Camera Shots/Angles Flashcards
Extreme Close Up
Description: Camera only takes in part of the face - usually the eyes or mouth. Sometimes ECU can be of the hands or objects.
Purpose: Used at moments of high emotional intensity usually when characters have to make important decisions
Close Up
Description: Camera shows face of character or an object.
Purpose: Used to show character emotion and to allow audience to connect with character. Used to show importance of an object or place.
Medium Shot
Description: camera shows character from waist up.
Purpose: Used to show character emotion but also to give audience more information as to location and what character is doing.
Long Shot
Description: Camera shows full body of camera
Purpose: Allows is to see location/what is going on. Often used for establishing shots.
Over The Shoulder Shot
Description: camera positioned on the shoulder of a character.
Purpose: Audience able to see reaction of other character, feels like we’re intruding almost on the scene.
Shot-reverse-Shot
Description: A character is shown looking at another character (often off-screen), and the the other character is shown looking back at the first character. Since the characters are shown facing in opposite directions, the viewer assume that they are looking at each other.
Purpose: Allows audience to see reaction of each character. It’s a skit about balance. Doesn’t allow us to side with one character- gives both perspectives.
Low-Angle Shot
Description: camera positioned below character, place or object.
Purpose: Made to make character, places or objects look big and powerful. Distorted true size. Often used for hero characters.
High Angle Shot
Description: Camera positioned above character, place or object.
Purpose: Made to make character, places or objects look small and vulnerable. Distorts true size. Often used when heroes are in jeopardy or to make villain look weak.
Canted/Tilted/Dutch Angle Shot
Description: camera positioned to the left or right of the action.
Purpose: Used to denote disequilibrium/imbalance. Often used in scenes where characters lose control or something strange is happening.
Bird’s Eye Shot
Description: camera elevated above action-view looks like it could be a bird flying overhead.
Point-of-View Shot
Description: Camera is positioned as a character in the story
Purpose: Allows audience to put themselves in shoes of character, to experience what they are experiencing.
