The 180 degree rule

Definition of the 180 degree rule: The rule that says a camera should be put somewhere inside 180 degrees on a particular side of the invisible line of a shot containing two people filmed in sequence. If the camera crosses the line, confusion results for the audience as, to them, it makes it look like the people are switching places as one watches the film.
 Example of the 180 degree rule:
 Here the 180 degree rule is used to give the impression of two different people speaking to each other to the audience so they aren't confused by gollum seemingly talking to himself.
 Example of breaking the 180 degree rule:
 They deliberately break the 180 degree rule here to make this scene more confusing and disorienting to the audience.

Colour design

Definition of colour design: Colours are carefully chosen in all parts of the film including the sets, the lighting, the costumes etc. They are used to show moods and emotions of the characters or reflect the kind of scene that is happening, i.e bright colurs for happiness and dark colours for sadness.
Example of colour design: Colour designs shows the different moods in the different scenes and the audience will subconsciously notice them and it will effect them.

Lighting

Definition of available lighting: Often natural light, light that is readily available, free and has not been created for the sake of filming.
Definition of artificial lighting: Light produced by electricity instead of a natural source, has been created for the sake of filming.
Definition of key lighting: The main light which lights up the subject being filmed.
Definition of fill lighting: Fill lighting is used to lighten shadows and to control the contrast and lighting ratios.
Definition of back lighting: Lighting that separates the subject from the background. The back light is placed behind the subject and lights it from behind. Instead of providing direct lighting, its purpose is to provide definition and subtle highlights around the subject's outlines.
Definition of set lighting: Lighting for the set.
Definition of practical lighting: A prop light that can be used by the actors and is visible in the shot. Can be used to control brightness or colour.

Example of available lighting: The available lighting is used to give the impression of being outside here and this is the impression that the audience gets.

Example of artificial lighting: Artficial lighting is used here for special effects reasons, to give of an unearthly glow and this looks good to the audience.

Example of key lighting:
Key lighting helps create mood for the scene, the audience picks up on this mood and it affects them.
Example of fill lighting: Fill lighting is used here to create contrasts and to make some things stand out, here it creates a stunning effect that the audience can not help but notice and appreciate.
Example of back lighting: Back lighting is used to separate the character from the background so that the audience can see them.
Example of set lighting:

The set must be lit so that it can be seen by the audience.
Example of practical lighting:

Practical lighting is a more natural looking way of lighting the set and makes it seem more real to the audience.

Incidental music

Definition of incidental music: Often known as background music it adds atmosphere to the scene but is not meant to be the audiences' main focus, rather it adds to what the audience is focusing on. Example of incidental music:
The incidental music adds to the drama of the scene and makes it more dramatic to the audience unbeknownst to them.

Sound mixing

Definition of sound mixing: When all the recorded sounds are collected and then combined and mixed together into one or more channels.

Long take, short take

Definition of a long take, short take: A long take is an uninterrupted shot lasting a few minutes which is longer than most of the other shots in the film. A short take is a shot which lasts a smaller amounts of time than most shots in the film, usually a second or two at the most.

Example of a long take:

A long take is used here to make the different kind of camera shots seem even more amazing as they all happen at once without stopping or cutting and the audience will appreciate this.

Example of a short take (the first one):
A short take is used so the audience can quickly see where the pages are from without taking up to much time and the audience getting bored.

Superimposition

Definition of a superimposition: Two distinct shots being played at the same time but with one on top of the other.
  Example of a superimposition:
A superimposition is used here to show the similarities between the two men and make their connection clear to the audience which is does, when in context.

Insert

Definition of an insert: An insert is when part of a scene is shot at a different length away or at a different angle from the main or master shot. Example of an insert shot(the first shot): They want the audience to be able to see where the pages they are looking at are from.

Cut

Definition of a cut: A cut it an abrupt, common way of transitioning from one scene or shot to another. One shot or scene finishes and another immediately begins, there is no smooth or fluid transition.
Example of a cut (lots in the first scene):
Cuts are used as a quick transition between shots or scenes, it stops the audience getting bored.

Properties (props)

Definition of properties (props): Anything movable on a set that isn't an actor, scenery, costumes or electrical equipment.
Example of a prop being used (the sonic screwdriver):

Although the audience may not think of it as a prop is still one.

