GLOSSARY OF MEDIA TERMS

Micro Macro Mise- en-scene Small Large / big picture Everything you can see in the frame. A French term, which literally means put into the frame. When analysing a sequence the term refers to everything you see in the frame (props, costume, lighting, colour, makeup etc.) An object that appear in the frame, usually to advance the narrative Something worn by the actor to give context Lighting that is usually flat and free from dark shadows Lighting used to add meaning or drama by lighting certain parts more prominently than others Not normally used to create an effect, but to light the subject so it can be seen. Often called realistic lighting. A source of light created by lighting equipment, rather than from natural sources. The location where the action takes place Assembling shots in order to create meaning. The stage in the film-making process in which sound and images are organised into an overall narrative. Action appears to jump in an illogical way or in a fast manner. An abrupt, disorientating transitional device in the middle of a continuous shot in which the action is noticeably advanced in time and/or cut between two similar shots, usually done to create discontinuity for artistic effect. Where one image fades out as another fades in Emerging or disappearing scene A direct, obvious interruption and switch to another place or time Cutting back and forth between two or more events or actions that are taking place at the same time but in different places. The technique of alternating, interweaving, or interspersing one narrative action (scene, sequence or event) with another usually in different locations or places, thus combining the two: this editing technique usually suggests Parallel action (that takes place simultaneously). Often used to dramatically build tension and/or suspense in chase scenes or to compare two different scenes. Also known as inter-cutting or parallel editing Arrange shots together so they tell a story in a clear and easily understandable way. The most common type of editing, which aims to create a sense of reality and time moving forward. Also nick named invisible editing referring to how the technique does not draw attention to the editing process A style of storytelling in which events happen chronologically. The juxtaposition of seemingly unconnected images in order to create meaning. A type of edit where a character looking at something on or off-screen, followed by a cut to the object or person at which he is looking. A technique alternating over-the-shoulder shots showing different characters speaking A brief shot that momentarily interrupts continuous action by briefly inserting another related action. Object, or person (sometimes not part of the principle scene or main action), followed by a cutback to the original shot. A scene or moment in a film in which the audience is shown an event that happened earlier in the films narrative An edit effect in which two different objects of the same shape are dissolved from one into the other. The placement of two (often opposed) images on either side of an edit to create an effect. The effect of seemingly stopping a film in order to focus in on one event or element The information at the beginning and end of a film, which gives details of cast and crew etc. Visual effects are usually used to alter previously-filmed elements by adding, removing or enhancing objects within the scene A shot that emphasises continuity of space and time by matching the action of the preceding shot with the continuation of the action. (For example a shot of a door opening after a shot of a close up of a characters hand turning a door handle) The art of creating meaning through camera shots, angles and movement The way in which things are placed in the frame the position of the camera in relation to the subject of a shot. The camera might be at a high angle, a low angle or at eye level with what is being filmed. The size of the shot, or distance from the object being shot often chosen to give context or draw the viewers attention to a specific thing. Also the selection of elements such as characters,

Prop Costume High Key Lighting Low Key Lighting Naturalistic Lighting Artificial Light Setting Editing Jump Cut

Dissolve Fades Cut Cross cutting or Parallel Editing

Continuity or Invisible Editing

Linear Narrative Montage Eyeline Match Shot reverse shot Cutaway

Flashback Graphic Match Juxtaposition Freeze Frame Credits Visual Effects Match on Action

Cinematography Composition Camera Angle Camera Framing/Shot

Camera Move Aerial Shot Over Shoulder Shot

Overhead Shot High Angle Low Angle Canted angle (or oblique) Extreme close up

Close Up (CU)

Mid-Shot (MS) or Medium Shot (MS) Long Shot (LS) Establishing Shot (ES)

Point of View (POV)

