2. 3 Main Shots…
In Media, there are three main shots that describe the distance between the
camera and the subject. These are:
*Long Shot
*Medium Shot (a.k.a Mid-shot)
*Close-up Shot
These shots can show one subject or several more at the same time.
3. 1. Long Shot…
A long shot shows the whole
subject; it is often used to show
the full human figure and often
provides a clear view of the
characters/subjects surroundings.
Long shots are often used in the
Thriller openings to establish the
main character and/or subject.
*Extreme Long Shot…
An extreme long shot is often
used to show landscapes or a
whole world where the story is
set. (i.e. In a sci-fi thriller, an
extreme long shot can be used to
show a planet where the film is
set).
4. *Full Shot…
A full shot shows the full subject and only part
of the surroundings. It is a variation of the long
shot and even though they are similar, full shots
can be used to create more suspense (by only
showing part of the surroundings, the audience
will be kept guessing).
Example of a long shot, extreme long shot and full shot…
Long Shot ^ Extreme Long Shot ^ Full Shot ^
5. 2. Medium Shot…
Medium shot or Mid-shot only show the human
body from the mid-shin/mid-thigh/waist up/down .
When used on a subject (item i.e. car, building
etc.), a mid-shot shows roughly half of the subject.
It is often used to show interaction between two
characters or the relation between the
character/subjects and their surroundings.
In Thrillers, this shot is useful as it allows the
audience to see the way the character handles
situations involving other people/mysterious
circumstances which builds tension.
6. 3. Close Up…
A close-up only shows one part of the subject
(face, hand etc.) and usually in great detail. An
extreme close-up is also used to show the subject
in great detail, usually focusing on one very
specific feature (eyes, a plant leaf etc.)
In Thriller, close-ups and extreme close-ups are
used often as they allow the audience to ‘get in
the head’ of the character, allowing them to
understand the characters feelings. A close-up on
a subject can also be used to help clarify the
action going on on-screen.
7. How might these shots be
used?
In a Thriller, these shots can be used at the
beginning of a film as an establishing shot to
create tension and establish main
characters/subject/setting.
For example: *A close-up on the main
characters feet as they walk along the road –
this creates suspicion and builds mystery around
the character.
OR. *A long shot of a busy road or an empty
train station to establish a setting.
They can also be used to show the effect of a
persons words and/or actions on other people
in the scene in relation to the shot used.
