This document provides definitions and examples of different camera shots and angles used in filmmaking, including: - Extreme long shot (establishing shot showing wide area with character in context) - Long shot (captures full body with aspects of setting) - Medium long shot (shows subject from top of legs up) - Medium close up (shows subject from below shoulders up) - Close up (shows subject from neck/shoulders up focusing on facial expressions) - Extreme close up (shows extreme detail of small area like an eye) - High angle shot (taken from above eye level to make subject seem vulnerable) - Low angle shot (taken below eye level to make subject seem powerful)

1. Angle and Shot Guide
Emma Slater, Leah Coulter
and Abbie Toynton

2. Extreme Long Shot (XLS)
Extreme long shot- also known as an establishing shot. The shot usually frames a wide
area which captures a character/person as well as mise en scene. This shot is typically
used in all forms of media. Usually at the beginning of new scenes so that audiences are
away of the location that is scene will then take place.
Example: This is an establishing shot of the film
Sinister, it sets the scene. From this we can tell
that the film is going to be a Horror genre.

3. Long Shot (LS)
Long Shot- sometimes referred to as a full shot/wide shot. This particular shot captures
the full body of the character and features small aspects of Mise En Scene for example
the setting, lightings etc. However you are not shown as much as you would in an
extreme long shot as the camera is further away from the subject.
Example: This is a long shot from a James Bond
film. We can see is full body and parts of the
Background. This particular shot shows him
Running which could indicate that this is an
Action film.

4. Medium Long Shot (MLS)
Medium Long Shot- a camera angle shot showing the subject from the top of the legs
upwards. This shot shows people interacting easily and to show some of the background
of the scene.
Example: This is an example of a medium
Long shot from the Film ‘Forrest Gump’
It shows the close relationship between the
Children, this can be seen from the positioning
Of their bodies.

5. Medium Close Up (MCU)
Mid Shot- a camera angle which features the subject from slightly below the shoulders
and up. Can be used to show two people having an in-depth conversation. Can be used
when wanting to view the persons expressions/ gestures.
Example: This is an example of a medium close up
The image shows the Joker from the film ‘The Dark
Knight’ this shot clearly captures his facial expressions

6. Close Up (CU)
Close Up- is a camera angle which shows the character from the neck/shoulders upwards.
Commonly used to capture the detail on a subjects face from this we can see their facial
expressions and can tell what type of mood they are in/ emotions they are feeling.
Example: This is an example of a close up. We
Are focused onto the face where we see all
Facial expressions.

7. Extreme Close Up (ECU)
Extreme Close Up- A camera angle that is used to show extreme detail. It is not as
commonly used as it is too close to show general reactions/ emotions as it doesn’t capture
the full face. It is normally used in very dramatic scenes to show fear/ upset etc.
Example: This is a close up of an eye which
clearly shows distress/upset. As it shows tears
Which are generally associated with sadness.

8. High Angle Shot (HAS)
High angle shot- a camera angle that is taken above the eye line of the subject. It is when
the camera tilts down onto the character. It is commonly used to make a character look
vulnerable or powerless. Can also be used to make the moment appear as more dramatic.
Example: This is an example of a high angle
Shot of Puss In Boots from movie ‘Shrek’
He appears as vulnerable.

9. Low Angle Shot (LAS)
Long angle shot- It is a shot taken below the eye line looking up on the subject. It is
commonly used to show a character as power/authority.
Example: This is an example of a high
Angle shot. The man on the left appears
To be in control and powerful.

10. Over The Shoulder Shot
Over the should shot- is a shot taken over the shoulder of one persons shoulder and shows
another person facing the camera opposite the person. It is very commonly used to show
two people having a conversation.
Example: Over the shoulder shot of Drake
And Nicki Minaj by the facial expressions
Shown and by his hand rested on her shoulder
Shows the friendship they share.

11. Two Shot
Two shot- a camera angle used to show 2 people in the frame. It is useful to show the
relationship between the two people in the frame. For example their positioning, facial
expressions, gestures etc. will indicate to the viewing their level of companionship.
Example: From this shot we can see that the
Man and the woman share a close relationship
We can see this by the positioning of their bodies
Also their facial expressions/ gestures look as if
They are about to kiss.