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Shot Types Explained: A Filmmaker's Guide

The document defines and provides examples of various shot types used in filmmaking including: 1) The establishing shot establishes the location of a new scene using an extreme long shot. 2) Shot types like long shots, medium shots, and close-ups frame different parts of the subject and influence the viewer's interpretation. 3) Angles, framing, depth, and revealing versus hiding information can create meaning, set expectations, and manipulate viewer emotion.

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33 views18 pages

Shot Types Explained: A Filmmaker's Guide

The document defines and provides examples of various shot types used in filmmaking including: 1) The establishing shot establishes the location of a new scene using an extreme long shot. 2) Shot types like long shots, medium shots, and close-ups frame different parts of the subject and influence the viewer's interpretation. 3) Angles, framing, depth, and revealing versus hiding information can create meaning, set expectations, and manipulate viewer emotion.

Uploaded by

huntnr
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

A Glossary of Shot Types

 The establishing shot is an EXTREME LONG SHOT which


reveals the location of a new scene.
 The LONG SHOT shows all of a fairly large subject (i.e. a
person) and usually much of its surroundings.
 A shot which shows the human figure from the waist up is
called the MEDIUM SHOT or MID-SHOT.
 A shot that frames the figure from chest height is often
referred to as a MEDIUM CLOSE UP.
 The Two Shot is simply any shot where you are including only
two characters, usually in a Medium Shot or Medium Close
Up framing.
 The CLOSE UP shot of a person shows just the head and neck
area but it can also be used as a CUTAWAY (or INSERT) to
show a vital piece of information.
 The EXTREME CLOSE UP shows a small part of the scene
in great detail so that it fills the screen.
 The shots you choose will have an influence on the way your
viewer will interpret the scene.

Storyboards are used


to develop an
interesting variety of
shots
 A CLOSE UP will give you a much more intimate feel to
your scene as it allows us to see the emotion on someone’s
face.
 You can create meaning through using different angles of shot.
Look at the shot below. How does it make you feel? What are
the connotations produced by this angle?

• Danger
• Threat
• Strength
• We are in a vulnerable position
 The shots below were taken from a High Angle or Birds-Eye
View. What effect does this create for the viewer? What are
the connotations?
 Framing the shot with an uneven horizon is known as a
Canted Shot or ‘Dutch’ and can create an unsettling effect on
the viewer.
 OVER THE SHOULDER SHOTS have become
conventionally used in dialogue sequences. The amount of
shoulder/head included in the frame can provide varying
connotations as to the characters’ relationship.
 Scenery and other items can be used as a framing device to
draw attention to an important element or character within the
scene.
 Make use of the whole frame. This includes depth. Including
something in the foreground to your subject can create interest
and prevents your shots feeling ‘flat’.
 Initially hiding certain information from a viewer sets up
questions which you can later answer (or not). See the shots
below? What are your questions?
 Take a two minute sequence from a film of your choice and list all of the
different camera angles.

 When and why are these shots used? What effect did they create?

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