Shot Types/Camera Angle Research

Jump Cut

Cuts to a shot with less than 30 degrees difference in camera position (unconventional)This can happen in live studio settings, when two cameras are focused on the same person or object. Switching directly from one to the other creates a jump cut.

Cross-cutting

Cuts to a different narrative thread or character, back and forth

In this way the action can be broken up to enhance tension or the narrative.

Cutaway

Cut to a significant narrative element (eg, a bomb ticking)

This again adds to the tension of the narrative and makes the situation more entertaining to watch

Shot/Reverse Shot

Jumping from one shot to another shot and visa versa

This is usually used for filming dialogue (conversations)

Panning Shot

The camera is fixed but it swivels on a horizontal axis

This technique can be used to follow a subject or used if it's from someone's perspective

Tracking Shot

A camera fixed or a dolly and moves along a track.

This is again used to follow someone and gives a smooth glide

Graphic Match

The camera has an object in view then the camera cuts to another object of a very similar shape in the same place on the screen.

For example, an amber traffic light cutting into a rising sun; relatively same shape and colour

Eyeline Match

The character is looking in a particular direction then the next cut gives you a shot of what they see

This makes the audience go from third person perspective to first person, it includes the audience in with the situation

Long Take

A scene which has no editing for a long period of time.

This can make time seem to drag on longer than it actually has and also it can raise tension within the situation

Short Take

The opposite of a long take; a scene that has a lot of editing in a short period of time

This can make time seem to go faster than it has and this can also raise tension within a situation

Camera Angles – Low Angle

The camera is on the ground, looking up into the air.

This portrays the character as a superior figure.

High Angle

The camera is in the air, looking down to the ground

This portrays the character involved as an inferior figure.

Close Up

A shot that tightly frames a person or an object.

This makes you focus on the characters facial expression and it emphasises how they're feeling at that moment, I.e Scared, sad, angry

Long Shot

A big shot that shows a full body of character and some of the background behind them

This gives them a more dramatic effect on their appearance and it gives you a better view of their body language.

Medium Long Shot

This shot is from the top of the characters knee upwards, you can see some of the background also

This shot can be used when characters are in conversation

Extreme Close-up

This shot is usually just the characters face or a small part of their face

This shot is used to show extreme emotion such as happiness or sadness.