Showing posts with label Aspects of Film Language. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aspects of Film Language. Show all posts

Saturday, 5 March 2011

Close Up Shot

CU Shot



Used to show details on a subject or object. Commonly used to show a character's facial expressions and emotions.

Low Angle Shot

Low Angle Shot



Similar to a worm's eye view shot although instead of simply looking up at a subject or object, the camera is positioned to film what is at its level as in this low angle scene of a freight train where the surroundings are clearly visible.

Worm's Eye View Shot

Worm's eye View Shot



The camera is positioned so it is looking up at a subject or object. It gives the subject importance and dominance as in this scene, where the chicks and chickens appear to be domininant as they are at the forefront of the frame and fill the frame.

Bird's Eye View Shot

Bird's Eye View Shot



Also referred to as aerial or crane shots, bird's eye view shots are when the camera is placed high up in order to gain an extra height perspective. This shot is used to give character's vulnerability and insignificance as the camera is looking down on them which makes them seem weaker. They can aslo be used to show off scenery as in this scene which shows off the beautiful Hawaiian scenery.

Whip Pan Shot

Whip Pan Shot



Whip pan shots are where the camera 'whips' across the screen, moving sideways very quickly. They are commonly used to indicate the passage of time or a frenetic pace of action as in this scene from Cloverfield, where the camera frantically whips across the screen to show the panicked crowd.

Establishing Shot

Establishing Shot



Establishing shots are used to show the setting, scene or participants. They usually feature at the beginning of a scene in order to give the audience an insight into the location of the scene. Landmarks are commonly used to establish that a scene is in a specific location. In these scene, the feature landmark is the iconic Grand Canyon.

Reverse Track Shot

Reverse Track Shot



In a reverse tarck shot, the camera will zoom in out and out of the background to focus the audience's attention on a particular subject. This shot usually features in scenes where something dramatic has happened and a particular object or subject needs to be the main focus. This scene is short but perfectly demonstrates the reverse track shot method, the pumpkin is clearly the main focus of the frame.

Tracking Shot

Tracking Shot



In tracking shots the camera moves forwards and backwards to focus upon a particular object or character. I think that this is a good example of a tracking shot as instead of following the character from one angle, a variety of camera angles and movements are used which makes it more interesting for the audience.

Aspects of Film Language : Panning Shot

Panning Shot



Panning shots are used to highlight the setting of a scene and the speed of objects and characters within that scene. In most circumstances the camera will pan across the screen from left to right in order to show the audience a clear view of the setting.