structure: Is the manner
in which the total film is put together (tools and techniques) by the contributing
parties to the finished product.
Frame: The dimensions of the
screen perimeter. The four sides usually conform to an aspect ratio of
1:33:1, or 1:2:1
Freeze Frame: A moving image
comes to a halt on the screen so as to give the impression of a single
still image. The purpose is to provide the viewer with a moment to pause
and contemplate the symbolic meaning inherent in the image.
Homage: A film maker may often
pay tribute to a fellow artist or image that he or she may wish to include
in their film. Often some remembrance of some past event or reference that
may be appropriate to include in the story. Example: A television show
seen on TV in a house hold during a sequence in the film.
Impressionistic lighting: Artificial
or natural light sources which provide the viewer with an impression of
an object or image. Example: A reflection of light on glass.
Iconography: The use of visual
objects, signs, and symbols to express seminal ideas of convention.
Idealism: A lofty sense of
heightened reality. An idealized character is one which is shaped by high
expectations and seemingly unachievable goals.
Insert Shot: Also described
as a title card where information is displayed to tell the audience what
is going on. A printed piece of text cut into a scene.
Intercut: To change the action
of a scene from one location to another back and forth to maintain a sense
of continuity between to differing scenes.
Intensity: Used to describe
the relative strong values of color. Also, pertains to the tension between
characters, plot and emotional pitch.
Jump Cut: The editor splices
a piece of film negative and mends it together with glue to cut from one
scene to another. It may often be felt as a rapid "jump" from one film
space to another. Rapid Fire editing or montages are relative jump cuts
which require a series of cuts of unrelated scenes or sequences when speed
of pacing and/or an internal narrative device is desired.
Long Shot: The full body would
be in the context of the picture frame. In land scape or outdoors scenes,
the camera is positioned a great distance from the object or subject. A
telephoto (Stationary or zoom long lens) is used to bring distant objects
or subjects in close. 70-200 mm
Low angle shot: A camera view
looking upward from the ground space at the subject. This shot usually
enhances the subject by elevating it presence. To look up at something
gives it importance.
Match cut: A cut where two
complimentary shots are positioned so as to draw a connection between them.
This can be done visually or aurally. The idea is to connect a simular
idea or concept with another so as to add to the flow of continuity.
Meaning Attribution: Identifying
the qualities inherent in the Icons and Text of the visual medium so that
we can understand its meaning.
Medium Shot: A shot that is
generally from the waist up or down of the full body. In an outdoor shot
the camera would focus on half of a house. Also medium long, medium close,
etc.
Montage: A form of "cutting"
film by an editor and director so that it moves from one shot to another
to induce a response of continuous time and space. It also means the juxtaposition
of shots that have meanings other than what might be implied by their visual
referencing. Dissolve, cut, superimpose, are examples of how film footage
moves from picture to picture or a series of shots.
Motif: A repeated concept
which is inherent in a person, place or object. It can be a visual, sound,
or linguistic idea which reappears in the context of the story or film
narrative where symbolic reference or meaning is attached.
Narrative: A story that emits
a sense of continuity in its chronology. It usually has a beginning a middle
and end. Usually we can make sense of the relationship between the parts
and its whole. There are also variations in the structure of the story
which sometimes can create confusion due to the displacement of time and
space.
Narrative Film: The film has
a method of delivery that focuses its attention on the readability of its
subject. It can be fiction or documentary in form.
Narration: Someone who describes
some action or actions pertaining to a story, film plot, or event, either
on (narrator) or off the camera.
One point perspective: A strong
directional vector which carries the eye into deep space on a parallel
plane, expressing the illusion of background. The foreshortening of space
to create the illusion of three-dimensional form. Objects in the foreground
tend to look larger thereby creating a sense of depth.
Over the Shoulder shot: Commonly
used in conversations between two actors. This shot is from the vantage
point of the speaker. We can see the individual who is talking while seeing
the listener from behind and over his or her shoulder.
Pacing: The natural flow of
events and actions in a film that are either speeded up or slowed down
according to the editing of sequences and scenes. A musical sound tract
or sound effects may add to the senses of time and space.
Pan shot: A shot that moves
directionally from left to right or vice versa.
Reaction shot: A shot used
to provide the viewer with facial expressions of characters to ascertain
their psychological reaction to event or happening. This shot is usually
cut from one action to another.
