Derived from the French word cinématographe, cinematography literally means "writing in movement" and is generally understood as the art and process of capturing visual images with a c [..]

Clips Term Index 180-Degree RuleThe 180-degree rule of shooting and editing keeps the camera on one side of the action.

3-D film has a three-dimensional, stereoscopic form, creating the illusion of depth.

An aerial shot is typically made from a helicopter or created with miniatures (today, digitally), showing a location from high overhead.

Aspect ratio refers to how the image appears on the screen based on how it was shot–the ratio of width (horizontal or top) to height (vertical or side) of a film frame, image, or screen.

Black-and-white film contains an emulsion that, when processed, changes colors into various shades of gray.

Camera angle refers to where the camera is placed in relation to the subject of the image.

Camera movement refers to the actual or perceived physical movement of the camera apparatus through space.

A canted angle is when the camera is tilted, usually to suggest imbalance, transition, or instability.

Cellulose nitrate was the original transparent material used as a base for film, which was then coated with light-sensitive emulsion.