Page 137 - Design Thinking C11

E lements of Moving Images

It is essential to understand the technical terms involved in the making of a moving image. Let us have a look
at each one:

Shot
The term “shot” refers to the appearance of the subjects in each frame. This is determined by how far the
camera is set from the subject, or by using an adjustable lens to simulate distance. The shot is also determined
by the camera’s angle and movement in relation to the subject in view. Each shot, like every word in a
written book, serves a purpose. Shots are chosen based on their objective, which includes genre, theme, and
audience. A feature film, for example, uses different shots than a television chat show. Let us learn about the
different types of shots:

Shot Name Description

Wide/Long Shot A wide shot (WS) is also known as a long shot (LS) and depicts a comprehensive
view from a distance. This could be comparable to what we would observe if we
gazed out across a field. If a person is in such a shot, their entire body is seen, from
head to foot, and they may appear little and distant.
A WS or LS is the most popular establishing shot. An establishing shot reveals vital
details about the scene, atmosphere, or context in which subsequent events will
occur. It is usually the first in a scene or sequence.

Medium Shot Also known as an MS, falls somewhere between a close-up and a wide shot (or
LS). An MS of a person is often taken from the waist up.

Medium close-up An MCU is closer as compared to the medium shot. A person’s MCU displays from
the mid-chest to the head.

Close-up Shot CU of a person reveals the head and shoulders.
Big close-up (BCU) Also known as an extreme close-up (ECU), of a person shows the head, often from
the bottom of the chin to the middle of the forehead.
A CU or BCU may indicate human emotions, such as grief (by tears) or anxiety
(via repetitious wringing of the hands). They can reveal private information, as in
a letter BCU, emphasize other symbols, such as police identification, or heighten
suspense by focusing on a door handle turning.

Subjective Shot A subjective shot is one that is framed from the perspective of a particular
character. Subjective shots can illustrate how a character sees, such as an out-of-
focus shot from the perspective of someone who is hurt, waking up, or under the
influence of drugs.
Over-the-shoulder This shot is filmed from behind the character, is similar to the subjective shot. This
Shot shot frequently glances at another character and is followed by a reverse-angle
image of the person with their back to the camera.
Full shot A full shot is a film camera shot that allows your subject to fill the frame from
head to toe while allowing some scenery to show through. Full shots can convey
a character’s appearance, movement, mannerisms, traits, or actions before
focusing on their reaction or emotions. For example, to communicate fearlessness,
use a full shot of a character’s confident stance or walk.
A full shot differs from a wide shot in that it concentrates on the character within
the frame.

Fundamentals of Moving Images
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