Moving image - terminology

Candidates should be able to recognise and describe a range of media language techniques and

explain how they are deliberately used in a text to create connotative effects. Candidates are

expected to know the following terms and how to comment on their use. However, this is not a

definitive list and candidates should be encouraged to be as flexible as possible in adapting to the demands of the specific extract they are to analyse.

Moving image – Camerawork:

• establishing shots
• low angle, high angle, canted angle or aerial shots
• elaborate camera movement such as tracks, steadicam or crane shots
• hand-held camera
• point-of-view shots
• shallow focus and focus pulls.

Moving image – Editing:

• shot/reverse shot
• juxtaposition
• non-continuity editing
• crosscutting
• fast-paced editing
• less common transitions: dissolve, wipe, fade
• post-production effects.

Moving image – Soundtrack:

• music
• synchronous and asynchronous sound
• diegetic/non-diegetic sound
• sound effects
• sound bridge
• voiceover.

Moving image – Mise en scène:

• lighting (especially low-key lighting)
• location/set
• costume and make-up
• props
• casting and performance style
• blocking (the composition of elements within the shot).