Aspect Ratio
The ratio of width (horizontal) to height (vertical) of a film frame or image.
Low-Key Lighting
Lighting that creates substantial contrast between light and dark areas of the shot, often using a strong single source of light.
Diegetic Sound
Any sound that originates within the world of the film.
Blocking
The movement and placement of actors within the scene.
Non-Diegetic Sound
Sound that does not originate from the world of the film, such as narration or musical score.
Shot/Reverse-Shot
A compositional technique used to show alternating shots between characters while in conversation.
Diegetic Sound
Any sound that originates within the world of the film.
Eyeline Match
A cut from a shot of a character to a shot of what he or she is looking at, maintaining the proper angles and distance.
Fourth Wall
When the character looks into the camera and directly addresses the audience.
Foreshadowing
Giving clues or hints to suggest events that will occur later on in the film.
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ABOUT THE VISUAL GLOSSARY
The rich language of the cinema provides the foundation for JBFC's Visual
Glossary. Clips from some of our greatest visual storytellers put these terms
in context, showing how filmmakers use these concepts and techniques to create
iconic imagery, memorable characters, and powerful stories.
