Film Techniques
Film Techniques
Camera Composition
Camera Shots
Establishing shot or Extreme long shot
This shot is taken from an extreme distance and usually shows landscapes, cityscapes, etc.
Often used at the start of a movie.
Showing the vast surrounding.
Long shot
This shot establishes the exact location of the scene by showing subjects in their surroundings.
Full Shot
Shows a character from head to toe.
Point of full shot is to show/ bring attention to the body, body language, posture and costuming.
Medium Shot
Framing is usually set so that the top of the frame is just above the head and the bottom of the frame is just below the waist.
Most natural shot allowing the viewer to relate to the character.
Often used to introduce the character for the first time.
Close Up
Top of the frame just above the head and just below the chin.
Used to reveal character’s feelings.
Extreme Close Up
Used to reveal feelings without dialogue or to focus the viewer’s eyes on specific details.
Point of View Shot (POV)
A scene that is shot as if the viewer is looking through the eyes of the character.
Shot connects us closely to the character.
Camera Angles
Eye Level Angle
Camera is placed directly in front of the subject of the scene on the same level as the viewer.
Side Angle
Camera is placed at eye level but usually at a 45 degrees angle from the subject.
Audience views the angle but is not directly involved in the action.
Low Angle
Camera is placed below the angle and aimed up.
This angle exaggerates height and can give the impression that the subject is larger and more powerful.
High Angle
Camera is above the subject matter and is aimed down.
Effect reduces the apparent height of the subject and gives the impression that the subject is smaller, vulnerable, and less powerful.
Bird’s Eye Angle
Scenes is shot from directly above.
This is a completely different and somewhat unnatural point of view which can be used for dramatic effect or for showing a different spatial perspective.
Slanted/
Camera Composition
Camera Shots
Establishing shot or Extreme long shot
This shot is taken from an extreme distance and usually shows landscapes, cityscapes, etc.
Often used at the start of a movie.
Showing the vast surrounding.
Long shot
This shot establishes the exact location of the scene by showing subjects in their surroundings.
Full Shot
Shows a character from head to toe.
Point of full shot is to show/ bring attention to the body, body language, posture and costuming.
Medium Shot
Framing is usually set so that the top of the frame is just above the head and the bottom of the frame is just below the waist.
Most natural shot allowing the viewer to relate to the character.
Often used to introduce the character for the first time.
Close Up
Top of the frame just above the head and just below the chin.
Used to reveal character’s feelings.
Extreme Close Up
Used to reveal feelings without dialogue or to focus the viewer’s eyes on specific details.
Point of View Shot (POV)
A scene that is shot as if the viewer is looking through the eyes of the character.
Shot connects us closely to the character.
Camera Angles
Eye Level Angle
Camera is placed directly in front of the subject of the scene on the same level as the viewer.
Side Angle
Camera is placed at eye level but usually at a 45 degrees angle from the subject.
Audience views the angle but is not directly involved in the action.
Low Angle
Camera is placed below the angle and aimed up.
This angle exaggerates height and can give the impression that the subject is larger and more powerful.
High Angle
Camera is above the subject matter and is aimed down.
Effect reduces the apparent height of the subject and gives the impression that the subject is smaller, vulnerable, and less powerful.
Bird’s Eye Angle
Scenes is shot from directly above.
This is a completely different and somewhat unnatural point of view which can be used for dramatic effect or for showing a different spatial perspective.
Slanted/