Angle and Shot Guide

Emma Slater, Leah Coulterand Abbie Toynton

Extreme Long Shot (XLS)

Extreme long shot- also known as an establishing shot. The shot usually frames a wide area which captures a character/person as well as mise en scene. This shot is typically used in all forms of media. Usually at the beginning of new scenes so that audiences are away of the location that is scene will then take place.

Example: This is an establishing shot of the film Sinister, it sets the scene. From this we can tell that the film is going to be a Horror genre.

Long Shot (LS)

Long Shot- sometimes referred to as a full shot/wide shot. This particular shot captures the full body of the character and features small aspects of Mise En Scene for example the setting, lightings etc. However you are not shown as much as you would in an extreme long shot as the camera is further away from the subject.

Example: This is a long shot from a James Bondfilm. We can see is full body and parts of the Background. This particular shot shows him Running which could indicate that this is an Action film.

Medium Long Shot (MLS)

Medium Long Shot- a camera angle shot showing the subject from the top of the legs upwards. This shot shows people interacting easily and to show some of the background of the scene.

Example: This is an example of a medium Long shot from the Film ‘Forrest Gump’It shows the close relationship between the Children, this can be seen from the positioningOf their bodies.

Medium Close Up (MCU)

Mid Shot- a camera angle which features the subject from slightly below the shoulders and up. Can be used to show two people having an in-depth conversation. Can be used when wanting to view the persons expressions/ gestures.

Example: This is an example of a medium close up The image shows the Joker from the film ‘The DarkKnight’ this shot clearly captures his facial expressions

Close Up (CU)

Close Up- is a camera angle which shows the character from the neck/shoulders upwards. Commonly used to capture the detail on a subjects face from this we can see their facial expressions and can tell what type of mood they are in/ emotions they are feeling.

Example: This is an example of a close up. WeAre focused onto the face where we see all Facial expressions.

Extreme Close Up (ECU)

Extreme Close Up- A camera angle that is used to show extreme detail. It is not as commonly used as it is too close to show general reactions/ emotions as it doesn’t capture the full face. It is normally used in very dramatic scenes to show fear/ upset etc.

Example: This is a close up of an eye which clearly shows distress/upset. As it shows tearsWhich are generally associated with sadness.

High Angle Shot (HAS)

High angle shot- a camera angle that is taken above the eye line of the subject. It is when the camera tilts down onto the character. It is commonly used to make a character look vulnerable or powerless. Can also be used to make the moment appear as more dramatic.

Example: This is an example of a high angleShot of Puss In Boots from movie ‘Shrek’ He appears as vulnerable.

Low Angle Shot (LAS)

Long angle shot- It is a shot taken below the eye line looking up on the subject. It is commonly used to show a character as power/authority.

Example: This is an example of a high Angle shot. The man on the left appearsTo be in control and powerful.

Over The Shoulder Shot

Over the should shot- is a shot taken over the shoulder of one persons shoulder and shows another person facing the camera opposite the person. It is very commonly used to show two people having a conversation.

Example: Over the shoulder shot of DrakeAnd Nicki Minaj by the facial expressions Shown and by his hand rested on her shoulderShows the friendship they share.

Two Shot

Two shot- a camera angle used to show 2 people in the frame. It is useful to show the relationship between the two people in the frame. For example their positioning, facial expressions, gestures etc. will indicate to the viewing their level of companionship.

Example: From this shot we can see that the Man and the woman share a close relationshipWe can see this by the positioning of their bodiesAlso their facial expressions/ gestures look as ifThey are about to kiss.