Shot Composition
Introduction to Shot Selection
Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition
2
The Five Basic Shots
Extreme Long Shot Long Shot Medium Shot Close Up Extreme Close Up
Extreme Long Shot Long Shot Medium Shot Close Up Extreme Close Up
Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition
3
The Extreme Long Shot (XLS)
» Also called Extreme Wide Shot (XWS)
» Subject is small in the overall image
» Establishes setting, emphasizes the background or for is used for dramatic effect/tone
» Also called Extreme Wide Shot (XWS)
» Subject is small in the overall image
» Establishes setting, emphasizes the background or for is used for dramatic effect/tone
Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition
4
Think…
» When should we use an XLS?
» What mood might an XLS establish?
» When should we use an XLS?
» What mood might an XLS establish?
Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition
5
The Long Shot (LS)» Also called the Wide Shot
» The whole subject is in frame, head to toe
» Establishes specific character with the setting
» Can be used for group shot to see interaction between characters
» Also called the Wide Shot
» The whole subject is in frame, head to toe
» Establishes specific character with the setting
» Can be used for group shot to see interaction between characters
Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition
6
Think…
» When should we use a LS?» What specific types of scenes would benefit from this shot choice?
» When should we use a LS?» What specific types of scenes would benefit from this shot choice?
Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition
7
The Medium Shot» Half of a subject’s body is in frame (waist up) » Viewer can identify body language and emotion
» Good for framing conversations and establishing relationships between people
» Involves viewer in the drama
» Half of a subject’s body is in frame (waist up) » Viewer can identify body language and emotion
» Good for framing conversations and establishing relationships between people
» Involves viewer in the drama
Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition
8
Think…
» When should we use a MS?» What can we learn about a character(s) or a scene with a MS ?
» When should we use a MS?» What can we learn about a character(s) or a scene with a MS ?
Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition
9
The Close Up» A subject’s face from the shoulders up
» Establishes expression and details; emotion
» Emphasis on subject
» Viewer identifies and connects emotionally with subject
» A subject’s face from the shoulders up
» Establishes expression and details; emotion
» Emphasis on subject
» Viewer identifies and connects emotionally with subject
Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition
10
Think…
» When should we use a CU?» What can a CU achieve that a MS cannot?
» When should we use a CU?» What can a CU achieve that a MS cannot?
Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition
11
The Extreme Close Up
» Subject full face or closer or close up on specific body part or object
» Shows strong emotion, extreme details or reveals something to the viewer
» Subject full face or closer or close up on specific body part or object
» Shows strong emotion, extreme details or reveals something to the viewer
Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition
12
Think…
» When should we use a XCU?» What can an XCU achieve that a CU cannot?
» When should we use a XCU?» What can an XCU achieve that a CU cannot?