Shot Composition

Introduction to Shot Selection

Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition

2

The Five Basic Shots

Extreme Long Shot Long Shot Medium Shot Close Up Extreme Close Up

Extreme Long Shot Long Shot Medium Shot Close Up Extreme Close Up

Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition

3

The Extreme Long Shot (XLS)

» Also called Extreme Wide Shot (XWS)

» Subject is small in the overall image

» Establishes setting, emphasizes the background or for is used for dramatic effect/tone

» Also called Extreme Wide Shot (XWS)

» Subject is small in the overall image

» Establishes setting, emphasizes the background or for is used for dramatic effect/tone

Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition

4

Think…

» When should we use an XLS?

» What mood might an XLS establish?

» When should we use an XLS?

» What mood might an XLS establish?

Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition

5

The Long Shot (LS)» Also called the Wide Shot

» The whole subject is in frame, head to toe

» Establishes specific character with the setting

» Can be used for group shot to see interaction between characters

» Also called the Wide Shot

» The whole subject is in frame, head to toe

» Establishes specific character with the setting

» Can be used for group shot to see interaction between characters

Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition

6

Think…

» When should we use a LS?» What specific types of scenes would benefit from this shot choice?

» When should we use a LS?» What specific types of scenes would benefit from this shot choice?

Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition

7

The Medium Shot» Half of a subject’s body is in frame (waist up) » Viewer can identify body language and emotion

» Good for framing conversations and establishing relationships between people

» Involves viewer in the drama

» Half of a subject’s body is in frame (waist up) » Viewer can identify body language and emotion

» Good for framing conversations and establishing relationships between people

» Involves viewer in the drama

Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition

8

Think…

» When should we use a MS?» What can we learn about a character(s) or a scene with a MS ?

» When should we use a MS?» What can we learn about a character(s) or a scene with a MS ?

Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition

9

The Close Up» A subject’s face from the shoulders up

» Establishes expression and details; emotion

» Emphasis on subject

» Viewer identifies and connects emotionally with subject

» A subject’s face from the shoulders up

» Establishes expression and details; emotion

» Emphasis on subject

» Viewer identifies and connects emotionally with subject

Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition

10

Think…

» When should we use a CU?» What can a CU achieve that a MS cannot?

» When should we use a CU?» What can a CU achieve that a MS cannot?

Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition

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The Extreme Close Up

» Subject full face or closer or close up on specific body part or object

» Shows strong emotion, extreme details or reveals something to the viewer

» Subject full face or closer or close up on specific body part or object

» Shows strong emotion, extreme details or reveals something to the viewer

Zamore: Intro to Shot Composition

12

Think…

» When should we use a XCU?» What can an XCU achieve that a CU cannot?

» When should we use a XCU?» What can an XCU achieve that a CU cannot?