Shot type table

Name of Shot (Abbreviation)Description of Shot in Relation to SubjectUse in Storytelling 
Extreme Close-up ( ECU ) Part of the face e.g. eyes takes up the frameGets inside the head of a character
Close up (CU)Whole face takes up the frameReveals character’s emotional state
Medium Close- up (MCU)Head and Shoulders in frameAllows the audience to see characters face and body. It shows there emotional state and their behavior. It also show the background and setting
Low Angle Shot (LA)/ High Angle Shot (HA)Low angle: looking up at someone/something High angle: Looking down at something/someoneLow angle: Show the character as powerful High angle: Shows the character as weak and vulnerable
Extreme Long Shot (ELS ) Only scenery visible can’t make out individual peopleUsed as an establishing shot
Medium Shot (MS)One or two subjects in frame from waist height sometimes taken from “over the shoulder” of one of the characters (OSS)Often used as a Master Shot/ Two Shot/Shot-Reverse for conversations
Pan/ TiltPan – the camera only moves horizontally (left/right) Tilt – the camera on moves vertical (up/downMimics a static character looking round a scene
Track (on a dolly, Steadicam or handheld)Camera follows a subject by moving along with themUsed to make the audience fell as if they are following the character

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