Extreme Close Up XCU

Extreme Close Up is a shot which captures a specific feature or reaction on a person’s face. This is often done to capture the emotion that is portrayed within a certain scene; for example, fear, happiness, rage, guilt. Or it is done to show how each character is feeling at this specific moment in the film/ TV show.

An example of this is in ‘Shrek 3’ when Fiona tells Shrek she is pregnant. The camera quickly zooms in and focuses on Shrek’s face to show how he is feeling. In

this particular scene Shrek is feeling worried because he doesn’t think he will cope.

High Angle Shot

A High Angle Shot is a shot whereby the camera is positioned at an angle above the object. This is used in all sorts of films, typically to

show that the characters are in danger or that they have spotted something in the distance coming towards them. Or it could also be done to suggest that the audience is supposed to look down on them as they have done something bad

An example of this is in ‘Shrek’ when Donkey and Shrek go to the tower to try and save Fiona from the Dragon.

Extreme Long Shot

Extreme long shots usually frame a wide area which captures a Character/ Person as well as the mise-en-scene. This is typically used in all forms of media at the beginning of a new scene to show the audience where the film/ TV show is set. An example of this is in Kung Fu Panda when Crane flies over the town and the camera looks over it so we immediately know that this is where it is set.

Low Angle Shot

A low angle shot is a shot whereby the camera is positioned at an angle below the object it is looking at. This is typically used in films to symbolise the loss of power that someone has and that the audience are looking up at them.

An example of this is in Spiderman when Peter Parker takes off his mask and looks down. This symbolises that he is not as strong when he isn't Spiderman.

Close Up

A close up is a frame where the character/ person is seen from head to shoulder. Much like the extreme close up, the close up is typically used to portray a character’s emotions at a certain point so the audience can get a feel of the character’s emotions at a certain point in the film/ TV Show.

An Example of this in Shrek when he finds out he’s having a baby, the camera zooms in on his face so that the audience can see how he’s feeling.

Two Shot

A Two Shot is a shot which has two people in it. This is typically used to show a different bunch of people or to show that two certain people are close and that they are friends.

An example of this is in the films Ted when the two main characters are sitting in their flat on the sofa, discussing whether to go out. This immediately allows the audience to recognise who the main characters are.

Mid Shot

A mid shot is a shot when the character/ person is seen from head to chest. This type shot is typically used in tracking shots so we can see the characters hand movements and gestures in the situation.

An example of this is in the mask, as when the mask sees someone he likes (usually a woman) the mask’s eyes will pop out and the mouth will drop.

Over The Shoulder Shot

This is a shot in which we see a character over another character’s shoulder. This is typically used in films to show the character's point of view and to show what they are looking at.

An example of this in in Night at the Museum when the camera looks over his shoulder and he sees the Dinosaur skeleton running towards him. This lets the audience know what they are seeing and makes it more realistic.

Point of View shot

This is a shot that is captured from a person’s point if view. This is often done to show what they character is seeing and it also makes the situation more believable as it makes the audience feel like they are really there.

An example of this is in Spirited away when the little girl looks at her parents and they have turned into pigs, the camera turns to her point of view to make it seem like it’s real.

Long Shot

This is a shot in which a person can be seen from head to toe. This is typically used to get a first look at a character so that the audience can get an opinion and a first impression of the character just by the way they look. This is done in Men in Black 3 when we first see Boris (the antagonist). This is done to show what he looks like but also for the audience to get a first look at the villain.

Medium Long Shot

This is a shot in which a person can be seen from head to knee. This is typically done to show the audience a certain character and to again get a first impression of the character before they speak so that the audience know what to expect. An example of this is in Gladiator when the protagonist is about to fight in the Arena. This is done to show his whole body’s movements and gestures to show how he’s feeling.

Medium Close Up

A medium close up shot is a shot in which you can only see the head and shoulders. This is typically done to show a character’s feelings as you can clearly see their face and makes it easier for the audience to interact with them.

An example of this is in Jason Bourne when he is looking for the papers and he hears cars pull up outside. The camera zooms in on his face and you can clearly see that Matt Damon (Jason Bourne) is worried about getting caught.