POST #13 - CAMERA SHOTS AND ANGLES [COURSEWORK]

Hello!!

So, as a part of mine and Emily's coursework agreement, we have split up the booklet so that we can steal each other's blog posts without getting into trouble! :D

So, here's Emily's blog post about Camera Shots and Angles! :D

"Different types of camera shot:
Extreme long shot:
This shot can be taken from as far as a quarter of a mile away. Because of the length away, it is usually used for setting the scene and establishing the beginning of the movie. Also, it commonly shows the outside (a landscape, the outside of  house, etc.). The distance means that it will have very little detail shown in the shot. 
Long shot:
Generally, this shot is the closest to 'life size' shots. Because of the size, it is easier to compare the size and shape of the objects in the shot. 
Medium shot:
Usually, this contains roughly 'half' of a figure. It may be from the waist up and because of this, this shot is particularly used in scenes with dialogue. This is because it is low enough to see the persons movements and what they are doing with their hands, but is close enough to see the facial features of the person. Because of this, it enables the audience to see the emotion of the scene, and what is actually going on in the scene. 
Close-up:
This shot shows very little background because it is concentrated majorly on either a face or a particular object. This shot is good for a more dramatic scene as it can effectively add emotion and focus on someone/something. 
Extreme Close-up:
An extreme close up is seemingly like a magnifying glass, as it is so zoomed in. It can be used to see a certain object in particular detail. 

Camera Angles:
Bird's-Eye view:
Birds-eye view is simply the view from above. It is called this as if a bird looked down, the camera angle would show what the bird would be seeing. 
High Angle:
A high angle is quite a dramatic angle, as it takes the shot from above. However, it is not as high or sharp as the Birds-Eye view. 
Eye Level:
Eye level is a rather ordinary shot and is taken from the 'horizon' line. It is usually used to frame a persons facial features. 
Low Angle:
The low angle is similar to the eye level, however, it is slightly lowered. It can be used to increase the height of an actor, which can be helpful for those playing a role that is taller than themselves. 
Oblique/Canted Angle:
This angle is tilted to the side. It can be used to suggest general imbalance, for example, if a character was drunk or falling over, this angle could be used. 
Worm's-Eye:
Essentially, Worms-Eye is the opposite of Birds-eye. Rather than being taken from above, this is taken from the ground. It gives the illusion of power, as the subject towers over the camera. 

You should use a selection of different shots and angles as it makes the film more engaging. 
By changing the angle, it can create a particular mood- if a shot is taken using Worms-Eye, it can make a person appear intimidating, which would make the scene darker. 
Also, you can use different shots to change the perspective, so that the events are perceived from a different characters point of view. This can make you sympathise for certain characters more (or in some cases, less). 

Examples of effective camera shots:
Harry Potter and the Chamber of secrets:

In the opening few seconds of this film, the camera pans through clouds in the nights sky. The movie begins at an extreme long shot that is at a very high angle. It appears to be in the point of view of an owl, as the camera is 'flying' and breaks through the cloud layer. It pans across Harry's street from above and comes to rest at his house. 
I think this is effective as it already 'sets the scene' for the movie- it is flying which is almost magical, which is what the movie is about. 

It's kind of a funny story:

At the beginning of this scene, the main character simply says "It starts with a bridge" over a blank screen. The camera then 'turns on' and the scene begins on a long shot of a bridge. It is at a low level looking upwards towards the sky and when the focus changes, it turns into an eye level shot. The camera is moving forward, as if it was in a car or a bike. This is effective as it is in the perspective of the main character and shows the audience what they are seeing and feeling. 

James Bond, Skyfall:
This scene opens on a rather normal camera angle. It is at Eye-level and the character steadily gets closer to the camera, so the shot rapidly gets closer. The picture is blurry, yet comes into focus as James gets nearer. It is effective as it obscures the character so we don't actually know who it is, until the camera becomes less blurry. We are relieved to see that he is James Bond.

What effect does shorter shot lengths have?
Shorter shot lengths are usually used in order to concentrate on a specific object or person. They can be used to portray an expression as the background is out of focus. 
What effect does longer shot lengths have?
Longer shots can be used to establish a setting. It can be used to sweep over and 'set' the scene for a film. Also, they can be used to portray an interaction between characters. Moreover, it can be used to show a prolonged section of emotion in a characters face- it can create empathy for the character if we see a long shot of them crying etc.  

Overall, camera angles and shots can be used to portray many different things. If used correctly, they can be used successfully to set a scene or to portray emotion."

Thanks Emily :D

~ Noah C :D