Visual Adjectives for Movies

Set up each shot to create emphasis on something in the frame. Use these to create mood, feeling, convey an idea, highlight something.  Include these shots when creating pre- production plans to help craft your idea.

 Extra Close Up  This shot shows:  Detail  Makes a point  Emotion  Highlights Subject

 Close Up  This shot shows:  Emotion  Some detail  Importance on something  Emphasis is on Subject  Does not reveal all of Subject

 Medium Shot  This shot shows:  Connection of Subject to setting  Reveals more of Subject  Emphasis is on Subject  Does not reveal all of Subject

 Wide Shot  This shot shows:  Subject is fully revealed  Emphasis on Subject in setting  Good for action

 Extra Wide Shot  This shot shows:  Emphasis is on setting instead of Subject  Good for action  Good for Master Shot

 Two Subjects  This shot shows:  Emphasis on 2 Subjects  Connection/Interaction  Best used with Composition Techniques & combined with other types of shots

 Three Subjects  This shot shows:  Three Subjects in frame  Connection/Interaction  Best used with Composition Techniques & combined with other types of shots

 Over The Shoulder  This shot shows:  Subject connecting with something  (person, thing)  Emphasis is on Subject

 Always use a variety of shots.  Select your shots like words for writing. Construct meaning by using the right shot to get your idea across to the viewer.  Avoid putting the same type of shot next to each other. Keep it interesting and mixed with purpose.

 1. Always use a tripod  2. Use a variety of shots  3. Use the best shot for what you want to emphasize in a scene.  4. Avoid zooming while recording. Use a different type of shot instead.  5. Always use Rule of Thirds and combine Composition Techniques in a shot.