Camera Angles

Z-Axis Drawings are 2- dimensional X-axis Y-axis Real Life is 3- dimensional X-axis Y-axis Z-axis

Creates Depth Foreground Middle Ground Background

Z-Axis If you were going to film a horse running, what axis would you show it running on? What would be in… the foreground? the middle ground? the background?

Establishing Shot Sets the scene Shows people/objects in relation to each other Sets the stage for close-ups Allows audience to know who and what are where

Principal Action Axis

Rule of Thirds Frame split into three sections Horizontally Vertically Putting objects on lines instead of center Gives Balance Guides eyes

Golden Mean Four points where lines intersect Golden mean gives importance to objects Focal points Eyes

Types of Shots 1. Extreme long shots Exterior shot, shows locale People are small Scene is the focus Ex. establishing shot in epic films, genre films.

Types of Shots 2. Long Shot Distance from audience to stage in live theatre Full shot of human body Ex. Used in early slapstick comedy

Types of Shots 3. Medium shot Human figure from knees or waist up Help place a subject in context Necessary for people who gesture a lot. Doesn ’ t show much detail of person Shows fair amount of background can distract from main focus Ex. Jay Leno Monologue

Types of Shots 4. Close up shot Focus on small object, human face. Little background Used to capture emotional state Leaves a little bit of room above the head Entire face and shoulders down to the armpit

Types of Shots 5. Extreme close Up Includes just facial features (all or some) (eyes, nose, mouth and chin) The top of the head and shoulders are excluded Used to put someone under a microscope Not good for regular interviews or dialogue Ex. 60 minutes

Camera Angles 1. Birds Eye View Overhead shot Gives sense of omniscience Subjects seem small, insignificant Good for sports

Camera Angles 2. High-angle shot Use of crane or high position Increases importance of setting or environment Can make subject look weak

Camera Angles 3. Low-angle Shot Increase height of subject In scenes of action suggests chaos Makes subject look intimidating

Camera Angles 4. Eye Level Shot Neutral neither increases nor decreases subject Positioned level with subject Ex. Interviewers