Shot Types Research

Extreme Long Shot

Allows the audience to recognise the setting as well as the main character in the image. It puts

the character into perspective for the audience in terms of size and

therefore significance.

Long Shot

Acknowledges aspects of Mis En Scene like the head-to-toe representation of the character that is constructed through aspects like costume. Is not

normally used for establishing setting or the acknowledgement of other characters as there is little significance in having the characters at the

same level and frame.

Medium Close Up

Begins to see emotion in the characters expression. The emotion

can provoke feelings from the audience who are on the same

'level' as the character, this shot can therefore be used in emotional

parts of the narrative where the character must be understood by

the audience.

Close Up

Is used to over-exaggerated emotion and therefore the audience is drawn into the character’s personal space.

Although a close up can exaggerate emotion it can also incorporate fear or intimidation. If the audience are thrown into a stranger’s personal space they may feel out of place or odd.

Extreme Close Up

Can create a more intimate relationship between audience and character, especially if the shot is used for a characters

face. Normally these shots are used for a specific reason,

without reason the shot can become uncanny and irritating. However, most extreme close

up’s are used in order to get the audience on the same emotional

wave length as the character.

Over the Shoulder Shot

Used in conversation, these shots establish who is speaking but also

how the second character may feel about what is being said.

Reactions of the second character can be read through this shot and therefore the framing is good to introduce grey areas of debate.

The audience can firstly watch the second character react and

therefore let them influence their reaction.

Bird’s Eye Shot

In terms of power play this shot can be used to create a feeling of

in-significance or vulnerability. The audience can watch from a

‘safe’ point of view as the character is broken down to reveal their weaknesses.

High Angle Shot

The audience is put higher than the character in terms of

authority. Although character may not look weak as how they did in a Bird’s Eye Shot, they still are carrying burdens, maybe ones

that the audience can no longer sympathise with.

Low Angle Shot

Once again establishing authority this shot reverses the power play in comparison to the High Angle

Shot. The character is recognised as more powerful and therefore

is left to take control of the situation. This shot could cause the audience to feel unsafe but

possibly protected by the character who has now gained so

much control.

Establishing Shot

The Establishing shot is used to acknowledge the relationships

between different characters and how they alter in terms of their authority within a group. The

comparison between the characters within one shot will help the audience to recognise the different roles being played and how these roles are having

effects on the rest of the characters.