Continuity Editing

Axis

Axis = an imaginary line between characters that exists in the scene

180 Degree Rule

1. Axis of action - imaginary straight line between protagonists

2. It ensures spatial continuity

3. Never cross the line between the characters which then destroys the realism

30 Degree Rule

Cuts must move by at least 30 degrees to avoid a 'jump cut' or 'tangent cut' which could make the spectator confused.

Establishing Shot

A LS to delineate space and set the scene where the action takes place

Shot Reverse Shot

1. Otherwise known as 'over the shoulder shot' with CU on the protagonist

2. The shot is on the opposite end of the axis of action 

Montage

Scenes that condense a range of time and activities into a short sequence normally using music to knit the piece together. A montage in films that use continuity editing are mostly used to show a process or progression of a character or action

Spatial Axis of Action

This is where there are two different axes of action in the same setting (e.g. two different conversations at two tables in a coffee shop at the same time)

Cross-Cutting or Planes of Action

This is where a set of scenes that take place in different settings, but at the same time, are inter-cut together to create tension and excitement

Temporal Axes of Action

This is where two scenes in the same location but at different times are edited together (normally used as flashbacks)

Temporal Planes of Action

This is where you have two different settings at two different time periods

Editing Rhythm

Slow Motion

This is where the action is slowed down from real time to help add a more dramatic/unrealistic feel to the scene

                                           

Speeded Up

This is where the action is sped up to add a more comedic feel to the scene or to signal the passing of time

                                            

Editing Style (Transitions)

Straight Cut

An instantaneous cut between two shots can be used to move view within a scene or between scenes

                                           

Fade In or Out

The shot turns to or from black; signals a passing of time

Dissolve

A merging between two shots signals a passing of time

Wipe

A line wipes off one shot to the next; signals a move to a different scene

Iris

The shot shrinks in a circle to the next shot; signals a move to a different scene

                                           

Sound

Diegetic Sound

Sound that comes from the world of text (real sound, e.g. doors opening),

                                            

Sound Effects

Sounds of objects added to the ambient sound.

Non-diegetic Sound

This is sound outside the world of text (e.g.theme tunes, soundtrack).

                                             

Voice-over

The thoughts and dialogue of a character, but it is not diegetic as it is not part of the real world of the text. This can be classed under asynchronous sound, as we do not see its production.

Sound Bridge

Sound effects that we hear in one scene and carry over to the next. Alternatively, it can be a sound from the location that is being cut to, but we hear it first before the cut.

Synchronous Sound

Sound which is produced in the world of the text and can be viewed being created and produced (e.g. dialogue of someone speaking).

Asynchronous Sound

This is sound which is in the world of the text but the audience cannot see it being produced and therefore it has more significance (e.g. the sound of footsteps, but we are not shown the feet walking, we only hear it).

                                            

Contrapuntal Sound

This is non-diegetic sound which can clash with the diegetic sound we hear. The music soundtrack clashes with the tone and mood of the scene (e.g. a happy jolly pop song during a scene of violence).

                                             

Film Colour

Technicolor

Can emphasise certain colours

Black and White

Historical, realistic, the truth

Film Stock

Grainy/blotchy

Documentary style, realistic

Smooth

A natural view of the world

Lighting

High Key

Positive, happy, joyful, lots of light

Low Key

Dark, lots of shadow, mysterious and dangerous

Focus

Shallow Focus

Draws attention to a character or object in the foreground

Focus Pulls

When the foreground character or object is in focus and the lens is 'pulled' to focus on something in the background, or vice versa

Soft Focus

Creates a romantic view of character or setting

Deep Focus

All characters or objects are important

                                            

Composition

Symmetrical

An ordered setting, controlled and constructed 

Asymmetrical

A realistic natural view of the world

Lens Type

Wide Angle

Emphasises the expanse of the setting 

Normal

Normality, 'everydayness'

Telephoto

Spying on the character or object

Camera Angle

Low (looking up)

Power, authority, superiority

Eye Level

Equality between characters

High (looking down)

Weak, powerless

Canted Angle/Dutch Tilt

When the camera is slanted to the left or right to create a sense of uneasiness or distortion of reality

Shot Sizes

Extreme Close-Up

Emphasis on emotion of the character

Close-Up

Intimacy with the character or objects

Medium Shot

Normal view of a subject/person

Long Shot

Establishing the setting

Camera Movement

Tracking

Camera moves at the side of the action/character

Dolly
Camera moves freely as its fixed to a trolley like structure



Steadicam
Camera moves amid the action (attached to the camera operator)




Hand-held
Shaky use of camera (realism or documentary style)




Zoom
Camera lens focuses on action zooming towards or away from the action from a fixed point




Crane Shot
Camera moves high above the action or from a point towards the character to give an idea of where the characters are




Aerial Shot
Camera shoots from a helicopter to give a huge view of the setting

                                           

Welcome

Welcome to my blog!

In this blog I will be recording all the theory side of my media course which will include things like camera movements, lighting and sound codes, enjoy!