3. Definition
MEDIUM
SHOT
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.
4. 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.
5. Definition
CLOSE
UP
How its used
This 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.
6. Definition
LONG
SHOT
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.
7. POINT
OF
VIEW
SHOT
Definition
A simple shot of what the
character (or object) sees.
We as the audience get a
glimpse of what the
character is looking at.
How its used
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.
8. OVER THE
SHOULDER
SHOT
Definition
A shot with an actor’s
shoulder in the foreground.
How its used
This shot is used to show to
relationship between both
characters. As well as the
depth of the conversation in
which they are having.
9. Definition
REACTION
SHOT
A shot showing one or more
characters reacting to an
action or statement.
How its used
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.
12. 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.
13. HIGH
ANGLE
Definition
Not so
extreme as a
bird's eye
view. The
camera is
elevated
above the
action using a
crane to give
How its used
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.
14. EYE
LEVEL
Definition
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
How its used
19. TILT UP
Definition
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.
20. 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.
21. PAN
Definition
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.
22. 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.
23. ZOOM
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.
Moviemakers zoom in on a object to focus on
the detail of it. It is also used to create a
particular effect.
24. QUICK
ZOOM
Definition
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.
How its used
25. 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.
