Research into fILM/ Camera angles/ shots

RESEARCH INTO CAMERA ANGLES/ SHOTS

THE AERIAL SHOT

The aerial shot is filmed from the air and is often used to establish a location (Usually exotic and/ or picturesque)

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THE ESTABLISHING SHOT

This shot is at the head of the scene and establishes the location; the action is set on, whilst also setting the tone of the scene (s) to come. It usually follows directly after an aerial shot in the opening of films/ and is used by TV Directors.

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THE CLOSE UP

This is the most crucial component in cinematic story telling and is arguably an actor’s most important moment on camera. The close up shot is usually framed from above the shoulders and keeps only the actor’s face in full frame, capturing even the smallest facial variations.

As it eliminates any surrounding elements that may be relevant to the scene’s narrative/ as it shapes the story.

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THE EXTREME CLOSE UP

This shot is traditionally used in films and focuses on a small part of the actor’s face or body, to convey intense and intimate emotions. This unnaturally close view is used to depict subtlest movement or details that need to be justified in the dramatization and boldness of that particular scene.

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THE MEDIUM SHOT

Also referred to as a ‘ semi – close shot’ or ‘mid- shot’, the medium shot is generally shots the actor (s) from the waist up and is typically used in dialogue scenes. It aims to capture subtle facial expressions combined with their body language or surrounding environment that may be necessary to provide context.

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 THE DOLLY ZOOM

            This shot sees the camera track forward from the actor whilst simultaneously zooming out, or vice versa, so the foreground generally stays the same while the background increases or decreases across the frame.

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THE OVER THE SHOULDER SHOT

This is where the camera is positioned behind a subject’s shoulder and is usually used for filming conversations between two actors. This popular method helps the audience to really be drawn into the conversation and helps to focus in on one speaker at a time.

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THE LOW ANGLE SHOT

The low angle shot films from a lower point and shoots up at a character or subject, making them appear larger so as to convey them as heroic, dominant or intimidating.

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THE HIGH ANGLE SHOT

The high angle shot films from higher point and looks down on the character or subject, often isolating them into the frame. It aims to portray the subject, often isolating them in the frame. It aims to portray the subject as submissive, inferior or weak in some way.

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THE TWO SHOT

This is a medium shot that shows two characters within the frame. It can be a pivotal moment in establishing relationships between the characters.

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THE WIDE OR LONG SHOT

The wide shot normally frames the subject form the top of their head to their feet whilst capturing their environment. This shot is typically used to establish the setting of the scene and focuses more on characters/ actors and the contextual relationship within their surrounding.

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THE MASTER SHOT

Identifies key signifiers like who is in the shot and where it’s taking place.  The master captures all actors in the scene and runs the entire length of the action-taking place.

This allows for other smaller shots like the close-ups shot or medium shot to then be interwoven into the master, showcasing different camera angles of the same scene.

It’s usually the first scene to be filmed so by choosing a physical action that can be easily repeated throughout multiple takes can ensure the actor gets major brownie points from the director.

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