Shot Types/Camera Angle Research

Jump Cut

Cuts to a shot with less than 30 degrees difference in camera position l (unconventional)l This can happen in live studio settings, when two cameras are focused on the same person or object. Switching directly from one to the other creates a jump cut.

Cross-cutting

l Cuts to a different narrative thread or character, back and forth

In this way the action can be broken up to enhance tension or the narrative.

Cutaway

l Cut to a significant narrative element (eg, a bomb ticking)

This again adds to the tension of the narrative and makes the situation more l entertaining to watch

Shot/Reverse Shot

l Jumping from one shot to another shot and visa versa

l This is usually used for filming dialogue (conversations)

Panning Shot

l The camera is fixed but it swivels on a horizontal axis

This technique can be used to follow a subject or used if it's from l someone's perspective

Tracking Shot

l A camera fixed or a dolly and moves along a track.

l This is again used to follow someone and gives a smooth glide

Graphic Match

The camera has an object in view then the camera cuts to another object of a very similar shape l in the same place on the screen.

For example, an amber traffic light cutting into a rising sun; relatively same l shape and colour

Eyeline Match

The character is looking in a particular direction then the next cut l gives you a shot of what they see

This makes the audience go from third person perspective to l first person, it includes the audience in with the situation

Long Take

l A scene which has no editing for a long period of time.

This can make time seem to drag on longer than it actually has and l also it can raise tension within the situation

Short Take

The opposite of a long take; a scene that has a lot of l editing in a short period of time

This can make time seem to go faster than it has and l this can also raise tension within a situation

Camera Angles – Low Angle

The camera is on the ground, l looking up into the air.

This portrays the character l as a superior figure.

High Angle

The camera is in the air, l looking down to the ground

This portrays the character l involved as an inferior figure.

Close Up

A shot that tightly frames a l person or an object.

This makes you focus on the characters facial expression and it emphasises how they're feeling at that l moment, I.e Scared, sad, angry

Long ShotA big shot that shows a full body of character and some of l the background behind them

This gives them a more dramatic effect on their appearance and it gives you a better view of their l body language.

Medium Long Shot

This shot is from the top of the characters knee upwards, you l can see some of the background also

This shot can be used when l characters are in conversation

Extreme Close-up

This shot is usually just the characters face or a small l part of their face

This shot is used to show extreme emotion such as l happiness or sadness.