1. Glossary for AS Media studies.
For each of the following terms write (or draw if appropriate!) an explanation, provide an example
and suggest an effect of the technical element. You could present your glossary as a table like the
one below or in another
Camera shots Definition Possible effect Example
Establishing shot Often a long shot Establishes the
setting and context
of the scene
Master shot Shows the entire Puts the characters
scene in context
Close-up This features very Shows the
little background and importance of what
concentrates on a is being shown and
face or specific detail also takes the
of mise en scéne. audience into the
mind of a character.
Mid-shot A shot showing a The audience
figure from already has
knees/waist up, its established where
normally used in they are and can
dialogue scenes. now focus on the
Background detail is characters’ dialogue
minimal and there and can view some
are variations of detail of the action.
these shots- the two
show (featuring two
figures) ,the three
shot (featuring three)
and the over-the-
shoulder.
Long shot Generally shows the Allows focus on the
image as ‘life-size’. It characters but also
includes a shot of the shows background
entire human body. detail.

2. Wide shot Gives a great view of The character’s
the entire area your entire body can be
subject is standing in. seen against the
background of his
setting.
Two-shot When two characters A very good way of
are placed in the showing a
same mid-shot. conversation and the
emotions/feelings of
each character.
Aerial shot Usually done with a Makes the character
crane, shows insignificant.
everything to view
from that position.
Point of view shot What a character Puts the audience
sees- through their into the characters
eyes. shoes; heighten the
intensity of a
scenario.
Over the shoulder A shot of Common when two
shot someone/something characters are
taken from the having a discussion.
perspective from the It helps to establish
shoulder of another the position of each
person. person and view
someone from the
other person’s point
of view.

3. Camera angles Definition Possible effect Example
High angle Not as extreme as The object/
bird’s eye view. The character often gets
camera is usually swallowed by their
elevated (by a crane setting, becoming
commonly.) part of the wider
picture.
Low angle A shot taken below Increase height and
or pointing upward give a sense of
towards a subject. speeded motion.
Canted angle The camera is tilted. Suggests imbalance,
transition and
instability.
Camera Movement Definition Possible effect
Pan A horizontal rotation of the Gives a clear sense of speed
camera from a fixed point and/or motion.
(tripod).
Tilt A movement, which scans a Gives a sense of height/ full
scene vertically. picture of subject from top to
bottom or vice versa.
Track The camera moves in the same Allows audience to follow the
direction of the subject and subject.
follows it.
Dolly The camera is placed on a Portrays smooth movement
moving special vehicle and
follows the character/ subject.
Crane Dolly shots in the air effectively. Can signify the end of a film or
Camera can move up, down, scene.
left, right, swooping or move
diagonally.
Steadicam Offers the flexibility and Displays free flowing

4. freedom of a handheld camera movement.
but reduces shakiness.
Handheld When the camera is being held Can make the audience aware
by a human operator. of the human operator as it’s
invariably shaky.
Zoom Changing the focal length of the Makes the subject appear
camera lens. closer.
Reverse Zoom A single shot that moves away Can be used to dislocate the
from the subject. audience as well as allowing
more focus on surroundings as
well as the subject.