Camera shots/angles/movements

Camera shots/distance:

Extreme long shot/establishing shot: This shot is usually outside.  It establishes the time and location to the audience.

Long shot: This allows the audience to see the character from head to toe.  It shows the relationship between the character and the environment they are in.

Mid shot: This enables the audience to see the character from waist up.  This shot familiarizes the audience with the character because it shows more detail of the character than a long shot.

Two shot: This shot has two characters in it.  It shows the relationship between the two and the action that they are in involved in.  Usually used in chat shows.

Close up: This shot shows the head and shoulders of the character.  It allows the audience to see the characters emotions.  Also, it can be used to show a significant object to the narrative.

 

Extreme close up: This shot draws the audience in.  It is an intense shot as you can only see the character and no background or other characters.

Camera angles/movement:

High angle: When the audience views the subject from above, looking down. Often used to create a sense of scale – the position suggests subjects look small/vulnerable.

Low angle: The opposite of a high angle shot, we look up at a certain subject creating a feeling of importance or foreboding.

Eye level shot: An eye level shot familiar with soap operas. We view the scene as spectators, as if we are actually there in the programme which gives a sense of realism.

 

Crane shot: This is where the action is filmed in a vertical direction; the camera attached to a crane. this can often add depth to a scene; as well as getting multiple characters in shot.

Tracking shot: This shot is done using a track and dolly.  When the camera tracks towards a character it serves to draw the audience into the action.  When the camera tracks away from a character it signifies the ending of the action and that the next bit of action is coming.

Sideward ‘Crab’ shot: This follows the movement of a character to allow the audience to keep pace with the action.

Zoom: This shots creates the movement of going in towards the character and moving out from the character. It can stimulate a tracking shot.

Point of view: This shot is used in reference to a close up.  It engages the audience and shows them what the characters motives are.

Arc shot: This is a full or semi-circle around an object or character/s. This allows the audience to see the full reactions of the characters and increase the intensity of the narrative.

Tilt shot: This is the movement of the camera either up or down on an axis. An upward tilt usually conveys power or status; and mixed with a point of view shot can show how a character perceives another character in terms of authority.

Panning shot: This is where the camera is mounted on a tripod and moves from left to right. Used with a point of view shot, it can be used to show a character searching a room.