shot sizes - futurelearn · an eye level shot is filmed at the character’s eye level. filming...

www.intofilm.org Teaching Literacy Through Film

Extreme long/Wide shot

The terms long shot and wide shot are used interchangeably. Also known as an establishing shot when used at the start of a film or scene. Shows the full body in relation to their surroundings. Used to contextualise the character within their surroundings.

Long shot

Shows the full length of the body from feet to top of head. Used to show a character in relation to their surroundings.

Medium long shot

Shows the body from mid thigh to top of the head. Used for facial expression and showing the character in relation to their surroundings.

Shot sizes


Mid shot

Shows the character from waist to the top of the head. Used for facial expressions in combination with body language.

Close up

Shows the character from the shoulders to the top of the head. Used for capturing character’s facial expressions.

Extreme close up

Where an object, item or body part fills the film frame. Used for heightening emotion.

Shot sizes


Top shot/Bird’s eye view

A bird’s eye view shot is filmed from above the characters. Filming from this angle can give the audience an overview of setting.

Eye level

An eye level shot is filmed at the character’s eye level. Filming from this angle is usually a neutral position and allows the audience to become comfortable with the characters.

Camera angles

High angle

A high angle shot is filmed from above eye level. Filming from this angle may make your character appear smaller or more vulnerable.


Low angle

A low angle shot is filmed from below eye level. Filming from this angle may make the character appear larger or more powerful.

Worm’s eye view

A worm’s eye view is filmed from ground level, looking up at the character. Filming from this angle creates a dramatic effect.

Camera angles


Tracking

The camera moves backwards, forwards or sideways along a track (also known as dolly or truck).

Panning

The camera moves left or right from a fixed point on a horizontal plane (similar to a person turning their head to look left or right).

Tilt

The camera moves from a fixed point on a vertical plane (similar to a person raising their head to look up or lowering their head to look down).

Camera Movements


Handheld

The camera is held by a moving camera operator. Can result in shaky footage.

Steadicam

The camera, steadied by weights, is attached to a camera operator to produce a smoother shot than handheld.

Crane

The camera is attached to a crane or jib to capture sweeping or extreme high angle shots.

Camera Movements


Sequencing activity


Still number Shot type Suggested sentence

Shot List


Line Shot title Shot notes/description

Poetry Shot List


Predictive writing – Primary


Predictive writing – extended writing template


Predictive writing – sentence starters

Focus on using sentence starters and connectives

First

Next

Then

shot sizes - futurelearn · an eye level shot is filmed at the character’s eye level. filming...

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