End of Program Test Video Production Visual Literacy-Camera Shots

Extreme Close up

This is a very close shot showing the detail of an object or the physical features of a person. To make the viewer aware of some specific detail in the film. It can be used to heighten tension.

Very Close up

This is a face shot taken from the mid-forehead to above the chin. This shows the close detail of the character's eyes and mouth. It can be used to heighten tension.

Big Close up

This is full head height and the head takes up the entire screen. It contains little or no background. This shows the detail of the character's face.

Close Up

This is a shot taken of a person's head from just above the head to the top of the upper chest. It can also be used to film an object at close range. It contains little or no background. This used to introduce a character and allows the character to show emotions. It can be used to heighten tension.

Medium Close Up

This shows the upper half of the body. The shot is taken from above the head to the lower chest. Good for conversation between two characters.

Medium Shot

This shows half of the body. The shot is taken from above the head to just below the waist. This allows you to get to know the character more closely by viewing their facial expressions and body language.

Medium Long Shot

This shows the whole person as well as some of the background. It places the person in context.

Long Shot

This shows the whole person and other characters, but the background dominates the shot. This allows the viewer to understand the relationship between the characters and their environment.

Extra Long Shot

This shows the landscape of the film or a barely visible character in the distance of a background. This gives information to the viewer about where the action is to take place. It often sets the atmosphere of a film.

Point of View

A shot that is taken from the perspective of one of the characters. It is used to make the audience see the scene from the character's own eyes and forces the viewer to intimately connect with a particular character and draw the viewer into the action.

180 degree rule

Applied when you are filming two people, especially if they are talking. An imaginary line is drawn through the two characters. The director must decide from which side of the line the filming of the characters is to take place. If shots are taken of these characters on opposite sides of the line the audience becomes confused about the action.