Camera Angles, Movements and Sound

Camera shots

Establishing shot

This is used by this director to set the scene and to show the viewer what environment they are in. if any character are in the shot they are barely visible.

Long shot

This shot is used by directors to help viewers understand the link between characters and their environment.  The shot will show the character from head to toe with a small part of the background shown too.

Mid shot

A mid shot shows the characters from the waist up and helps the viewers become more familiar with the character and help them understand their motivations. This shot helps as you can see the facial expressions and body language.

Two shot

A two shot simply shows two people in the frame and the shows the viewer the relationship between them both.

Close up

A close up shot shows the head and shoulders of the character to shoe emotion and facial expressions this allows the viewer to see how the character is feeling. It can also be used to show the importance of a certain object that is important to the plot; this could be a gun or a letter.

Extreme close up

This shot is similar to a close up except it focus’ closer on an object which makes it intense for the viewer as this is an unfamiliar viewpoint for them to experience.  This shot may be used to focus on the eye or an object that need a lot of emphasis.

Point of view

This camera shot is from the characters point of view. The viewer will be seeing I through the characters eyes so they can feel like they are in their position or it can be used to show vulnerable or powerful a character is.

Camera movements

Tracking shot

A tracking shot is used to for multiple reasons but is usually used to keep the viewer involved and to keep pace in the film. A tracking shot is used with the following equipment; a dolly and a track to keep the camera steady when moving around. The camera can be moved towards a character to draw the character and to make them familiar. It can also be moved away from a character to show the end of a scene. A tracking shot can also be used side to side which keeps pace in the film.

Tilt shot

This shot is used to reveal a character, whether it’s to reveal their clothing, the props or an insight to their personality.  This movement involves moving the camera up or down on an axis. This shot can also be used to make a character look more powerful and dominant as they would be show from a low angle.

Zoom

This shot is similar to a tracking shot but you simply change to focal length of the camera to imitate how you create a tracking shot.

Arc shot

This shot includes moving the camera in a semi-circle or full circle around a character or object to increase the intensity of the scene.

Crane shot

A crane show is used above the character or abject to make them look powerless and less dominant.

Panning shot

This shot involves moving the camera from left to right. This is used to show a broad area of a shot and can also be used alongside the point of view shot to show the character looking around a room for an item or in a conversation alongside multiple characters.

Sound

Diegetic sound

Is a sound that can be heard by actors in the scene. For example and car driving past or a door shutting.

Non-diegetic sound

Is a sound that cannot be heard by the actors and are added in post filming

Internal diegetic sound

Is a sound that can be heard by the character and the viewer but is not actually real. For example a character hearing voices in her head is something that the character and audience can hear but no one else can.

Sound bridge

This is when music is played during one scene and then carried on into the next scene. For example a character may be plain music over the radio whilst getting ready and then in the next scene when there driving or doing another action the music carries on over the top.