Shot Types

I have chosen Dear John to look at shot types. I chose this as it is one my inspirations for my film trailer so i think getting a really good idea of the shots used on the film will help me develop my trailer.

1. Extreme wide shot (establishing shot)

The view is so far from the subject that he isn't even visible. Often used as an establishing shot.

2. Wide Shot (Long shot)

The subject takes up the full frame, or at least as much as comfortably possible.

3. Medium Shot

Shows some part of the subject in more detail while still giving an impression of the whole subject.

4. Medium Close Up

Half way between a MS and a CU.

5. Close up

A certain feature or part of the subject takes up the whole frame.

6. Extreme close up

The ECU gets right in and shows extreme detail.

7. Two Shot

A shot of two people, framed similarly to a mid shot.

8.  Over the Shoulder Shot

Looking from behind a person at the subject.

9. Point of View Shot

Shows a view from the subject's perspective.

10. Low angle shot

Similarly, shooting up at someone makes them seem powerful and dominant.



11. High angle shot

 A high angle shot is usually when the camera angle is located above the eyeline.

12. Canted angle shot

Sometimes the camera is tilted (ie is not placed horizontal to floor level), to suggest imbalance, transition and instability (very popular in horror movies). This technique is used to suggest POINT-OF-View shots (ie when the camera becomes the 'eyes' of one particular character,seeing what they see — a hand held camera is often used for this.

13. Foregroud/Back ground

When designing a shot remember to keep in mind both the action in the fore ground and back ground.

14. Framing

keep the rule of thirds in mind when designing your shot. the views  eye is drawn to the cross-sections of a frame. This is where your action should be taking place.


Watch this video to see my shot types!

What shot types will I use, and why?

In my trailer I aim to use many shot types but some a lot more than others. I will use many two-shots as my trailer is a romance it is very important you see both charcters on screen together a lot which will show the loving relationship.

I will also use a large amount of close ups and extreme close up to show all the emotions and feelings which are portrayed through out my trailer.

A couple of wide shots and establishing shots will be used as it is important convention in a trailer to show the setting.

I will use some long shots, which i plan to do in the dying scene of my trailer as I want the audience to see the full picture of the setting and both characters and there body language being used at the time.

I think i will use a long angle shot on the scene where the character dies to show the position she is now in, how she is dead so has no power. As if the audience feel for her and want to sympathise with her, are looking down on her.