Fundamental Types of Shots

Visual Adjectives for Movies

All shots are visual adjectives for framing your subject and ideas

Set up each shot to create emphasis on something in the frame.

Use these to create mood, feeling, convey an idea, highlight something.

Include these shots when creating pre-production plans to help craft your idea.

XCU

Extra Close Up

This shot shows:

Detail Makes a point Emotion Highlights

Subject

CU

Close Up This shot shows: Emotion Some detail Importance on something Emphasis is on Subject Does not reveal all of

Subject

MS

Medium Shot This shot shows: Connection of Subject to setting Reveals more of Subject Emphasis is on Subject Does not reveal all of Subject

WS

Wide Shot This shot shows: Subject is fully revealed Emphasis on Subject in

setting Good for action

XWS

Extra Wide Shot This shot shows: Emphasis is on

setting instead of Subject

Good for action Good for Master

Shot

2S

Two Subjects This shot shows: Emphasis on 2 Subjects Connection/Interaction Best used with Composition

Techniques & combined with other types of shots

3S

Three Subjects This shot shows: Three Subjects in frame Connection/Interaction Best used with Composition

Techniques & combined with other types of shots

OTS

Over The Shoulder This shot shows: Subject connecting with

something (person, thing) Emphasis is on Subject

Shot Rules

Always use a variety of shots.

Select your shots like words for writing. Construct meaning by using the right shot to get your idea across to the viewer.

Avoid putting the same type of shot next to each other. Keep it interesting and mixed with purpose.

5 Camera Shot Rules

1. Always use a tripod

2. Use a variety of shots

3. Use the best shot for what you want to emphasize in a scene.

4. Avoid zooming while recording. Use a different type of shot instead.

5. Always use Rule of Thirds and combine Composition Techniques in a shot.