TERM
TECHNICAL CODE
DEFINITION
SIGNIFICANCE TO THE VIEWER
CAMERA SHOTS
Close –up
Mid shot
A person or object is shown in close detail(face of
character)
The shot of an individual from the waist up or too
close to be regarded as a long shot.
Daws attention to the facial expression, usually the eyes, to convey the character’s
emotional response\mood.
The gestures, posture, body language of the character is significant for the viewer in
analysis.
Long shot
A shot that takes in landscape and surroundings.
CAMERA ANGLES
Low
High
CAMERA MOVEMENT
Tracking
The camera moves so that it looking UP at an
object\person. The camera positioned so that it is
looking DOWN at an object or person
The camera moves along with the subject, or in
towards it or away from it.
A side to side sweeping movement of the camera
Panning
CAMERA POSITION
Over the shoulder shot
LIGHTING
SHOT DURATION
We see the action from over the shoulder of one of
the main characters.
Objects or people may be illuminated or shadowed
for particular effects. It may be dull or bright.
The length of time of each shot(fast or slow)
MONTAGE
The building up of a total picture by piecing several
images together in a sequence.
JUXTAPOSITION
SPECIAL EFFECTS
Two contrasting scenes are placed together.
Freeze frames
Accelerated action
Slow motion
DOCUMENTARY
Actuality footage
Constructed footage
Footage of action as it actually occurs
Archival footage
Docudrama
Cinema verite or direct
documentary.
The action has been performed for the purpose of
being filmed.
Taken from the archives and inserted into a new
documentary.
Very similar to reconstructed footage and is often
more like a drama. People will act out historical
figures or re-enact battles or incidents.
French term meaning film truth.
The shot establishes the setting for the viewer. We associate particular setting with
particular cultures, customs and historical periods.
The object\person looks powerful, superior or dominant.
The object\person looks smaller, weaker, vulnerable or at risk.
Main character and it helps connect the audience to character. You live the action.
Large part of the scene, characters or action is viewed. Our emotional responses are
guided.
See the action from that particular character’s point of view. Identify with them.
Gain attention or obscured to create mystery, suspense
Sets a mood of optimism, depression stark.
Affects the pace of the action – chase scene will generally have fast shots to give the
impression of movement and energy.
Period drama may have slow shots to allow the viewer to absorb the difference in time
period and focus on furnishings. Could be used to create suspense.
Flashes of different shots( of short duration) are used to describe a character or setting.
Viewers need to pay attention to the connotations of the images that are used to do this.(
What do these images suggest about a person or place?)
This placing side by side emphaises the point of difference.
A moment in time is captured, suspense is created, time stand still or the viewer is given
the opportunity to reflect.
Suspense or the intensity of the moment is created. Genre – silent movies
Humour, time is elongated.
Realism, credible, tension, development of characters or ideas.
Helps create a sense of reality while at the same time helps the viewer realize that
documentaries are highly constructed texts.
Means editor can select and manipulate the footage so footage shot for one purpose is
used for a different one.
Viewers are often deluded to think they are watching real events but it is highly
constructed. Very manipulative and engages the emotions.
Tries to minimise the intervention of the film maker. It attempts to give the impression of
capturing reality as it is. It is often characterised by the lack of a narrator. It is an illusion –
all documentaries are edited. It provides the aura of realism.