Shot Types Research

Extreme Long Shot

Allows the audience to recognise

the setting as well as the main
character in the image. It puts
the character into perspective for
the audience in terms of size and
therefore significance.

Long Shot

Acknowledges aspects of Mis En Scene like the

head-to-toe representation of the character that is
constructed through aspects like costume. Is not
normally used for establishing setting or the
acknowledgement of other characters as there is
little significance in having the characters at the
same level and frame.

Medium Close Up

Begins to see emotion in the

characters expression. The emotion
can provoke feelings from the
audience who are on the same
'level' as the character, this shot
can therefore be used in emotional
parts of the narrative where the
character must be understood by
the audience.

Close Up

Is used to over-exaggerated
emotion and therefore the
audience is drawn into the
characters personal space.
Although a close up can
exaggerate emotion it can also
incorporate fear or intimidation.
If the audience are thrown into a
strangers personal space they
may feel out of place or odd.

Extreme Close Up

Can create a more intimate

relationship between audience
and character, especially if the
shot is used for a characters
face. Normally these shots are
used for a specific reason,
without reason the shot can
become uncanny and irritating.
However, most extreme close
ups are used in order to get the
audience on the same emotional
wave length as the character.

Over the Shoulder Shot

Used in conversation, these shots

establish who is speaking but also
how the second character may
feel about what is being said.
Reactions of the second character
can be read through this shot and
therefore the framing is good to
introduce grey areas of debate.
The audience can firstly watch the
second character react and
therefore let them influence their
reaction.

Birds Eye Shot

In terms of power play this shot

can be used to create a feeling of
in-significance or vulnerability.
The audience can watch from a
safe point of view as the
character is broken down to
reveal their weaknesses.

High Angle Shot

The audience is put higher than

the character in terms of
authority. Although character may
not look weak as how they did in
a Birds Eye Shot, they still are
carrying burdens, maybe ones
that the audience can no longer
sympathise with.

Low Angle Shot

Once again establishing authority

this shot reverses the power play
in comparison to the High Angle
Shot. The character is recognised
as more powerful and therefore
is left to take control of the
situation. This shot could cause
the audience to feel unsafe but
possibly protected by the
character who has now gained so
much control.

Establishing Shot

The Establishing shot is used to

acknowledge the relationships
between different characters and
how they alter in terms of their
authority within a group. The
comparison between the
characters within one shot will
help the audience to recognise
the different roles being played
and how these roles are having
effects on the rest of the
characters.