More possible shot types.

        In yesterdays lesson we looked at examples of different shot types used in films and the reasons why they are used (what effects they create). Here are the shot types we looked at:

• Low angle: Simply a shot of a character or object taken from a lower height than the character or object. This shot is normally used to make the character or object appear more dominant and to put emphasis on the audience's feeling of vulnerability. Example: 

• High angle: A shot taken from a higher height than the character or object. This shot works in the opposite way, designed to make the character or object appear more vulnerable. This particular shot is often used in the horror genre. Example:

• Arial: An arial or Crane shot is a shot of a location from above, this is often used to give the audience a greater perspective of a particular area. Example:

• Point.Of.View: This is, as the title suggests, a shot taken from the perspective of a particular character. This is used to give the audience a kind of connection with the character (almost empathising with the character) and a better perspective of the scene. Example:

• Close up: This is a shot taken up close to something or someone. It is useful for showing emotion, direct mode of address and any reaction the character makes. Example:

• Extreme close up: Just like the close up except closer, normally used to focus the audience's attention on something/someone very important in the scene. Example:

• Mid shot: A mid shot is a shot showing normally around half of a person. This is used to give an impression of equality or realism in the scene. Example:

• Long shot: A long shot is a full length shot of someone/something, normally used to give a better perspective of the character as a whole and also puts this character in some sort of context. If it were a long shot of an object it would be used to show where abouts the object is and strike up questions regarding the reason it is there. Example: 

• Establishing: An overview of an entire location, used to set the scene on a wider scale and add context to a film or television programme. Example:

• Panning: Panning is a shot of a moving object or person where by the camera stays stationary and can only rotate on the spot to follow the moving object or person. It can be used to show traffic on a road. Example:

• Tracking: Tracking is a shot of a moving object or person where by the camera moves with the object or person focusing on them/it rather than the location. It is normally used in chases or in a race format. 

• Tilt: A tilt is a low angle shot of a person or object where the camera is tilted slightly to the left or to the right. It is normally used to make the character/object look more dominant or intimidating, this type of shot can also have a disorientating affect for the audience metaphorically and physically. Example:

• Two shot: This is a mid shot of two people used to show a range of reactions and make the two characters seem dominant. Example:

• Over the shoulder: This is literally a shot taken from just behind the character used to show what they are seeing. It has an effect much the same as the point of view shot, it connects you to the character as well as adding a slight air of mystery, as if you're almost spying into the scene (as the audience). Example: