Broadway Masterclass

Film Shot Sizes

These are some of the most commonly used shot sizes. A variety of shot sizes can be edited together to create different dynamics during a scene rather than just showing the action from a single perspective. The size of the subject in frame depends on two things: the distance the camera is away from the subject and the focal length of the camera lens. Extreme Close-up An extreme close-up shot focuses on a single facial feature such as lips and eyes. Can be used to give dramatic effect to a gesture.

Close-up A close-up shot is usually from above a person's chest or the nape of their neck to just slightly above the top of their head.

When framing an actor in a close-up give them some breathing room. Breathing room puts more space in front of the actor's face in the direction they are looking or talking than behind them. If you don't allow this space the shot will have a claustrophobic feel to it. Donʼt centre a head in the middle of the frame unless it's a news reporter talking into the camera. Centring someone in the middle of the frame creates an awkward composition and creates an off-balance feeling to the shot.

Medium shot A medium shot usually shows a character from belly button to slightly above the actor's head. A medium shot is more intimate than a wide shot but provides more breathing space for the actor than a close-up. It's also used when you have an actor holding or interacting with something in the frame.

Wide Shot A wide shot is commonly used as an establishing shot to give the audience a sense of locality. It can also be used to give the actors room to move within a shot without the camera having to follow them. Medium shots and close-ups are often cut into a wide shot for variation.

Two Shot A two shot form of a medium shot that has two actors standing or sitting next to each other. A two shot can save time and money when you have a dialogue scene between two actors by having them both in the frame as they carry on their conversation. The audience diverts their attention to each actor as they speak, instead of having the camera cut to individual shots of each actor speaking.

Over-the-shoulder Shot An over-the-shoulder shot is where one actor's back or profile is closer to the camera than the other actor facing the camera. This type of shot is often used when two characters are having a conversation and will generally follow an establishing shot that helps the audience place the setting the characters are in.