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Camera Techniques & Angles

Filmmakers use different cinematic techniques, shots and angles to convey a certain effect. There are many film-making techniques, limited only by the director's imagination. Still, a few common ones are used by most directors, who generally favor a few particular styles and often use them repeatedly in their films. However filmmaker are not limited in the number of styles he can use. The thing to remember is that the technique should enhance the telling of the story and not be used simply to showcase a style.
  1. Size of Shot

    • Size of shot is simply how close the shot is to the scene or subject. The main categories of shots are extreme close-up, close-up, medium shot, long shot and establishing shot. There are sub categories of shots in these sections such as a "medium close-up".

    Angle Shots

    • Different angles of shot have different effects. For example a high-angle shot is one that is located above the eye line of the character looking down and a low-angle shot is shot from below the eye line looking up. The effect of these shots is often used to display the power of the character, where a low-angle shot would be used on a powerful villain and a high-angle shot on the meek underdog hero.

    Pan Shot

    • A pan shot is the horizontal turning or panning of the camera. This technique is often used to follow the actors around a smaller set as they go short distances. It can also be used for much faster movements such as a car racing around a track.

    Point of View (POV) Shot

    • A POV shot is a shot that is done from the point of view of the character, allowing the audience to see exactly what that character is seeing. Point of view shots are sometimes used with reaction shots, which are a quick shot of the character's reaction to a situation.

    Dolly Shot

    • A dolly shot is the seamless slow movement of the camera in or out on the subjects using a dolly. The smooth and slow movement of the camera combined with zooming in or out to keep the subjects the same size in the field of view often has the effect of drawing the audience into the scene.

Film Production

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