1. Camera shots:
Extreme close-upECU this is a very close shot showing the detail of an object or the
physical features of a person. To make the viewer aware of some specific detail in
the film. It can be used to heighten tension.
Close-up CU this is a shot taken of a person’s head from just above the
head to the top of the upper chest. It can also be used to film an object at close
range. It contains little or no background. This used to introduce a character and
allows the character to show emotions. It can be used to heighten tension.
Medium close-up MCU this shows the upper half of the body. The shot is taken
from the above the head to lower chest. Good for conversation between two
characters.
Medium shot MS this shows half of the body. The shot is taken from above the
head to just below the waist. This allows you to get to know the character more
closely by viewing their facial expressions and body language.
Medium long shot MLS This shows the whole person as well as some of the
background. Places the person in context.
Long shot LS this shows the whole person and other characters, but the
background dominates the shot. This allows the viewer to understand the
relationship between the characters and their environment.
Extra long shotELS this shows the landscape of the film or a barely visible
character in the distance of a background. This gives information to the viewer
about where the action is to take place. It often sets the atmosphere of a film.
Pan
Description: Shows what's to the left or right of the screen. Pg. 2.
Purposes: Reveal setting, sweep across subject wider than screen, show relationship
between two subjects.
Tilt
Description: Shows what's above or below the screen. Pg. 3.
Purposes: Reveal parts of vertical subject, useful for showing tall objects, show
relationship between parts of a subject, can add suspense or surprise.
Truck
Description: Camera physically moves to left or right around subject.
Purposes: Reveal another side of subject, add dimension, show physical relationship
between objects or subjects.
Dolly
Description: Camera physically moves toward or away from subject. Pg. 4.
Purposes: Change focus of attention from broad view to detail of subject or vice
versa. Provides sense of physically moving closer or farther from subject.
Zoom
Description: View of subject changes from tight to wide or wide to tight using the
zoom control on the lens. The camera does not move. Pg. 7
Purposes: Change focus of attention from broad view to detail of subject or vice
versa, keep size of moving subject the same in frame, reveal surroundings of subject
(zoom out). Provides sense of magnifying subject without getting physically closer
(zoom in).
Tracking
Description: Camera follows subject as they move. May involve panning, tilting, and
zooming.
Purposes: Keep subject in frame; add energy and movement to scene.
Let in/out

2. Camera shots:
Description: Camera is stationary and subject enters or leaves frame.
Purposes: Allow subject to enter or leave scene, a transition between scenes or
subjects. Let in can establish a setting and then bring attention to subject walking into
setting. Let out can be used to end a scene.
Let in & Follow
Description: Subject enters camera frame and then camera follows moving subject.
Purposes: Establish a scene and then follow action, change attention from one
subject to another, pickup pace of scene, transition between subjects.
Shift Attention
Description: Uses a pan, tilt or combination to change the main subject of a shot from
one element to another.
Purposes: Shift attention from one element in the frame to another, show physical
relationship between subject elements, follow action by changing framing when main
action changes between subject elements or show secondary activities happening
while main action occurs.