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.
Once an action occurs on screen, an imaginary line (180 degrees) is established (sometimes called "the line" or "axis of action") that the camera may not cross.
A shot from high above, usually of exterior locations and taken from a crane or helicopter.
A filmmaking technique that can be done in a computer, digital animation, or with real objects and subjects, stop-motion animation. The process can be controlled frame-by-frame, allowing any idea to be created. Sound is added to the visuals in a separate process.
Found footage placed into the larger context of another film to support the subject matter.
The ratio of width (horizontal) to height (vertical) of a film frame or image.
A filmmaker whose work is stylistically recognizable and told in his or her unique voice.
The movement and placement of actors within the scene.
Footage that is intercut to support the subject matter in documentary films.
The position of the camera in relation to the action of the scene: above it, looking down (high angle); horizontal, on the same level (straight-on eye level angle); looking up (low angle).
A camera angle in which the vertical and horizontal lines of the image appear off kilter, often used to suggest disorientation.
A composition that draws attention to the middle point in the frame.
The dramatic lighting technique of contrasting areas of light and dark.
The art and technique of motion picture photography. This includes how the film uses light, shadow, color, movement, and composition within the frame.
A framing in which one part of the subject takes up most of the frame, used often to express a character’s emotion.
A specific set of colors used in a film. Certain colors may have thematic or symbolic meanings associated with them.
Editing that maintains continuous and clear action so that screen direction and the position of objects and characters are maintained from shot to shot.
A camera movement in which the camera travels along a vertical axis with the action of the shot.
The most common editing transition when two shots are juxtaposed without dissolve, fade, or effect.
Cutaways take the audience away from the main action or subject. This gives the audience an idea of what is happening outside of or around the main character, emphasizing specific details and the mise-en-scène to add meaning.
When both the foreground and the background remain sharply in focus.
The measured space that the camera holds in focus.
The world of the film and how it is experienced by characters within it.
Any sound that originates within the world of the film.
Music, noise, and dialogue, recorded live while filming.
An editing transition when a previous shot fades into a following shot.
Nonfiction film structured as a story to record an event, place, or persons.
The selection, manipulation, and combination of shots to create structure and story.
An editing technique that abbreviates the time of an action, event, or story through the use of dissolves and jump cuts.
A wide shot indicating where the scene is taking place.
The amount of light passed through the lens, controlled by the aperture and shutter speed.
