Camera techniques
This type of camera shot captures a character from the waist up, focusing on their body language and facial expressions.
Medium shot
This is when an actor uses their face to show how their character feels
Facial expressions
This type of sound is recorded during filming, directly from the scene being shot.
Diagetic sound
A classic film editing technique where the screen gradually transitions to or from black signaling the beginning or end of a scene.
Fade
This lighting style creates sharp contrasts between light and dark, often used in film noir.
Low-lit lighting
This camera angle is often used to make the subject appear small or vulnerable.
High angle
The way an actor moves to show how their character is feeling or acting.
Body language
Music or sounds that characters cannot hear but are added for the audience’s emotional response.
Non-diegetic sound
A transition where one shot fades out as another shot fades in.
Dissolve
Sharp shadows and high contrast, adding drama and intensity.
Hard-lighting
A smooth, horizontal movement of the camera from left to right or vice versa.
Pan
When an actor changes their voice to sound happy, sad, or excited.
Tone or vocal inflection
A character's inner thoughts, shared with the audience through this technique.
Voiceover
This type of cut takes the audience from one place or time to another instantaneously.
Jump cut
Soft and warm (golden hour) or harsh and dramatic (midday sun).
Natural lighting
Shows vast landscapes or environments, setting the scene and emphasising scale. Makes characters seem small and insignificant.
Long shot
The ambient sounds in a scene, such as birds chirping or traffic noise, that add realism.
Background sound
An editing technique used to show two events happening at the same time in different places.
Cross-cutting
This shot moves towards or away from the subject, giving the impression of advancing or retreating.
Dolly shot
This sound effect is used to emphasize a particular moment, often for dramatic or comic effect.
Stinger or sound cue