Different Media Angles

1. Extreme Close Up XCU
Extreme Close Up is a shot which captures a specific feature or reaction on a
person’s face. This is often done to capture the emotion that is portrayed within a
certain scene; for example, fear, happiness, rage, guilt. Or it is done to show how
each character is feeling at this specific moment in the film/ TV show.
An example of this is in ‘Shrek 3’ when Fiona tells Shrek she is pregnant. The
camera quickly zooms in and focuses on Shrek’s face to show how he is feeling. In
this particular scene Shrek is feeling worried because he doesn’t think he will
cope.

2. High Angle Shot
A High Angle Shot is a shot whereby the camera is positioned at an
angle above the object. This is used in all sorts of films, typically to
show that the characters are in danger or that they have spotted
something in the distance coming towards them. Or it could also be
done to suggest that the audience is supposed to look down on them
as they have done something bad
An example of this is in ‘Shrek’ when Donkey and Shrek go to the
tower to try and save Fiona from the Dragon.

3. Extreme Long Shot
Extreme long shots usually frame a wide area which captures a Character/
Person as well as the mise-en-scene. This is typically used in all forms of
media at the beginning of a new scene to show the audience where the film/
TV show is set.
An example of this is in Kung Fu Panda when Crane flies over the town and
the camera looks over it so we immediately know that this is where it is set.

4. Low Angle Shot
A low angle shot is a shot whereby the camera is positioned at an
angle below the object it is looking at. This is typically used in films
to symbolise the loss of power that someone has and that the
audience are looking up at them.
An example of this is in Spiderman when Peter Parker takes off his
mask and looks down. This symbolises that he is not as strong
when he isn't Spiderman.

5. Close Up
A close up is a frame where the character/ person is seen from
head to shoulder. Much like the extreme close up, the close up is
typically used to portray a character’s emotions at a certain point
so the audience can get a feel of the character’s emotions at a
certain point in the film/ TV Show.
An Example of this in Shrek when he finds out he’s having a baby,
the camera zooms in on his face so that the audience can see how
he’s feeling.

6. Two Shot
A Two Shot is a shot which has two people in it. This is typically
used to show a different bunch of people or to show that two
certain people are close and that they are friends.
An example of this is in the films Ted when the two main
characters are sitting in their flat on the sofa, discussing whether
to go out. This immediately allows the audience to recognise who
the main characters are.

7. Mid Shot
A mid shot is a shot when the character/ person is seen from head to
chest. This type shot is typically used in tracking shots so we can see the
characters hand movements and gestures in the situation.
An example of this is in the mask, as when the mask sees someone he
likes (usually a woman) the mask’s eyes will pop out and the mouth will
drop.

8. Over The Shoulder Shot
This is a shot in which we see a character over another character’s
shoulder. This is typically used in films to show the character's point of
view and to show what they are looking at.
An example of this in in Night at the Museum when the camera looks
over his shoulder and he sees the Dinosaur skeleton running towards
him. This lets the audience know what they are seeing and makes it
more realistic.

9. Point of View shot
This is a shot that is captured from a person’s point if
view. This is often done to show what they character
is seeing and it also makes the situation more
believable as it makes the audience feel like they are
really there.
An example of this is in Spirited away when the little
girl looks at her parents and they have turned into
pigs, the camera turns to her point of view to make it
seem like it’s real.

10. Long Shot
This is a shot in which a person can be seen from
head to toe. This is typically used to get a first look
at a character so that the audience can get an
opinion and a first impression of the character just
by the way they look.
This is done in Men in Black 3 when we first see
Boris (the antagonist). This is done to show what
he looks like but also for the audience to get a first
look at the villain.

11. Medium Long Shot
This is a shot in which a person can be seen from head to
knee. This is typically done to show the audience a certain
character and to again get a first impression of the character
before they speak so that the audience know what to
expect.
An example of this is in Gladiator when the protagonist is
about to fight in the Arena. This is done to show his whole
body’s movements and gestures to show how he’s feeling.

12. Medium Close Up
A medium close up shot is a shot in which you can only see the
head and shoulders. This is typically done to show a character’s
feelings as you can clearly see their face and makes it easier for
the audience to interact with them.
An example of this is in Jason Bourne when he is looking for the
papers and he hears cars pull up outside. The camera zooms in
on his face and you can clearly see that Matt Damon (Jason
Bourne) is worried about getting caught.