Types of Shots

 Researching Types of Camera Shots, Angles and Movements I Can Use for my Film

   Hello!! Today I wanted to focus on what kind of shots I should be thinking about doing. I researched different kinds of camera shots, angles and movements typically used in drama films to make them more dramatic. Instead of just filming, directors use these views to show emotion and power.

Camera Shots

Here are the main shots I found when researching drama films:

• Close-ups- They are used to focus on faces to show raw feelings.

• Medium shots- They show characters from the waist up to highlight conversations.

• Still shots-  They are used to keep the camera steady to build tension.

• Extreme Close-Up- This is used to zoom in on a specific detail, like just the eyes or a ringing phone. It’s used to show intense focus.

• Full Shot- This is used to show the character’s entire body from head to toe. It’s used to show how a character fits into their surroundings.

• Two Shot- A shot that keeps two people in the frame at the same time. It focuses on the connection between them

• Moment of Drama- (This was a new technique I learned from a video I watched that I will put down below), but this shot, the camera is stable and it starts as a closeup shot. The camera doesnt move the entire time, but the character slowly steps back either in shock or fear.

Camera Angles

Here are the main angles I found when researching drama films:

• High/Low angles- They are used to look down to make someone look weak, or look up to make them look powerful.

• Eyeline match- This angle is used to show the character glancing at something off screen to then cut to show what their looking at. It also makes the character feel equal to the audience, creating a sense of connection and empathy.

• Dutch Angle- This angle is a tilted angle that creates the sense of confusion, madness, or chaos.

Camera Movements

Here are the main camera movements I found when researching drama films:

• Slow zoom in- The camera moves toward a character's face very slowly. It signals that the character is having a deep thought, a realization, or is about to say something very important.

• Pan- Used to move the camera from left to right to either follow the character or to show new information

• Tilt- Used to move the camera up and down

• Handheld- Used to make the shots appear shaky and natural.

Overall, all of these techniques work together to make the movie a Drama. All these camera techniques show feelings without using words. Changing how the camera moves or looks makes you feel what the characters feel. This makes a simple story feel real and emotional. I am definitely going to be incorporating a lot of these camera techniques to create my teen drama film opening.

Here are the videos I watched to get more ideas:

9 Best Camera Movements to Create Drama

Ultimate Guide to Camera Angles: Every Camera Shot Explained [Shot List, Ep. 3]