2. Establishing Shot
An establishing shot in
filmmaking and television
production sets up, or
establishes the context for a
scene by showing the
relationship between its
important figures and objects.
It will usually be a long shot of
an area and be at or near the
start.
3. Camera Movement
Crab A less-common term for tracking or trucking.
Dolly The camera is mounted on a cart which travels along tracks for a very
smooth movement. Also known as a tracking shot or trucking shot.
Dolly Zoom A technique in which the camera moves closer or further from the
subject while simultaneously adjusting the zoom angle to keep the
subject the same size in the frame.
Follow The camera physically follows the subject at a more or less constant
distance.
Pan Horizontal movement, left and right.
Pedestal (Ped) Moving the camera position vertically with respect to the subject.
Tilt Vertical movement of the camera angle, i.e. pointing the camera up
and down (as opposed to moving the whole camera up and down).
Track Roughly synonymous with the dolly shot, but often defined more
specifically as movement which stays a constant distance from the
action, especially side-to-side movement.
Truck Another term for tracking or dollying.
Zoom Technically this isn't a camera move, but a change in the lens focal
length with gives the illusion of moving the camera closer or further
away.
5. 180 Degree Rule
In film making, the 180-degree rule is a
basic guideline regarding the on-screen
spatial relationship between a character
and another character or object within a
scene.
This schematic shows
the axis between two
characters and the 180°
arc on which cameras
may be positioned
(green). When cutting
from the green arc to
the red arc, the
characters switch
places on the screen.
6. 30 Degree Rule
The 30-degree rule is
a basic film editing
guideline that states
the camera should
move at least 30
degrees between
shots of the same
subject occurring in
succession.
If this rule isn't
followed a jump cut
occurs and there is a
risk that the audience
starts focusing on the
filming technique
instead of the story
that is being narrated.
7. High Angle
A high angle shows the
subject from above, i.e. the
camera is angled down
towards the subject. This
has the effect of
diminishing the subject,
making them appear less
powerful, less significant
or even submissive.
8. Low Angle
This shows the
subject from
below, giving
them the
impression of
being more
powerful or
dominant.
9. Tilt
A tilt is a vertical camera movement in which the camera points up or
down from a stationary location. For example, if you mount a camera
on your shoulder and nod it up and down, you are tilting the camera.
10. Other Camera Angles
Point-Of-View Shot (POV) Shows a view from the subject's perspective.
Over-The-Shoulder-Shot (OSS) Looking from behind a person at the subject.
Noddy Shot Usually refers to a shot of the interviewer listening and reacting
to the subject.
Extreme Close-Up (ECU) This shows extreme detail on a characters face.
Cut In Shows some (other) part of the subject in detail.
Cutaway (CA) A shot of something other than the subject.
Mid Shot (MS) Shows some part of the subject in more detail while still giving
an impression of the whole subject.
Close-Up (CU) A certain feature or part of the subject takes up the whole
frame.
Medium Close-Up (MCU) Half way between a Mid Shot and a Close-up.