the language of film

aerial shot

A camera shot filmed from an airplane, helicopter, blimp, balloon, kite or high building (higher than a crane).

bridging shot

A shot that connects one scene to another by showing a change in time or location. A bridging shot can also be used to connect two shots from the same scene by using a close-up, distant pan or different camera angle thus relating the shots via content.

caption

See titles.

close-up

A shot in which a smallish object (e.g. the human head) fits easily within the frame

crane shot

A shot in which the camera rises above the ground on a mobile support

framing

The size and position of objects relative to the edges of the screen; the arrangement of objects so that they fit within the actual boundaries of the film.

long shot

A shot in which a large object (e.g. a complete human figure) fits easily within the frame

overhead shot

A shot looking down vertically on the action from above.

passing shot

A shot producing a projected image that travels quickly across the screen, either by moving the subject past a stationary camera or by panning the camera past a stationary subject

zoom	The effect of rapid movement either towards or away from the subject being photographed, either by using a specialized zoom lens or by moving the camera on a boom, crane or dolly. Zoom effects can also be achieved and enhanced by the use of an optical printer.