y3 unit1 camera angles

Camera

Extreme close-up - for moments of high drama.

Close-up - for detail.

Medium shot - to give more of an idea of what a character looks like and a similar sense of setting/action to that of a close up.

Long shot - for an overview of location and/or action, or to include a crowd of people.

Point of view - refers to narrative perspective rather than a conceptual 'viewpoint'.

Possible questions

What and/or who can you see in the shot?Why is the shot composed like this?

Where do you think the camera is?Why is the camera positioned in this way?

When does the camera move from one shot to the next?

What can you tell about the time/place/setting?How does the setting/lighting contribute to the atmosphere/meaning of the shot?

What can you tell about the characters from how they are dressed?What impression is given of the characters by their costume/body language?

•Shows detail or facial expression•Shows the thoughts and feelings of a character

Close-up

•Shows one or more than one character•Not much background•Used for dialogue and relationships

Medium shot

•Used to set the scene•Shows background and the characters in full•Good for opening and closing

Long shot

•We see what the character sees•Sometimes taken over the shoulder of the character

Point of view shot

•Shot taken from above with camera pointing down towards character•Shows the character's lack of power

High angle shot

•Shot taken from below with camera pointing up towards character•Makes character look big and powerful

Low angle shot

•Shows object close up, cutting from one scene and back•Used to build suspense

Extreme close-up

The Cs and Ss

•Character•Colour•Composition•Camera•Setting•Sound•Symbol•Sequence•Story