FourElements of a Good Shot

COMPOSITIONMOTIONDEPTH

VISUAL EFFECTS

These four Elements of a Good Shot apply to moving images.

Hopefully, however, by seeing effective use of these elements in still shots, you will begin to understand how composition, motion, depth, and visual effects can be used.

Suggested format for your notes…First Goodfellas

clipElement Second

Goodfellas clip

Composition (definition)

Motion (definition)

Depth (definition)

Visual effects (definition)

CompositionThe makeup of the shot

• What makes up the screen? (What is on camera?)

• What is the focus of the shot and what is in the background?

• Is the focus of the shot what you’d expect in this situation?

• Notice everything from placement of objects to size to color and camera angle.

MotionAll good shots should make use of the

effects of motion.

• Is there motion on screen? motion of camera vs. object?

• Motion in foreground or background?

• Left-right motion – comfortable

• Right-left motion – uncomfortable

• Are there contrasting motions?

• What is the effect of no motion?

DepthA good shot

should transform 2-D into 3-D.

• How many planes are there?

• Does the focus of the shot stick out because of depth or does it blend in more?

• How does camera focus affect depth?

• Do you get additional visual information because of depth?

Visual effectsVisual effects are the director’s way of

interpreting the shot for the viewer.

Examples of ways to create effect in a shot:• camera angle• camera distance• lighting• focus• film speed• color• others?

BUT, visual effects are not always “special effects.” Any shot can have a profound effect on the viewer just because of simple characteristics such as camera angle, focus, shot depth or framing.

These four elements of a good shot are the starting point from which we will begin our visual analysis of film. Memorize them and practice analyzing them as you watch clips in class and also films at home. It will soon become second nature to notice an interesting composition, effective motion, symbolic depth, or visual effects that make a statement. Have lots of fun!