Film (visual) Tools

Tool	Definition
Framing	Describes the use of the edges of the image, as well as vectors within the image or shot, to direct attention, exclude elements, connect or separate participants, etc. and to what effect.
Lighting	The use of light to draw attention to (or away from) objects in a photograph or scene.
Offer and Demand	A description of whether or not a participant in an image makes eye contact with the viewer, and to what effect.
Perspective	The angle with which the camera shoots the image or action, both up and down, and side to side.
Social Distance	How close or far the camera is to the participant, and the consequent social effect of that distance.
Character	A description of the behavior, appearance, and personality of a particular person within a film. Also includes common character types.
Camera Work	In film, this includes not only framing, perspective, and social distances, but also a description of the movement of the camera.
Dialogue	Not only what a character says, but also how he or she says it.
Editing	In film this refers to the way individual shots are put together in a sequence, including their length, continuity, and tempo.
Genre	The type of image or film you are working with, the expectations views may bring to it, and the typical effects it may have on the viewer.
Mise-en-scene	The material composition of a film scene, including props, costumes, placement of characters, lighting, and the overall atmosphere of the scene.
Point of View	The viewpoint viewers as asked to take on as they view a shot or a scene.
Sound	Includes not only dialogue, but also sound effects, music, and silence. Used to create a mood, signal certain characters, etc.