Shot type screenshotsCharlie Landsborough

Over the shoulderAn over the shoulder shot is a shot of someone or something taken from the perspective or camera angle from the shoulder of another person. The over the shoulder shot is used in these trailers because it allows you to see the characters perspective which naans the audience experiences what the character is experiencing so makes the scene more immersive. In these trailers the OSS is used to establish a setting for example in prisoners we feel like we are stood behind the detective as he walks into a house, making it feel like the audience is walking in with him.

Establishing shot An establishing shot is usually the first shot of a new scene, designed to show the audience where the action is taking place. In these trailers its effective for establishing a new location and is a very informative shot that allows the viewer to know exactly where the characters are. Establishing shots can also be used to symbolise change in the film, for example in prisoners the use of a establishing shot on the villains house represents that he has been caught and this informs that action will be taking place within this house. Although in ‘The Resident’ the establishing shot is to simply let the audience know the film is set in an urban area.

Medium close-upThe medium close-up is half way between a mid shot and a close up. This shot shows the face more clearly, without getting uncomfortably close. This allows the audience to get a really clear view of a characters facial expression whilst allowing to see the location the characters location more clearly but not making it a focal point of the shot which is important in trailers because its important not to give away to many clues of locations in scenes but at the same time don’t want to confuse viewers. For example, in ‘prisoners’ the medium close up is effective in representing the characters angered, depressed facial expressions and these facial expressions are supported by the background because it’s a snowy area which helps the audience gather ideas to why he’s looking sad.

Low-angle shotThe low-angle shot is a shot from a camera angle positioned low on the vertical axis, anywhere below the eye line, looking up. This shot is used in horror trailers to make a character look strong and powerful and these shots are commonly used for villains to suggest them as powerful or to inform the viewer they are a villain and to make the viewer feel less dominant than the character which can perhaps create an idea of fear for the viewer. For example in ‘Stonehearst Asylum’ the low angle shot is used to show the villain standing over the viewer pointing a gun towards them, this makes the viewer feel vulnerable and over powered by the villain which helps emphasise a fear for the villain.