Use of the CameraUse of the Camera

Micro analysis

Camera should be Camera should be analysed in two ways:analysed in two ways:

FramingMovement

FramingFraming

Camera’s distance from the subjectCamera angle in relation to the subjectPoint of view

DistanceDistance

Extreme long shotLong shotMedium Long ShotMid shotMedium Close UpClose upBig Close upExtreme close up

The following are examples The following are examples of basic framing of basic framing techniques…techniques…

Shot Types (Framing)Shot Types (Framing)

Angle in relation to Angle in relation to subjectsubject

High angleLow angleWide Angle

HIGH ANGLE SHOT• Taken from

above, sometimes used to create a sense of vulnerability.

LOW ANGLE SHOT

• Taken from below. Often creates a sense of power & authority

WIDE ANGLE SHOTA lens which allows the audience to see more peripheral detail.

CANTED ANGLEA shot which is deliberately not straight on the tripod.

Creates a sense of distortion / confusion.

POINT OF VIEW SHOT

• Camera shot as if through the eyes of a protagonist, this will give the audience more information about what the character knows and share their experience, (often we are being asked to empathise with the character).

Look at the following stillLook at the following still

What type of shot is it?What elements of the image are being

emphasised?What angles are being played upon in this

image?Why do you think this image has been

framed in this way?

Look at the following, in each Look at the following, in each case say…case say…

What type of shot is itWhy it has been framed in this way

Remember you are describing composition and effect.

Key Terms Key Terms (Framing)(Framing)

Extreme long shot (ELS) Long shot (LS) Medium Long Shot (MLS) Mid shot (MS) Medium Close Up (MCU) Big Close Up (BCU) Close-up (CU) Extreme close-up (ECU) High angle Low angle Wide Angle Canted Angle Point of view

PANNING

• The camera stays still and pivots left to right in order to:

• Follow action• Reveal a scene• Bring new objects

or characters in

TILT

• The camera stays still and pivots up or down, to:

• Introduce a character

• Suggest scale

ROLL

• The camera rolls/spins on the Z axis:

• Highly disorientating

• Partial roll suggests action

TRACKING SHOT

• Where the camera operator moves with (tracks) the action.

CRANE SHOT• Using a crane or

similar to create high angle shots.

CRANE

AERIAL SHOT

• Using helicopters or planes to provide an extreme high angle shot.

Key Terms Key Terms (Movement)(Movement)

Pan (Whip Pan)TiltRollDolly/Tracking ShotZoomCraneSteadicam / Handheld(Aerial Shot) Flying-Cam

Types of ShotTypes of Shot

There are a number of different shots which have specific functions within a film or TV programme:

ESTABLISHING SHOT

• A shot, often outside, that indicates where action will take place.

Establishing shot from Friends

MASTER SHOT

• A shot that is used at the beginning or end of ‘sections’.

Master Shot from The Weakest Link

FRAMING SHOT

• Using a piece of set or scenery to frame a shot.

TWO-SHOT

• When two people are in the shot.

Two-shot, Easy Rider Two-shot, Lethal Weapon 3

ExamplesExamples

Look at the following clip(s) and consider how the camera is adding meaning to events.