Shot Types, Part 2.

In a previous post I began outlining the different shot types and what they did and were used for.  I continue that here with the last of the series of 15 shots that make up the cameraman’s arsenal.

Close Up (CU).  Part of the subject most often the head, takes up the whole frame.  Often used in news when there isn’t much else going on, or on scene where there are people around playing to the camera.

Extreme Close Up (ECU).  This moves further towards the subject, highlighting a particular part of them to great detail.  Most often the face, but can be injuries, or some defining feature pertinent to the piece.  Not used too often because not everyone likes seeing so much detail.

Cut Away (CA).  This is a lightening shot, a brief shot of something other than the action, or the subject.  If the subject is intense or emotive, cut-aways are used to lighten the atmosphere for a second or two before returning to the action.

Cut-In.  This shows something of the subject in detail.  This can be an injury for a news piece, fidgeting or other manifestation in an interview, or a sidearm in a police scene.  Something that adds character to the subject and context to the happenings in the scene.

Two-Shot.  A shot that fills the frame with two people, often standing or sitting side by side.  The frame is similar to a mid shot, waist up with a small space above the head.

Over the Shoulder Shot (OSS).  Looking from behind one person at the subject.  Often used by news crews for interviews.  It gives the interviewers perspective on the subject.

Noddy Shot.  This is a reactive shot where the frame is filled MCU or CU with an interviewer listening and reacting to what is being said to them.  Named so because interviewers often nod unconsciously when taking information in.

Point of View Shot (POV).  Extension of the OSS shot, showing the complete point of view of the subject.  This can often lead to some strange camera angles, depending on the context.  It is ideal for putting the viewer into the shoes of the subject.

Weather Shot.  Exactly what it says really.  A shot with something in the foreground that concentrates on the weather, most often the sky, but can be of the sea or mountains.  Used for weather shows, news broadcasts or sports.

A video or movie is made up of many more shots than the average viewer would detect.  Now you know what kind of shots make up a piece you will begin to see your TV in a different light.  You will begin noticing the different shots and how they are used in different contexts and styles.

Watching how other people do things is a great way of becoming a better filmmaker.  I encourage you to do it whenever you can.