Shot Types

 Hi everyone! I noticed that I always start my blogs with "hey guys", so I wanted to say something different idk :P

So today I wanted to do some research on shot types. This is because I think it's important for me to know my options before doing a storyboard. This way, I can understand how each can create different effects and meanings, and have better quality on my piece. I love experimenting with and researching different shots, it's fun! 

Establishing shot

- sets up context for the scene, used a lot at the beginning of a piece.

- Establishes setting, time, relationship, etc.

- provides context without having to specifically state it

For example, in Edward Scissorhands (1990), there is an establishing shot of the abandoned house in the neighborhood. It helps establish that the character might go in there and the story will start taking place in that area.

Extreme Long Shot

- used as establishing shot a lot

Life of Pi (2012)

 The ELS helps show how Pi is in the middle of nowhere, but simultaneously how nowhere can be beautiful.

Wide Shot

- Subject fills the frame.

- entire body. 

- helps to show movement and establish emotions ( mostly in the case of agression and anger, but could also show happiness through a person jumping around, for example)

In this scene from Up (2009), the wide shot lets viewers see how the couple is interacting and understand the situation happening.

Medium Shot

- from the waist up

- easier to see a person's gestures and body language while still showing some of the background.

In The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), viewers can see how the main character is happy and celebrating through this medium shot.

Close-Up

- Shoulders and up

- more intimate, conveys emotions better

The Shining (1980)

The character's psychopathic facial expressions are easily communicated to the audience in this close-up shot.

Extreme close-up

- specific subject fills frame

- helps show extreme detail

Psycho (1960)
In this scene from Psycho, viewers can see the tiny details in Marion's face. They see that she cried, and her eyes are wide open... she is dead. It makes the scene more dramatic and impactful.

Two-Shot

- Helps settling relationship

- shows equality and interaction.

Mean Girls (2004)

In this scene, viewers can see the dialogue between Gretchen and Katie. Gretchen tells Katie secrets about her life and that makes them bond. They are seen as equals now.

Over the shoulder shot

- over the shoulder of someone, 1/3 of that person is shown 

- the real focus is the other person's reactions and emotions, establishes a point of view and a relationship.

- shows dialogue.

Mean Girls (2004)

Although the shot is filmed from Katie's Classmate's shoulder, Katie is the actual focus. 

POV Shot

- Show a subject's perspective

- camera should be placed at "eye level"

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part One (2010). Shows Harry looking at his own reflection and lets viewers see his perspective.

High Angle Shot

- filmed from above a subject

- makes them seem smaller and weaker.

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory (2005). Veruca is filmed in a high angle shot to show how she's just a little child.

Low Angle

- Filmed from below

- usually used to show power over something, dominance. 

- can also represent an ethereal and powerful creature when combined with high key lighting.

The Lorax (2012). Once-Leer shows his power over nature with a low angle shot.

This is the best image I could find of what could be an ethereal low angle shot. It makes the statue look very grand and powerful.

Dutch Angle

- Camera is tilted to create a sense of confusion chaos madness, or even fantasy.

- Can also give a homemade vibe.

From American Horror Story: Asylum (2012-2013)

The Dutch angle helps transmit the confusion and crazy things surrounding Kit's reality. He needs to escape but doesn't know how.

This is it for today! This blog is going to help me a lot because now I can start thinking about my storyboard and what shots to use. Also, I just wanted to say that most of the movies and series I mentioned are great and I love them! Anyways, I am going to start working on my story outline and character design. See you there!

Sources:

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/close-up-shot/

https://unsplash.com/photos/T0uR_2QHous 

https://boords.com/blog/16-types-of-camera-shots-and-angles-with-gifs