Film Making Technique - Shot Type

Shot Types From Mr and Mrs Smith

Extreme Wide shot (EWS)/ Establishing Shot:

                                     

This type of shot goes at the beginning of a programme or movie etc to set the scene.

Wide Shot (WS)/Long Shot: 

This type of shot is used to establish who the characters are.

Medium Shot:

This type of shot is used to get an idea of body language from the character and allows the viewer to see more detail and the expression on the characters face.

Medium Close Up (MCU):

This type of shot is used to focus on expression on the characters face as well as body language. It also allows us to see the setting around the character too.

Close Up (CU):

This type of shot is used to focus on a particular character or item and the expression on the characters face and what they are seeing.

Extreme Close UP (ECU):

This type of shot is used to focus on one specific feature to emphasis to the viewer the importance of the item, character or feature.

Two Shot:

This type of shot is used to show two characters in a shot together but also to get an idea of location. It also allows us to see the relationship between the characters by how close they are towards each other.

Over the Shoulder Shot:

This type of shot is used to allow the viewer to watch what is unfolding.

Point of View Shot (POV):

This type of shot is used to show what the character is experiencing as if you were experiencing it, but from his/perspective. This shot would usually be used so that you as the viewer feel what they are feeling (almost always the main character/protagonist). It can also be used so that you can see a character's expression and clothing.

High Angle:

This type of shot is used to suggest the insignificance or lack of status a character has. It is done by the camera being placed above the actor(s).

Low Angle:

This type of shot is used to suggest the importance or strenth of a character. It is done by the camera being placed beneath the actor.

Canted Angle:

This type of shot is used to suggest imbalance and instability and it is typically used in fight sequences to show disruption of peace. It is done sometimes simply by tilting the camera so that the camera is not horizontally level with the floor. 

Pan:

This type of shot could be used to show a room. It is done by making the camera go from side to side.

Eye Level Shot:

This type of shot is sometimes used to show a conversation happening between two people, and is almost like a shot reverse shot.

Tilt:

This is from a fixed position going up and down and is usually used to show the body (language) of a model.

Shot Variation:
This is where the cameraman uses a variety of shots, one after another. For example a medium shot may come after an establishing shot and a close up may come after the medium shot.

180 Degree Rule:

This is where the camera stays on one side of the room as if there is an invisible line in the centre where they mustn't cross (the axis). The first character will be framed on the right hand of the screen and the second character will always be on the left and the camera crosses over the axis then it is called crossing the line which will mean that the characters will be on the opposite side. If you don't explain how you crossed over the line with other camera shots then viewers may become confused of the action onscreen.This type of shot is usually used after an establishing shot and may be used with over the shoulder shots as the viewer fisrt needs to establish the location and who the characters are.

Handheld:
This is where the cameraman holds the camera without the aid of a tripod for example and could be used in a chase scene to show disorientation.

Tracking Shot:
This is where the camera goes on a track or rail and is a steady action following the action and could be used following somebody walking or a car moving.

Foreground/Background:

The cameraman also needs to think about what is happening both in the scene close up and what is happening in the background too. For example you may have a good character's expression but you also need to see what or who is behind the character such as a house or an office.

Framing:

When filming you need to think about the rule of thirds (the screen is cut into 3 cross-sections) and your action/character should be at the cross-section.