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TDLEG Micro-Modules

example

Module: Basic Camera Shots

In this module there are videos and graphic to illustrate the concept of basic camera movement in video production.

Objective:               

After going through this module, you will gain the basic understanding on different types of shots or camera movements and how to apply that technique creatively in your video.

Video

Watch the video below for the application of each basic shot on screen.

Basic Camera Shots: 
Type of Shot

A shot is defined as a view or an angle and we can have many different angles when we look at the subject. When we discuss a particular type of shot, we are interested in the frame area and how the range of subject height (or size) is captured on camera; how we place the camera angle and how we want the subject to appear on the screen.

For example, in a documentary wild life video we can find various types of camera shots. From the side of the river to the wide view of a mountain, then jump to the next scene the host is facing the camera in one full frame from the shoulder to the top of the head. Each shot plays a function in the sequence that forms a sequence of scene in the video. This is how the focus or attention from the audience can be directed toward each particular scene. (See figure 2.1)
Figure 2.1 - Basic Camera Shots

In this module section we are going to focus our topic to the type of camera shots from the human or subject size.
1. Extreme Wide Shot (EWS)

EWS is an extra wide shot to display
the overall surrounding location or establish shot where the scene, action or dialogue takes place. The example of this shot is the extreme wide shot (bird eye view) of a forest, an ocean or a mountain in a wildlife documentary video.
2. Wide Shot (WS)

WS is similar to EWS with reduced frame area where the subject occupies 1/3 to ¾ height of the frame. This shot is also used to establish a situation in a scene or to display the location (where) of the subject (who – actor or object). It can be used as a master shot or as an opening in our video.
3. Medium Shot (MS)

MS is a shot of upper-body to the head. In this shot, the bottom of the
frame cuts around the waist of the subject. MS can be used to strengthen the dialogue between characters. This is one of the most commonly used shots in video.
4. Medium Close-Up (MCU)

This shot is similar to medium shot. The difference is the bottom of the
frame cuts between the shoulders and the waist, or slightly below the chest area.
5. Close-Up (CU)

CU shows the face of the character or a subject from the head to the shoulder. The bottom of the frame is cut right below the shoulders. A CU shot gives the audience information about the expression and the character’s emotion in a scene. We can use this kind of shot to portray emotional suspense to audience.
6. Extreme Close-Up (ECU)

ECU is known as detailed shot and is often used to magnify or isolate the details of the subject or object. For example: eyes focusing on computer, a hand carrying a suitcase or a hand holding on to a door handle.

QUIZ



1.    The director would like to show the details of the brand new electric car dashboard interior in a promotion video. What type of shot he can use to achieve the detail shot of the speedometer?

A. Extreme Wide Shot

B. Full Shot

C. Extreme Close-Up

D. Medium Shot

 
2.    What is the name of this type of shot?

A.  Wide Shot

B.  Full Shot

C.  Close-Up

D.  Extreme Close-Up 


3.    We can use a Close-Up shot to show the emotional expression of a character.

A. True

B. False
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