Exposure
The amount of light passed through the lens, controlled by the aperture and shutter speed.
Voice-Over
The voice of an unseen off-screen character or narrator that is heard by the audience.
Focus
The sharpness of an image.
Mise-En-Scène
All the visual elements that are placed in a scene for the camera; this involves the set, set decoration, props, costumes, lighting. Mise-En-Scene means "putting in the scene" in French.
Long Take
A technique in which a shot continues for a lengthy period of time before cutting to the next shot.
Score
The musical soundtrack created specifically for a film, emphasizing the tone and emotion.
Live Action
A filmmaking technique that records subjects, people and places, in real time.
Fade
An editing transition that dissolves from black or into black.
Tracking Shot
A camera movement in which the camera travels along with the action of the shot, for example moving backward or forward.
Foley Sound
The process of adding sound during postproduction that emphasizes established sounds of the film.
Slow Motion
When action is filmed at a frame rate faster than normal and then slowed down in postproduction.
Dissolve
An editing transition when a previous shot fades into a following shot.
Tilt
A camera movement in which the camera pivots up or down on a fixed vertical axis.
Tracking Shot
A camera movement in which the camera travels along with the action of the shot, for example moving backward or forward.
Over-the-Shoulder Shot
A framing in which the camera is placed behind the shoulder of one character, at another character.
Extreme Close-Up
A framing that shows only a detail.
Low Angle
The camera positioned looking up at the subject, creating a sense or feeling of power and dominance in the character or setting.
Pan
A camera movement where the camera pivots side to side in a fixed position
Tracking Shot
A camera movement in which the camera travels along with the action of the shot, for example moving backward or forward.
Voice-Over
The voice of an unseen off-screen character or narrator that is heard by the audience.
Center Framing
A composition that draws attention to the middle point in the frame.
Dissolve
An editing transition when a previous shot fades into a following shot.
Cinematography
The art and technique of motion picture photography. This includes how the film uses light, shadow, color, movement, and composition within the frame.
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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.
