Shots And Angles

The building blocks of the cinematic language

Camera Angle
The camera angle determines both the audiences viewpoint, or how they see the
story, and the physical amount of area covered in a shot.
The camera angle is one of the most important factors in keeping the audiences
interest.
1)Dont jar the camera- use a tripod
2)Be sure to frame the shot appropriately
3) Be mindful of the rule of third
4) Pay attention to the view finder
%) pay attention to the background
The four basic styles of film making
Documentary- A journalistic style, recording of real events. Used to
communicate an opinion or idea.
Narrative- general storytelling films
Instructional- How to videos, to teach a subject
Experimental- Film for films sake. Using the camera, accessories or
effects to gain a new approach or process to film making.

All styles of video making are governed by the aesthetics of the director
and the genre of the film.
Vocab
Aesthetics: Adj. Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty.
Noun: A set of principles underlying and governing the work of a
particular artist or artistic movement.
Genre : A category of artistic composition characterized by similarities
in form, style and subject matter.
Cinema : The production of movies as an art
Building Blocks of Cinema
Frame
Shot
Scene
Sequence
 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
 Medium Shot MS

Medium shots are used for dialogue sequences, and they allow the viewer to pick up on the character's
movements and gestures
 Close Up CU

Tightly frames a person or an object

Extreme Close Up ECU
Master Shot
Over the shoulder Shot OSS
High Angle Shot
Low Angle Shot
Point of view shot POV
Dutch Angle
Dolly Zoom
Long Take
Extreme Long Shot ELS or XLS
Tilt
Two Shot
Three Shot
Group Shot