Basic Media Terminology

Camera Shots

Extreme long shot - introduces a setting or environment in which a character is situated
Long shot - usually used to establish a character with a head-to-toe view
Mid shot - a shot of the character cut off at the shoulders; a more personal introduction to the character
Close up - can establish a character's emotion by focusing on facial expressions
Extreme close up - close up on the characters' eyes
Two shot - two characters are shown in the shot
Point of view shot - the shot looks as if it is seen through the character's eyes

Camera Angles

Over the shoulder - camera films over the shoulder, usually used when characters are having a conversation
High angle - creates a sense of vulnerability in the character
Low angle - creates a sense of power in the character

Camera Movements

Panning - camera rotates horizontally around the scene
Tracking in/out - camera slowly moves towards/away from the character
Tracking sideways - camera moves horizontally across a scene
Tilt - angling the camera up or down, almost like a perspective inclination of the head
Shot/Reverse Shot - used with two characters in conversation; one character is filmed, then the other opposite, then back to the first character
Zoom in/out - the camera moves closer to/further away from the character
Crane shot - camera is lifted upward
Arc - camera circles around an object or character

180 degree rule

When a shot is taken of two opposing people or objects (eg. in shot/reverse shot), an imaginary line is established. The following shots can only take place within a 180-degree arc on one side of this line. This is so as not to break the perspective of the shots, which would shatter the illusion created by the camera.