NOTES ON CINEMATOGRAPHY

1. MEDIA TYPE UP LESSON 1
CINEMATOGRAPHY
SHOT TYPES/ MOVEMENTS
• When describing different cinematic shots, different terms are used
to indicate the amount of subject matter contained within a frame,
how far away the camera is from the subject, and the perspective
from the viewer. Each different shot has a different purpose and
effect.

2. ESTABLISHING SHOT
An establishing shot is usually
the first shot of a new scene,
designed to show the
audience where the action is
taking place. It can be from
distances quarter of a mile
away and more. It normally
shows the EXTERIOR. Eg.
town, outside of a building…

3. LONG SHOT
A long shot is placed far
away and typically shows
the entire object or
human figure and is
usually intended to place
it in some relation to its
surroundings.

4. MEDIUM SHOT
A medium shot sees the person
in the shot from the middle
upwards. This person is not
moving, therefore you can see
the facial expressions well.

5. CLOSE UP
A close up shot shows very
little background. It is
uncomfortable for an
audience member
watching, as it’s focused
on the person’s face to
show emotion.

6. EXTREME CLOSE UP
An extreme close up is an
extreme version of a close up,
e.g. a person’s eye if there’s a
person within the shot, and if
an object, it could signify
importance.

7. POINT OF VIEW
A point of view shot shows
what the character sees, in
their shoes. The audience
will feel like they’re the
character within the film/ tv
etc.

8. OVER THE SHOULDER
An over the shoulder shot shows
what the actor sees but from
behind them- not from their
eyes, but in the scene with them.

9. TWO SHOT
A two shot shows a
conversation/ link to a
reaction between
characters or a
hero/villain/antagonist/prot
agonist- a connection,
relationship or conflict.

10. HIGH ANGLE
A high angle shot looks
down on the action to look
superior- the observer
dominates. This shot is
usually used for a
superhero, to make them
look better than the other
characters.

11. LOW ANGLE
A low angle shot looks
up at the action from
below- therefore the
character will look
inferior.