Camera Work
The camera moves across something;
PAN
The position from which an action of subject is seen, often determining its
significance.
P.O.V. (Point Of View)
An editing transition whereby an image gradually disappears on the screen; usually a film
script ends with this
FADE OUT
A shot from a distance that establishes the location; it shows the viewer where we are
ESTABLISHING SHOT
Used as a transition or at the start of the slug line to indicate a sequence that happened in
the past; may be followed by BACK TO PRESENT DAY
FLASHBACK
What the camera sees, and there are specific types.
ANGLE ON
The voice of someone not seen in the image who is describing or commenting on the
image that is taking place; often this is the character’s thoughts not said out loud
V.O. (Voice Over)
An editing transition whereby an image gradually appears on the screen; usually a
film script begins with this.
FADE IN/FADE OUT
A shot description that strongly suggests a close-up on some object, action, or person (an expressive body part such as the face, or a fist).
CLOSE ON
Direction for the actor to deliver their lines in a particular way; ex: (calmly) or (softly)
A camera built to remain stable while being moved, usually by human hands. Occasionally, seen in scripts to suggest a handheld shot be used in a scene.
STEADICAM
Can refer to spoken dialogue, but the person speaking is not "in the shot;"
O.C./O.S. (Off-camera/Off-screen)
This is like a "Fade to black then Fade to next scene." In other words, as one scene fades out, a moment of black interrupts before the next scene fades in.
CROSSFADE
Means the camera is placed very close to the subject or action. Generally, this term would be left out of a screenplay and left to the director to decide. Use only when necessary.
EXTREME CLOSE UP
Used to suggest that an actor should pause before continuing; “beat” will be placed in
parentheses – ex: (beat)
BEAT
The image seems to close in on a person or object making the person or object appear larger (or smaller) on screen.
ZOOM
Describes anything happening in the background of the scene
b.g. (background)
Transition whereby the action cuts between two action scenes to suggest that the action is happening at the same time.
CROSSCUT
Means the camera is placed a very long distance from the subject or action. Generally, this term would be left out of a screenplay and left to the director to decide. Use only when necessary.
EXTREMELY LONG SHOT
The scene takes place outdoors
EXT.
A mechanism on which a camera can be moved around a scene or location. Simple dollies involve a tripod on wheels.
DOLLY ZOOM
Indicates a shot that focuses in closely on a particular subject, character, or action
C.U. (Close-up)
A transition where the screen flashes to white before entering the next scene, often used to transition into dream or fantasy sequences.
FLASHCUT
A particular character or action is highlighted or "favored" in a shot. The focus is basically centered on someone or something in particular. Use only when necessary.
The scene occurs in is indoors
INT.