“Reading Film” 8J Language Arts

Aerial Shot: An exterior shot used to show the environment. Used early in films to set the scene and show the setting Also a type of establishing shot

Arc Shot A dramatic shot in which the camera circles the focus of the shot. Creates motion and drama for stationary characters. A favorite of Michael Bay Can cause motion sickness in audiences

Close-Up The actor/actresses full face is in the frame. Allows for dramatic emotional reaction

Dutch Tilt/Dutch Angle The camera is tilted to the side to show that the world is “askew’. Makes the audience uneasy Overuse ruins the effect of this shot

Dolly Shot A special shot in which the camera is pulled closer while the focus is pulled out. Creates a “whoa” effect Also known as the “Sam Raimi”

Establishing Shot A pulled back shot designed to show the setting at the start of a scene change Can show a landscape, building, or group of characters

Handheld Shot A shaky camera shot that is used to enhance action scenes. Too much of this can make an audience sick

Low Angle The camera is set below one or more characters. Gives the illusion of one character being heroic or dominant

High Angle The camera is set above the character(s). Makes them seem small or isolated

Over-the-Shoulder Shot Used when two characters are talking. Creates a sense of relationship instead of the distance of a side-by-side shot

Point-of-View Shot The camera is shown as what the character would be seeing. This builds suspense in dangerous situations

Sounds Music can be used to tell the story as well. Listen for fade-ins, fade-outs, sudden starts and stops, and changes in tone. These can be just as important as what the characters are saying.