— The FRAMING or the LENGTH of shot

— The ANGLE of the shot

— If there is any MOVEMENT involved

THE CAMERA’S CLOSENESS TO THE OBJECT.

MEDIUM

SHOT

Definition How its used

Contains a figure from the knees/waist up and is normally used for dialogue

scenes, or to show some detail of action. Background detail is minimal

because location has been established earlier in the scene - the audience

already know where they are.

This is a medium shot. The main focus is the character

and the background is secondary this is because we

have already established where we are. This could also

be used to highlight the strength and/or weaknesses of

the main character.

EXTREME CLOSE

UP

Definition How its used

This is a very close shot

showing the detail of an

object or the physical

features of a person.

This is used to focus on the detail of a particular shot, such as the marks on a mans face or a persons

clothing. The is often used to make the audience feel uncomfortable as the character is all up in your face. Most extreme close ups focus on a persons eyes to show intensity or their focus on a particular thing.

CLOSE

UP

Definition How its usedThis shot shows

very little background and just concentrates on one specific thing closely.

A close up shot is used to show the emotions of a particular character so the audience can relate to their emotions. A close up shot would often be used to give a subject matter for example giving a close up of a badge

to connote military work.

LONG SHOT

Definition How its used

The camera is placed far

away to capture a

large area of view.

A long shot is used to show the whole picture of a scene. A long shot wont give you great detail about one particular

thing but it will give you a good picture of everything within the scene.

POINTOF

VIEW SHOT

Definition How its used

A simple shot of what the character (or object) sees. We as the audience get a glimpse of what the character is looking at.

The point of this shot is to create the effect that your are in that persons situation so they can really relate to what they are seeing.

OVER THE SHOULDER

SHOT

Definition How its used

A shot with an actor’s shoulder in the foreground.

This shot is used to show to relationship between both characters. As well as the depth of the conversation in which they are having.

REACTION SHOT

Definition How its used

A shot showing one or more characters reacting to an action or statement.

This shot is used to show the great detail in a

characters emotions. The purpose of this is to

provoke a reaction as if a character is viewed

screaming it will build tension in the scene.

THE CAMERA’S HEIGHT FROM THE GROUND

BIRDS EYE

VIEW

Definition How its used

This shows a scene from

directly overhead, a

very unnatural

and strange angle.

This is used to show everything on the ground such as the amount of people there. This is often used to make

everything below look insignificant.

HIGH ANGLE

Definition How its used

Not so extreme as a

bird's eye view. The camera is elevated

above the action using a crane to

give a general

overview.

This is used to show the surroundings of the characters and to go into particular detail such as blood on the

floor or dead bodies.

EYE LEVEL

Definition How its used

the camera is positioned as though it

is a human actually observing a scene, so that eg actors' heads are on a level with the focus. The camera will

be placed approximately five to

six feet from the ground.

LOW ANGLE

Definition How its used

the camera is positioned below the

object or people being shot.

DUTCH TILT

Definition How its used

The camera is tilted so that on screen, the

horizon appears to be tilted.

TILT UPDefinition How its used

the camera looks up at the objector people

being shot.

The effect of this shot is to show someone or something from an upward angle to

make it look more superior and powerful, towering above the viewer.

TILT DOWN

Definition How its used

the camera looks down on the objector people

being shot.

This is used to make the character focused on screen seem to be inferior and venerable as he is being viewed

downwards, he is the smaller figure.

PANDefinition How its used

The camera moves across the scene FROM

SIDE TO SIDE (move your head from left to right – this is panning)

This provided the viewer with the information on a setting or a scene,

following a shot along. It should be smooth not jerking along providing details on a

scene.

TRACKING

Definition How its used

A tracking shot and a dolly shot have the

same effect. A tracking shot moves on tracks and a dolly shot is mounted on a

trolley.

This shot is used to show a characters journey as they are moving along. This is used to create a scene in fast motion to

build tension. E.g. Skyfall and the motorbike scene.

ZOOMDefinition How its used

Zooming means altering the focal

length of the lens to give the illusion of moving closer to or

further away from the action.

Moviemakers zoom in on a object to focus on the detail of it. It is also used to create a

particular effect.

QUICKZOOM

Definition How its used

Zooming means altering the focal

length of the lens to give the illusion of moving closer to or

further away from the action.

A quick zoom is when you move closer

quickly.

ARC SHOT

Definition How its used

the camera moves in a rough semi-circle around the subject.

Virtually circles a subject to keep the audience attention on the main characters

as well as showing more detail.