uses of different shot types
DESCRIPTION
This presentation gives examples of several different shot types used in a storyboard as well as a rationale as to why they might be used.TRANSCRIPT
Using Shot Types
This presentation will teach you the purposes of various shot types when filming a project. If this is all new to you, consider visiting the following link to find out more about commonly used shot types:
http://www.mediacollege.com/video/shots/
Why do we change the shot?
The audience will get bored if you never move the camera or show them something from a new angle. Think about when you are taking a class. Do you stare in one spot for the entire period or do your eyes want to move around?
How do I plan my shots?
Use storyboarding. In this presentation, you will see a method of storyboarding that does not require any drawing skills at all. You will need:
A Camera One or more figures (artist dummies, dolls
or action figures) Some props (I made mine out of paper)
Description: Fade in on overhead shot of Boulder Meadows Golf Couse.
(V.O.) - It's a beautiful day heard at Boulder Meadows where... (continued)
Shot 1)
Overhead Shot(bird's-eye-view)
©2011 Google Map data ©2011 Google
Rationale: An overhead shot would be used here to communicate the size and luxury of the golf course. It is harder to communicate these things from an eye-level shot.
Shot 1)
Overhead Shot(bird's-eye-view)
©2011 Google Map data ©2011 Google
Description: Establish of golf course sign.
(V.O.) - … where two pros of golf square off ...
Shot 2)
Establishing Shot
Rationale: A shot here that establishes the location and event is a quick way to communicate this to the audience before beginning the action.
Shot 2)
Establishing Shot
Description: Golf pro Terry McCormack gets ready to take his shot.
(V.O.) - … in the most lucrative long drive competition of the season.
Shot 3)
Wide Shot
Rationale: With our first view of Terry, we want to see as much as possible to maintain a picture of him when we cut in for closer shots.
Shot 3)
Wide Shot
Description: A shot of Terry's signature golfball.
(V.O.) - Terry's using his special golfball given to him by his family ...
Shot 4)
Extreme Close-Up
Rationale: The golfball given to him by his family is significant to the story so we draw attention to it with an extreme close-up.
Shot 4)
Extreme Close-Up
Description: Terry, motivated by thoughts of his family, concentrates on his shot.
(V.O.) - … for good luck ...
Shot 5)
Close-Up
Rationale: If you want to show the emotion of a character and don't need any of the actions, use a close-up on their face.
Shot 5)
Close-Up
Description: Rival Barney Linden rubs hands in anticipation of win.
(V.O.) - … as Barney Linden, with the shot to beat looks eager for his prize money.
Shot 6)
Cutaway to Low Angle Medium Close-Up
Rationale: Low angle shots make characters appear more sinister. We use the medium close-up as we need both his expression and hands in the shot.
Shot 6)
Cutaway to Low Angle Medium Close-Up
Description: Terry looks to his family for support.
(V.O.) - Terry's family is in the crowd today ...
Shot 7)
Close-Up
Rationale: We need the shot to be close enough to Terry's face so that we can see where he is looking as well as his expression.
Shot 7)
Close-Up
Description: Terry's family looks on in anticipation.
(V.O.) - … hoping that he can add another trophy to their mantlepiece.
Shot 8)
Cutaway toTwo-Shot
Rationale: You are really limited in your framing options when you need to show two people. This is like a medium shot.
Shot 8)
Cutaway toTwo-Shot
Description: A bead of sweat rolls down Terry's head as he refocuses on his shot.
(V.O.) - Here is comes folks. I think that Terry's ...
Shot 9)
Close-Up(choker)
Rationale: We use this shot to push the camera into Terry's face closer than it was before to communicate the intensity of the moment.
Shot 9)
Close-Up(choker)
Description: Terry tightens grip on club. Sound of leather being gripped.
(V.O.) - … ready to take his shot.
Shot 10)
Cut-in toExtreme Close-Up
Rationale: We want to dramatize the moment by showing Terry's hands in a close-up right before we pull back for the big action shot.
Shot 10)
Cut-in toExtreme Close-Up
Description: Terry hits the ball with everything he's got!
(V.O.) - WHOAH NELLIE!
Shot 11)
Dutch TiltWide Shot
Rationale: We need the wide shot distance to see the full swing and the ridiculous tilt underscores the intensity of the action.
Shot 11)
Dutch TiltWide Shot
Description: Barney throws his hands in the air in shock.
(V.O.) - BARNEY LINDEN CAN'T BELIEVE HIS EYES!
Shot 12)
Cutaway to Eye-Level Medium Close-Up
Rationale: We switch this shot of Barney to eye-level to contrast how the audience should feel about him now (weak) as opposed to the last shot in which we saw him.
Shot 12)
Cutaway to Eye-Level Medium Close-Up
Description: Terry points as the ball goes flying out of sight.
(V.O.) - TERRY MCCORMACK WINS THE TOURNAMENT!
Shot 13)
Point of View
Rationale: Using a point-of-view shot here gives us a good idea that the camera is the point-of-origin of the ball. It helps the audience with the geography of the scene.
Shot 13)
Point-of-View
Description: Terry speaks to interviewer:
“I couldn't have done it without the support of my family.”
Shot 14)
Over the Shoulder Shot
Rationale: We want to communicate efficiently that Terry is being interviewed as well as his emotion as he speaks.
Shot 14)
Over the Shoulder Shot
Description: Terry continues to talk about his family values.
Shot 15)
Noddy Shot
Rationale: We want to cut occasionally to the interviewer while Terry is talking to avoid eye-boredom from the audience.
Shot 15)
Noddy Shot
The End
Obviously not every shot type was used in this storyboard, but it should give you a good idea about why a cinematographer might use those shots.
Resources
“Shot Types”. MediaCollege.com. Web. 2 Jul, 2011. http://www.mediacollege.com/video/shots/
All photos taken by Murray Stardom