CAMERA SHOTS/ANGLES/MOVEMENTS

Basic camera shots

Establishing shot (extreme long shot)

An establishing shot is an exterior shot which establishes the time and location of the production. Any characters that are in the shot will only just be visible. This extreme long shot is an important shot used at the start of the production to provide the audience with important information regarding the setting for the storyline.





Long shot 
A long shot of a character may follow an establishing shot. A long shot often allows the audience to see the character from head to toe. The audience can therefore see the relationship between the character and the environment.



Mid shot 
A mid shot may often follow a long shot. it would provide the audience with a view of the character from the waist up. the director is enabling the audience to become more familiar with the character and their motivations in the narrative. By using a mid shot, the audience can see the facial expressions and body language in more detail.


Two shot 
A two shot is a shot with two characters in the frame. It expresses their relationship with one another and the action they find themselves in. A to shot is most commonly used in TV chat shows.



Close up 
A close up is the characters head and shoulders, with the background in frame. The focus is on the character and their emotions. A close up is used to frame an object of significance.




Point of view shot
A point of view shot can be used to show the characters viewpoint on an object or show their view on the action. The purpose is to engage the audience with the characters motives.




Extreme close up
An extreme close up draws the audience further in to the characters emotions; the attention is focused completely on the character. Using an extreme close up can be intense for the audience as it is an unfamiliar viewpoint; no action can be seen in the background.

Camera Movements

Tracking shot 

A tracking shot draws the audience into the action. Tracking out signifies the action is over, the narrative is moving on. A side ways tracking shot (crab shot) is used to follow movement of a character or object. In a tracking shot, a dolly can be used to ensure smooth movements of the camera. 

Tilt shot 
A tilt shot is the upwards or downwards movement of the camera on an axis. An upwards tilt shot is used by directors in order to create a sense of power and height. A tilt shot can be used in conjunction to a point of view shot enabling the audience to follow the characters view of the action.

Zoom 
Zoom can be used as an alternative to a tracking shot. Zoom can be achieved by adjusting the focal length of the camera. Zoom is the inwards or outwards movement to or from a character. If zoom is done correctly, it can simulate a tracking shot.



Arc shot
An arc shot is where the camera moves a full or semi circle around a character. It enables the audience to see the characters reaction and also increases the intensity of the narrative.



Crane shot 
A crane shot is when the camera is attached to a crane enabling the director to follow the action in a vertical direction.