Distance/ Camera Shots

Distance between the camera and the subject

In general, the mid shot and close-ups are used to convey character driven scenes.

Long shot and wide shots are used to show more of the actions and themes.

Mid Shots

Commonly used shot, showing the background but still focusing on the subject. If it is a person, usually from waist upwards.

The effect of this shot is to reveal the back ground of the subject, with the constant focus of the character.Therefore, able to understand the themes and circumstances of the stage of the film.

Long Shots

Usually used as an establishing shot, to set the scene in a film. It will be of the whole body.

This enables the audience to create their own judgments on the characters from the appearance. It creates the atmosphere that will stay with the audience for the rest of the film.

Close ups

Focuses on the detail/reaction/expression of a subject. It shows the head or head and shoulders. Helps us to relate with the expression or to mark significance of an object if not human.

This enables the audience to be able to take in the appearance of the character then able to assess the expression to get a sense of the status and position of the person in the film. It can help the audience to relate to the character, depending when this technique is used, e.g. during an emotional scene.

ECU- extreme close ups

Frames small parts of the body/object. One thing and emphasises its significance it can make small things look bigger and more significant.

As this technique frames small parts of the character, it creates the significance of the part that is shown, leading the audience to believe that it is connected heavily to the film, or it can reveal a clue to what has been going on e.g. an iconic tattoo or mark on the body.

Wide Shots

Used wide angles lens. Lots and visual information for the audience to “set the scene”

This allows the audience to be able to set the scene and able to come to their own conclusions before the film has started, knowing the location and then the lighting being used will indicate the genre, being low or high key, then also the time of day, being at night it can specify the setting of the film.

Aerial Shot

Taken from a helicopter/ airplane, used for a birds eye view.The sensation flying or extreme long distance relationships.

This is shown at the beginning of a film, in order to establish setting and movement.

Point of View Shot

What the character sees, it is a first person or subjective shot. Puts audience in the hand and mind of the characters.

This allows the viewer to see the surroundings from the view of one of the characters, so you are following their story.

Over the shoulder Shot

Technique used to film conversation, used with reverse angle shot, which shows other characters dialogue.

This shows the viewer the relationship between the characters and able to see the reaction of the others in the scene.

Two Shot

Shows the relationship between the characters. It usually shows dialogue.

The effect of the shot is that you are able to see two characters and the reactions to their surroundings, and the dialogue between them both.

Establishing shot This is usually an opening shot to a new scene. This is made so that the audience know where the following scene is taking place, e.g. the establishing shot will be of a sun set, telling the audience the scene is late afternoon. It is useful after a time or location shift.

Directors these days tend to use them minimally or not at all. This is to keep the pace of the Movie/Tv Drama and to avoid boring viewers.

Master Shot The Master Shot is a single shot from beginning to end.

In filming the master shot was considered as the MOST important as it bring together crucial component elements and relationships in such a way as to allow the audience to make sense of the action follows