2. ESTABLISHING
The main purpose of the establishing shot is to set the scene, in this case at the start of a section of the documentary
to introduce or reintroduce the audience to a location before beginning with the main content. In some cases, this
type of shot will cast a representation on the people or subjects in this part of the documentary. For example, an
establishing shot of a run down suburb will automatically cast quite a negative representation on the residents.
3. LONG/
FULL BODY
A long shot is used to denote the subject, in this case Steph who will be the presenter, as well as the close range
environment around her. One of the main purposes is to capture pieces of mise-en-scene such as clothing, makeup
and background to create a representation of the subject for the audience. For example, in this demo shot Steph’s
stylish clothing and the natural, clean background create a representation of cleanliness, which is of course quite
positive.
4. MEDIUM LONG
The purpose of a medium long shot is in effect the same as a long shot, although it is used to lessen the focus on the
background and heighten the focus on the subject. Therefore, this shot focuses more on the mise-en-scene such as
the costume, hair and makeup than a long shot, although removing whatever footwear the subject is wearing from
the shot. The representations portrayed by a medium long shot are likely to be similar to a long shot, although certain
items of clothing or alterations in background will lessen or heighten the difference between the two shots.
5. MEDIUM
The medium shot will most likely be used to depict our presenter the majority of the time as it keeps a focus on her
whilst also still keeping a decent portion of the surrounding area visible to show continuity in mise-en-scene. This shot
denotes her as the center of attention and in return representing her as the most important person in shot.
6. CLOSE UP
The main reason as to why we may use a close up is to put emphasis on an object in background footage that is
relevant to a voiceover or something that our presenter says whilst being filmed. This shot denotes one subject as
being more important than another, representing it as a more critical subject to the overall scene within the
documentary.
7. EXPERT/
INTERVIEW/
VOX POP
The expert shot is to be used for our expert interviews, likely with a 2 camera setup to show both sides of the
conversation. This is, even with one camera, used to frame the subject in a way that makes the audience think our
presenter is just off to the side of the shot and that they are the one being talked to. As a result this shot denotes the
subject as being half of the shot, representing them as integral, as they are half of the interview process.
8. OVER THE SHOULDER
An over the shoulder shot will be used to capture shots of people’s phones from over their shoulder. This will provide
a connotation of secrecy and exclusivity to someone’s information and excite the audience. However, this shot will be
used mainly as background footage to reinforce the narration or to edit statistics on top of in post production.
Because of its use no representations will likely be drawn, simply denoting that the younger people that will be a
subject of the shot use technology.
9. POINT OF VIEW
A point of view shot is used to provide the audience with the perspective of a subject. For example, Steph was holding
her phone so from her perspective, we can see the phone. It usually represents an item as belonging to the individual
or as being in their possession. If used to show the surroundings of an individual it can be used better show their
current position or at least, as the shot suggests, their point of view which may carry different connotations and
therefore representations than a third person shot.
10. HIGH ANGLE
The purpose of a high angle shot is simply to lessen the presence of the subject. The physical positioning of the camera as being
above the subject creates connotations of minority and weakness for the audience. This creates negative representations towards
the subject, allowing us as film makers to alter the representation of a specific individual or item. Therefore, this type of shot will
only ever provide a negative representation because of its disempowering properties. When used with the low angle shot, the
effects of the shot are made more prominent and therefore work to manipulate the audience more effectively.
11. LOW ANGLE
The purpose of a low angle shot is quite simple, to empower the subject. The physical positioning of the camera as
being below the subject creates connotations of superiority and power for the audience. This creates positive
representations towards the subject, allowing us as film makers to alter the representation of a specific individual or
item. Therefore, this type of shot is only ever likely to provide a positive representation. Paired with a high angle shot,
the low angle is a very powerful tool for manipulating the audience.
12. BIRDS-EYE
The purpose of a birds-eye view shot is to provide a different perspective of an environment for the user. This is an indoor
example, whereas a lot of other examples would be outside, perhaps following a car through a city. This shot usually denotes the
subject as a smaller object than in other shots, therefore creating representations of weakness or unimportance. However, in
certain circumstances, this shot can also represent the subject as investigative or quite mobile, if shown running towards their
objective. Therefore, this shot has major potential to cause a negative representation, although there is possibility for a more
positive ones to be portrayed.
