Vocabulary: Kinds of Shots Close-up Deep focus shot Establishing shot High angle shot Bird’s-eye view Low angle shot Over-the-shoulder shot Point of view shot Back to Vocabulary Lists

close-up (CU) A shot made from a very short distance away from an object or person. Usually a close-up (CU) shows significant, or just the head of an actor talking. Close-ups bring the viewer into the emotion or action of the film. Kinds of Shots

deep-focus shot A carefully set up shot in which we see the background just as easily as the mid-ground or fore-ground, often put together as layers, in which what is happening in the background is as important as what is happening in the foreground. Kinds of Shots

establishing shot A shot that usually begins a scene, often a long shot or wide shot identifying (establishing) the location and time frame for the scene. Kinds of Shots

high angle shot A shot that is taken from above the subject, usually making the subject seem small or weak. Kinds of Shots

bird’s-eye view shot A shot taken from very high in the sky, looking down on the subject. Often taken from a helicopter or plane. Kinds of Shots

low angle shot A shot taken from below the subject, usually making the subject seem larger, more powerful, or more dangerous. Kinds of Shots

over-the-shoulder shot Fairly self-explanatory: A shot that is looking over an actor’s shoulder. Often used in conversations, and when the actor is writing. Kinds of Shots

point of view shot (POV) Find an example of this in the movie: A shot taken from the point of view of the actor (or any object). This shot allows us to see what the character is seeing, and therefore we become a part of the action as well. Kinds of Shots