Shot Types Overview

There are many different shot types and they can, if used correctly, provide the audience with signifiers relevant to the film.


Extreme Long Shot (ESL): An extreme long shot is a shot from a great distance. This is usually used as an establishing shot at the start of a film, but is also sometimes used at other stages in a film. It's purpose is usually to provide exposition to the audience of the setting.


Long Shot (LS): A long shot has all of the subject in frame. Using a person as an example, a long shot would show his feet at the bottom of the frame and the top of his had at the top of the frame.


Medium Long Shot (MLS): A medium long shot of a person would have his knees at the bottom of the frame and the top of his head at the top of the frame.


Medium Shot (MS): A medium shot would go from the waist of a person to the top of their head.


Medium Close-Up (MCU): A medium close-up would go from the chest of a person to the top of their head. This would be a good shot to use when showing a person talking.


Close-Up (CU): A close-up shot would go from a persons shoulders to the top of their head. This can be used effectively to show a character's expression.


Extreme Close Up (ECU): An extreme close-up gets close in to show a detail, such as eyes. This can be used to direct the audience's attention to an important part of the mise-en-scene.


Point of View (POV): A point of view shot shows the view of a character. This was used a lot in Peeping Tom and can be used to make the audience feel like it is their view and not the characters.


Two Shot: A two shot shows to important characters in the same shot. It can be used to show that the two characters are in some way connected or can be used when the characters are interacting with each other.


Over the Shoulder Shot: An over the shoulder shot looks at a subject from over a different characters shoulder. It is usually used when the character facing in the direction of the camera is talking to the other character.


Low Angle Shot: A low angle shot is taken from a low angle looking up at a subject. It is best used for making the subject look powerful and dominant, which can be good for showing a killer.


High Angle Shot: A high angle shot is taken from a high angle looking down on a subject. This can make the subject look weak and vulnerable, which would be good for showing a victim.


Dutch Tilt: A dutch tilt is when the camera is tilted slightly so the horizon is at an angle. This can create the feel that something isn't right and makes things feel uneasy.


They are the main shot types that we will be using, other's include crane shots and helicopter shot, however we obviously can't use them.