Mastering Camera Shots & Movements: A Filmmaker's Guide

Understanding Camera Shots & Movements

Welcome to this lesson on camera shots and movements! Whether you're a beginner filmmaker or refining your cinematography skills, understanding these essential techniques will help elevate your visual storytelling. Today’s activity will challenge you to create a video or slideshow that demonstrates these shots, labeling each one correctly.

Camera Shots

Wide & Establishing Shots

1. VEW - Very Extreme Wide Shot – The subject is barely visible or not present, emphasizing vast landscapes or scale.

2. EWS - Extreme Wide Shot (or Extreme Long Shot) – The subject is visible but very small in the frame, often used to show environment.

3. Establishing Shot – Introduces the setting, giving context for where the scene takes place.

4. WS - Wide Shot (or Long Shot / Full Shot) – The subject’s full body is visible, allowing viewers to see movement and interaction with the environment.

5. MWD - Medium Wide Shot – Frames the subject from the knees up, balancing subject and background.

6. Cowboy Shot – A variation of the Medium Wide Shot, framing from mid-thigh up (often used in Westerns).

Medium & Close-Up Shots

1. MS - Medium Shot – Frames the subject from the waist up, commonly used for dialogue scenes.

2. MCU - Medium Close-Up – Frames the subject from the chest up, emphasizing facial expressions.

3. CU - Close-Up – Frames a subject’s face tightly to capture emotions.

4. ECU - Extreme Close-Up – Focuses on a small detail, like an eye, a hand, or an object.

5. Cut-In – Highlights a specific part of the subject (e.g., a hand reaching for an object).

6. CA - Cutaway – A shot of something other than the main subject, often used in editing transitions.

Specialty Shots

1. 2 Shot – Two subjects in the frame (variations include tight or wide 2-shots).

2. 3 Shot – Three subjects in the frame, balancing composition.

3. Crowd Shot – A wide shot featuring multiple people, useful for group dynamics.

4. Noddy / Reaction Shot – A shot showing a character’s reaction to something off-screen.

5. POV - Point of View – The camera acts as a character’s eyes, placing the viewer in their perspective.

6. Weather Shot – A shot of natural elements like the sky, rain, or sun, often used for transitions.

Overhead & Unusual Angles

1. BEV - Bird’s Eye View – A directly overhead shot, making the subject appear small or dominated by the environment.

2. Overhead Shot – A high shot angled downwards but not directly overhead.

3. WEV - Worm’s Eye View – A shot from a very low angle, looking up at the subject to make it appear larger or more imposing.

Camera Angles

1. Eye Level (Neutral) – A straight-on angle, making the viewer equal to the subject.

2. Dutch Tilt / Dutch Angle – A slanted shot that creates a sense of unease or disorientation.

3. High Angle – A shot looking down on the subject, making them appear smaller or vulnerable.

4. Low Angle – A shot looking up at the subject, making them seem powerful or intimidating.

5. Over-the-Shoulder – A shot taken over a subject’s shoulder, often used in conversations.

Camera Movements

Basic Movements

1. Pan Left – The camera moves horizontally left.

2. Pan Right – The camera moves horizontally right.

3. Tilt Up – The camera moves vertically up.

4. Tilt Down – The camera moves vertically down.

Tracking & Motion Shots

1. Arc / 360° Shot – The camera moves in a circular motion around a subject.

2. Zoom In – The lens zooms into the subject.

3. Zoom Out – The lens zooms away from the subject.

4. Tracking Shot (Follow Shot) – The camera follows a subject as they move.

5. Truck (Left/Right) – The entire camera moves horizontally left or right.

6. Pedestal / Crane (Up/Down) – The entire camera moves vertically.

7. Dolly (Forward/Backward) – A smooth movement moving the camera toward or away from the subject.

8. Dolly Zoom (Zolly) – A combination of dolly and zoom, creating a dramatic background shift.

9. Rack Focus – The focus moves between subjects, shifting attention.

10. Slider Shot – A smooth horizontal movement using a slider, skateboard, or towel.

In-Camera Transitions & Aerial Shots

1. In-Camera Fade to Black – The subject moves to block the camera for a fade-out effect.

2. In-Camera Fade Up from Black – The subject reveals the camera from a dark space for a fade-in effect.

3. Drone Shot – An aerial shot taken from a drone for grand, sweeping views.

Your Activity: Create a Shot Demonstration Video

Objective: Create a short video or slideshow demonstrating at least 15 different shots and movements from this guide.

Instructions:

1. Plan Your Shots – Choose 15+ shots/movements and create a simple storyboard.

2. Film Each Shot – Use a camera or phone to capture each shot with proper framing and movement.

3. Label Each Shot – Add text labels to identify each shot in your video or slideshow.

4. Edit & Present – Compile your shots into a short video or a Google Slides/PowerPoint presentation.

Bonus Challenge: Try incorporating an in-camera transition or dolly zoom for added cinematic effect!

Final Thoughts

Understanding camera shots and movements is crucial for effective visual storytelling. Practicing these techniques will help you create more engaging and dynamic films.

Tag us on Instagram @Screengoat and share your work using #ScreengoatShotsChallenge!

Happy Filmmaking!