Shot
This term refers to the continuous recording of a scene or image, from the time the camera starts to the time it stops.
Close-up shots
show a detailed view of a person or object.
Editing
The shots in a TV show are selected and arranged to help viewers understand the story, to show the passage of time, and to create a mood.
Laugh track
A recording of people laughing, used in most sitcoms, or situation comedies. TV producers believe that viewers enjoy comedies more when others are laughing.
Conflict
This is introduced at the beginning of most TV programs. Some programs juggle several of them in one episode to keep you from getting bored.
Jolts
Moments of excitement, including jokes, movements, surprising events or quick cuts, that are used to hold your attention
Cliffhanger
Scenes that end in suspense right before a commercial break.
Stock characters
An underdeveloped easily recognized type, such as the cute kid or the so-called nerd.
Stereotypes
A belief that all people of a certain group think and behave the same way.
Music
Tells you how to feel about a scene or to create a recognizable identity for a program.