Reaction Shot Two Shot (Three shot etc.) Pan

Track

Tilt Crane Crab Arc Steadicam

Zoom

Contra-Zoom Sound Diegetic Non-diegetic

setting and iconography that appear within a shot. Where the content of the shot is changed by either turning or moving the camera. Pan / tilt, Track/ crane A camera shot taken from an overhead position. Often used as an establishing shot. looking from behind a characters shoulder, at a subject. The character facing the subject usually occupies 1/3 of the frame but it depends on what meaning the director wants to create (for example, if the subject is an inferior character, the character facing them may take up more of the frame to emphasise this) a type of camera shot in which the camera is positioned above the character, action or object being filmed. A camera angle that looks down upon a subject or object. Often used to make the subject or object appear small or vulnerable. A camera angle that looks up at a subject or object. Often used to make the subject/object appear powerful/dominant camera angle that makes what is shot appear to be skewed or tilted. A shot where a part of a face or body of a character fills the whole frame/dominates the frame. Also can be a shot of an object where only a small part of it dominates the frame. (e.g. the pupil in one eye) A head and shoulders shot often used to show expressions/emotions of a character. Also can be a shot of an object, filmed from close to the object or zoomed in to it, that reveals detail. Usually a fairly small part of the scene, often a characters face to show emotion. Shows the character from the waist up allowing hand gestures to be seen and some of the setting. Usually shows all of the character and surrounding setting. An opening shot that establishes a scene, often giving the viewer information about where the scene is set. Can be a close up shot (of a sign etc) but is often a wide/long shot and usually appears at the beginning of a scene. The camera is close to the line of sight of the actor so the audience sees exactly what the character is seeing. Shows a view from the subjects perspective. This shot is usually edited so that the viewer is aware whos point of view it is. a shot that shows the reaction of a character either to another character or an event within the sequence. Single frame that shows two actors simultaneously (Three, four (four shot) .. or more actors) Where the camera pivots horizontally, either from right to left or left to right to reveal a set or setting. NB The camera doesnt move, it just turns. This can be used to give the viewer a panoramic view. Sometimes used to establish a scene. Where the camera moves from side to side or back and forth to follow action. The tracking shot can include smooth movements forward, backward, along the side of the subject, or on a curve but cannot include complex movement around a subject. Track refers to rails in which a wheeled platform (which has the camera on it) sits on in order to carry out smooth movement. Camera move that pivots the camera up or down. NB the camera doesnt move, just turns. Where the camera moves up and down on a crane arm. A crane shot is sometimes used to signify the end of a scene/ programme /film. A track left or right A track that moves around the subject usually 180 or 360 degrees A steadicam is a stabilising mount for a camera which mechanically isolates the operator's movement from the camera, allowing a very smooth shot even when the operator is moving quickly over an uneven surface. Informally, the word may also be used to refer to the combination of the mount and camera Using a zoom lens to appear to be moving closer to (zoom in) or further away from (zoom out) a subject/object when in fact the camera may not move (so, strictly not camera movement). Can be used for dramatic effect (i.e. Contra-zoom) A disorienting shot where the camera tracks out while zooming in (or vice versa) changing the field of view. Audio heard over moving pictures to create context and drive narrative sound that can be heard by the characters within a scene/ sound part of the imaginary world. sound that the characters cannot hear and is not part of the imaginary world of the story. This includes a musical soundtrack, sound effects, or a voiceover (however this excludes a narration by a character within the story referred to as an internal monologue and is diegetic).

Parallel sound Contrapuntal sound Score Sound effects Genre Action/Adventure Audience Demographics Conventions Narrative

Narrative theory Propp Todorov Disequilibrium Equilibrium Strauss Binary opposition Character Protagonist Antagonist Convention Clich Cliffhanger Arc plot Closed narrative Linear narrative Open narrative Parallel narrative Enigma Denotation Iconography Connotation Intertextuality Parody Representation Stereotype

Sound blends together with the corresponding visual sound we hear that does not match the scene or seems unusual The musical component of a programmes soundtrack, usually composed specifically for the scene. sounds that are added to a film during the post-production stage A class or category of media text that gives the audience an idea of type and subject matter. A system of film identification, in which films that have the same elements are grouped together. A particular genre of film that is usually male dominated, where there is a clear hero and villain and conflict between them The people at which a media text or product is aimed The way in which an audience can be broken down: gender, age, social class, ethnicity etc Things we expect to see predictable, typical A sequence of connected events that allow the audience to make interpretations and sense. A story that is created in a constructed format (eg. A programme) that describes a series of fictional or non-fictional events. Explains the conventions of film stories Theorist who proposed that narrative is driven by 7 distinct character types Theorist who argued that narrative involves a transformation through 5 distinct stages. The period of instability and insecurity in a films narrative A state of peace and calm, which often exists at the beginning of a films narrative. Theorist who argued that narrative is driven forward by oppositional forces The idea that in order for narrative to progress there must be conflict i.e. good vs evil, rich vs poor, man vs woman, black vs white ... People or objects in a media text that take on a certain role The main character in a narrative, who usually takes on the role of the hero The least popular character who antagonises the protagonist, usually taking on the role of the villain. A frequently used element which becomes standard An image, phrase or storyline repeated so often it has become predictable An incomplete storyline at the end of a TV or radio episode. An unresolved ending or point to leave the narrative on. A long running storyline that is increasingly used in TV drama series A story where there is a definitive ending A straightforward, chronologically ordered narrative A story where there is no definitive ending at the end of the story; e.g. it could be left open for a sequel Where two narrative strands are used that usually compliment or reflect one another The question or mystery that is posed within a films narrative. The actual thing that you see The objects within a film that are used to evoke particular meanings The meanings, symbolism and suggestions of what you can see; the next stage on from denotation Reference within a film to another film, media product, work of literature or piece of artwork. When media texts make reference to another in a comic or sarcastic way Showing a character, place or event in a certain way to create meaning A conventional and over simplified opinion of a person or type of person, often negative through its application