1. Camera Shots and movements
Establishing Shots - First shot establishes where you are. An extreme long shot or
wide angle can be used to show the location, scene setting and gives the audience
key information which helps the viewer understand.
Wide shot – This is a broad shot, showing perhaps the set or externals- to emphasise
size, scale and the dramatic.
Crane Shots / Dolly shots - Gives you lots of versatility and you make smooth Ariel
shots. Like a dolly, but from a higher point in the air.
Ariel /Birds eye Shot – Could be transitioned in from a crane shot, filmed from a
helicopter or a drone. Often used at the beginning of the filmto establish where
everyone is and used to show a wider perspective.
Close Up – Forcing the audience to look in a particular place. Focusing the audience’s
attention to his particular object of person. It can be used to portray emotions.
Extreme Close Up – Generally magnifying beyond what the human eye would
experience in reality. Could be used to show a tear, or a single drop of sweat etc.
Point of View (POV)- The audience is put in the situation, Seeing through the eyes
of the actor. Putting the viewers in the scene to give them a sense of the intended
emotion.
Subjective POV/ Over the shoulder – We see what the actor sees, but not through
their own eyes. Putting them in the scene, but as an accomplice to the action.
Two Shot – Shows conversation/link or reaction between characters. Shows a
connection, relationship or conflict.
Shot/Reverse Shot – A character is shows looking at another character (normally of
scene) and then the other character looks back at the first character. As both
characters are shown to be looking in opposite directions, the viewer assumes that
they are looking at each other.
Movement/Pan - A movement which scans horizontally. The camera is paced on a
tripod, which operates as a stationary axis point as the camera turns. Often following
a moving object kept in frame.
2. Tilts – A movement which scans a scene vertically, otherwise similar to a pan. Used
in comedies to emphasise size or for dramatic effect.
High Angle – From the bottom up. Giving information about the character. Showing
the character is weak, low importance or small.
Low Angle – From the above. The opposite of a high angle, emphasises the character
is strong, large and higher importance. Inferior to the others.
Dolly Shot/ Tracking Shot – The camera physically moves, on a track or a dolly (a
machine with wheels). Camera is placed on a moving vehicle to more, to follow an
object or following action.
Hand Held Shots – The hand-held camera can give a jerky, ragged effect. Totally at
odds with the organised smoothness of a dolly shot. Favoured by film makers looking
for a gritty realisminvolving the viewer very closely with a scene.
Zoom/Reverse Zoom – This is when the camera gets closer to or moves away from
the action quickly. A zoom lens means the camera need not be moved.
