1. “Reading Film”
8J Language Arts

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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”

7. 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

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

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

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

11. 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

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

13. 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.