ISL Work Week 1

Glossary

Extreme Long Shot(ELS) – This shot is normally used as an “establishing” shot, meaning the first shot of a new scene. It also helps show the scale of the action. It displays the subjects surroundings.

Long Shot(LS) – The subject normally takes up the whole frame, from head to toe. IT can also be used to show a character in its environment.

Mid Shot(MS) – This shot shows the upper body, from hiops up. Almost as if you are having a conversation. This shot works best perhaps for giving information e.g. news presenting. The shot still leaves room for hand gestures or movement.

Medium Close Up(MCU) – This is half way between a mid shot and a close up. This shows the face more clearly without getting uncomfortably close.

Close Up(CU) – Usually consists of a close up of the face. It helps to establish detail and emotion, sharing their feelings with the viewer.

Extreme Close Up(ECU)  - This is similar to the close up, in the way it shows detail and emotion. This shot is usually used in dramatic, tense scenes.

Cut Away(CA) – Normally used to “buffer” between shots. It can add interest/information. Or just to simply help the editing process.

Two Shot – To establish the relationship between two people.. The shot indicates they will provide equal input.

Over the Shoulder Shot – This is shot is framed from behind a person looking at the subject, but still being about 1/3 in the frame. This is commonly used during conversation.

Noddy Shot – Normally used in interviews. This is a shot of a person reacting to what the subject is saying, perhaps by nodding.

Point of View Shot(POV) – This is showing the subjects perspective. It is normally edited so you know who’s (POV) it is. For example, a wide shot is used, followed by a point of view shot, then an over the shoulder, finishing with another point of view shot.

Low Angle Shot – The shot is taken from below, looking up at the subject, Giving a sense of power, leaving the viewer helpless.

High Angle Shot – The shot is taken from above, looking down at the subject. Giving a sense of lack of power, leaving the viewer feeling powerful.

Pan – The camera moves on a tripod from left to right, following the subject. Giving a sense of action or speed.

Tracking Shot – The camera moves on a dolly so the camera can follow the subject. This is normally used for action shots, such as car chases.

Tilt – The camera vertically pans, up and down. This can give a sense of size and height.

Canted/Dutch Angle Shot – The camera position is not straight towards the subject. This gives a sense of chaos.

Zoom In/Out – The camera either zooms in or out on a key detail. It highlights significant objects to the audience.

Steadicam/Handheld – The camera follows the action. Giving the viewer a sense of realism.

Crane Shot – The crane can track, pan and tilt. The camera takes a shot from above, giving a sense of size.

Aerial Shot – The camera is positioned in a plane. Gives a sense of location, scale and size.

Composition – Where objects are placed/arranged in a shot.

Rule of Thirds – A grid over the top is placed over the top. Points of interest occur where the lines cross.

The Golden Mean – Imagine a diagonal line over the shot. Points of interest occur along the line.

Framing – What you choose to include in the shot and what you choose to leave out. Leaving something’s out create tension as the object may be important.