Shot Types

Experimenting with different shot types and camera angles

Close-up

A close up shot is where the camera is very close up to either a character or an object. If they are used correctly they can provide a very effective atmosphere and is typically used when the director feels that the scene requires it for extra impact and effect. In addition it can also be used to display a characters emotion or facial expression. 

Extreme Close Up 

This shot type is very similar to that of the original shot type, although it does separate itself from the original via the (as suggested in the name) aspect that it is much more drastically close up. It makes itself one of the most useful shot types due to the fact that it shows character thoughts much more deeply to the regular close up.

High Angle Shot 

The high angle shot is used specifically to highlight inferiority and suggest weakness to either the character or angle that stands above it. Within the action genre, there are a lot of examples where this is used to identify a characters weakness,; typically before a fight scene. 

Low-Angle Shot

The low angle shot is essentially just the opposite of the high-angle shot. It connotes and references the fact that the smaller object in the shot is displayed as inferior. Rather than the high-angle shot the large object in focus will highlight a sense of danger and threat (typically in action and thriller). 

Long shot 

This shot type is a shot which is taken at quite a distance. This shot type is usually taken to allow the audience the chance to identify how big or small a character or object is. For example in the action genre a tank could be used to highlight the size superiority. 

Point of View Shot

This shot type is stereotypically used to display what the character or object is seeing through their point of view, and perhaps connotes what they could be thinking at that specific point in time. It can be used in the action genre to display an object and the characters intent. 

Over the Shoulder Shot 

This shot is usually taken when two characters are involved in a dialogue or sometimes an altercation of some sorts and is very effective to display both characters body language and one of the characters facial expression. This is due to the fact that this shot is expected to show one character either looking at another character or an object. 

Shot/ Reverse Shot

The shot/ reverse shot is very simple in its design yet is essential when two or more characters are engaged in a dialogue. This can be seen in the example of the 'hunger games' which is an action film and this will be able to assist when coming to make my opening sequence as my groups chosen genre is also action.

180 Degree Rule 

The 180 degree rule can be concerned as a very simple and often unlikely to cause concern when filming; but if this rule is broken then the film could become incredibly confusing and also the audience wouldn't be able to follow what is happening.  

Match on action 
Match on action is an editing technique where one shot cuts to another shot which displays the action of the character in the scene. This presents continuity within the scene and allows the audience to follow the seen smoothly.