Reading: A way at observing
film that is non emotional and objective. The separation of various components
of film and television into their various aspects. To become a participator
rather than a spectator.
Rear Screen projection: A
projector and screen are set up behind the frontal action so as to give
the illusions that there are moving images in the background. Commonly
used in scenes where a couple is sitting in a stationary car while the
viewer sees the street and moving traffic behind them. Some computer-generated
images have now replaced this method. See films such as "Star Wars" and
"Superman" where Matte shots are used. Using sophisticated computers generated
images and illusionistic methods to create a sense of reality.
Sequence: A series of shots
which are strung together to compose a joined section of film. This occurs
when there is a desired need for closure of linking of parts.
Screen space: The space among
the four sides which frames the action on a flat two dimensional planes.
Schocumentary: Shows on television
that appear to be reality based in their content that show police actions
and other violent activities in the context of reality.
Slow Motion: The implied activity
of a sequence is slowed as unreal space and time. This is done by increasing
the frames per second in the camera and playing it back through the projector
at normal speed for viewing of 14 to 24 frames per second. (16, 35 mm cameras
and projectors.)
Soft Focus: A softening of
the effect of a clear distinct image. Used to establish a mood or cut a
glare from a light source. A lens can also be covered with a piece of gauze
or jell to cut down the sharpness and to lend atmospheric effects to a
scene. Another technique is to turn manually the lens out of focus to obtain
the desired effect.
Sound Effects: All of the
sounds that are needed for a film. Theses are usually prerecorded. The
sounds can be adjusted in volume control to accommodate the needed effect.
They are usually used in places where real sounds are not available. The
term Ambient sound is used to create an atmospheric effect. Birds chirping,
water flowing down stream, street sounds, etc.
Sound Track: Involves the
reproduction of sound or dialogue on a recording strip(s).
Still: A publicity shot. Also,
photograph seen in the background of an interior space.
Superimposition: Sometimes
referred to as Double Exposure. Two images can be seen at the same time
on the screen as they transition from one sequence of actions to another.
This occurs when the editor uses a special effect generator or motion projector
to simulate the passage of time and space. The method requires a successive
number of dissolves to transpose the images at variable lengths of speed.
Suspension of disbelief: An
expression that describes what a viewer may experience as reality depending
on the effectiveness of the film makers' ability to make this a convincing
argument. It is dependent on a number of variables that help to achieve
a certain state of consciousness.
Symmetry/Asymmetry: The mathematical
division of spacial relationships that divide the flat visual space as
percentages of the a sum total. 1/3, 1/4, ½, 3/4, etc.
Symbol: An image that is representational
of an idea or concept. It can replace the literal use of words. It also
can designate something other than what it represents.
Reverse angle: A shot which
is directly opposite the previous one. Often used in a dialogue scene where
the speaker and listener are seen interchangeably.
Theme: A concept or ideal
meaning implied within the story so as to give the viewer an explanation
of the intended message. The theme may or may not always be apparent. There
are also sub themes that may be injected as support for the main meaning
of the story.
Theme Music: The main melody
or signature song that is used to establish the emotional theme or idea.
Tension: The building up of
an emotionally heightened experience where two or more opposite reactions
come to an inevitable clash.
Tracking shot: Follows the
action of object or subject such as a moving care from it positioned beginning
to its end. The camera is mounted on a Dolly or a car on tracks.
Vector: A vector is a directional
concept in which the spectator is unconsciously aware of the screen space
and the manipulation there of. The vector engages the flow of spacial relationships
within the parameters of the dimensions of the screen or framed space.
Voice Over: A voice that is
experienced off a screen. A narrative of the story or plot.
Wide Angle Lens: A type of
lens used to distort or foreshorten a spacial relationship of an image
to its surroundings. This lens is designed to expand and fatten objects
in the foreground space while distancing objects in the background. Used
in scenes where there is a desire to see a space in its totality, rather
than just a portion thereof. 35-17mm. super wide angles distort and pushes
space to its extremes.
Wipe: A transitional device
used to change scenes by manipulating the screen space by a linear sweeping
motion across the screen. It can be seen as a horizontal, vertical or diagonal
wipe. This technique was commonly used in the early ears of mil making.
It is still used sparingly today, especially in 1930's and 40's comic book
hero films to give a sense of the period.
Zoom Lens: Is a variable length lens used to move to and from an object or subject. It exhibits a continuous motion from telephoto too wide angle.
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Last Modified: December 20, 2006