Costume and make-up

Definition of costume and make-up: A costume can refer to all clothes general, or to the style of dress of a particular region, class, or time. Costume can also refer to the arrangement of accessories in a film. Stage makeup is used with stage lighting to highlight the actors' faces in order make expressions visible to the audience from further distances. Special effects make-up, including the use of prosthetics and plaster casting, are used when non-human appearances are needed. Theatrical blood and ooze are also created with stage make-up. Costumes and make-up can help actors portray characters' age, gender, job, class, personality, ethnicity, and even information about the historical period/era, location, time of day, as well as the season or weather.
Example of costume:

Different costumes are needed in Downton Abbey to show it is set back in time and in what time period and this makes it more realistic for the audience. The costumes are also different depending on the other factors metioned above.
Example of make-up:
Special effects make-up is needed in doctor who to make the people look like aliens, the make-up can fool the audience and make the ordinary people look like aliens for the audiences' enjoyment.

Set design

Definition of set design: Set design is the design and creation of scenery or a set. Example of set designing: Good set designing is vital so that the audience believe that the place they are seeing is real.

Studio

Definition of a studio: A studio is where many parts of the film production take place from filming to post production. It is either owned by a major entertainment company or a motion picture company who use it and some rent parts of studios from other companies, or it is independently owned but rented out.
                                           

Location

Definition of location: A location is where all or some of a piece is filmed in a site away from a movie studio backlot or soundstage. Filmmakers often choose to shoot on location because they believe that greater realism can be achieved in a "real" place. Location shooting is the practice of filming in an actual setting. Many people mistakenly believe that filming "on location" takes place in the actual location in which its story is set, but this is not necessarily the case, especially in the case of sci-fi, fantasy or other films with fictional settings.
Example of location shoots:
Film makers shoot on location as it is cheaper than creating a set and the surroundings are obviously more realistic to an audience as they are real.

Production design

Definition of production design: The way a film looks overall including the setting and visual style of the story. It also includes the design of the sets, location choices and choice of props, production design through colours and style can effect the mood of the scene.
Example of production design:

Ambient sound

Definition of ambient sound: Background sounds which are usually filmed on location but can be added to the soundtrack. Example of ambient sound (the engine noise is a sound from a real engine): As a real engine noise is used it sounds more realistic and adds more atmosphere for the audience.

Mode of address/direct address

Definition of mode of address/direct address: Also known as breaking the fourth wall direct address is when a character in a film appears to look or speak directly to the audience. The way in which the character acts or speaks when they do this is the mode of address. Example of direct address: The audience feels like the character is talking to them and so they can connect with him and the piece more.

Sound tracks

Definition of sound tracks: Recorded music created to go with scenes or different parts of the film. Example of a soundtrack:
 A soundtrack is used for this film for the same reason that a soundtrack is used in many films, the songs can be on the radio and the future audience can grow to like them so that when they here the songs played in the film they pay more attention.

Sound perspective

Definition of sound perspective: The sense of where a sound is coming from (its source) which is created by its volume, timbre, pitch, and some other factors.
 Example of sound perspective:

Sound perspective is used here to make the piece seem more life like, the closer the shot is to the tank, the louder the sound of the man smashing the tank is, the same as it would be in real life, the closer someone was to the tank the louder they could here it smash. This makes it more believable to the audience.

Dialogue

Definition of a dialogue: A dialogue is an onscreen conversation between two or more characters. Example of a dialogue:
 A dialogue is used to appear as a conversation and that is what it seems to the audience, people automatically pay attention to conversations so they start to pay attention to what they are watching.

Sound bridge

Definition of a sound bridge: When a scene begins with the music or sound from the previous scene still playing.
Example of a sound bridge:

A sound bridge is used here to connect the two scenes and stops the audience being confused by the abrupt change from one scene to another.

Sound motif

Definition of sound motif: A particular song, piece of music, sound, sound effect, or combination of sound effects that is particularly associated with something in the film such as a character, place, situation, thought/plan etc.
  Example of a sound motif:

The motif, welcome to London, is used when something exciting is happening in the show from a chase to something vital being discovered for the case. The motif is used here as an exciting chase is taking place. Upon hearing this motif the audience will become more interested in what they are watching as they know what's going on must be exciting.

Themes and stings

Definition of themes and stings: A theme is music that is always played when a program or film or character in a series comes on. A sting is a short burst of usually random music. Example of a theme: A theme is used so that this song will always be associated with is and when an audience of fans hear it they will automatically become interested in what they are watching. Example of a sting: A sting is used here for drama and to show the characters' feelings. The audience can see and feel this drama and to them it makes the scene more humourous due to the circumstances in the film.

Voiceover

Definition of a voiceover: The voice of an unseen narrator or an onscreen character who doesn't appear to be talking speaking while some kind of action is shown onscreen.
Example of a voiceover:

A voiceover is used here so that the plot can be explained by a character without fully breaking the fantasy world of the show. The audience hears their voice and recognises that they are part of the show and become more interested without the world of their show being broken.

Score

Definition of a score: The original written music created for the film which will be played by different instruments and then added as part of the soundtrack. Sometimes the score also mentions where in the film the music should start and end.

Sound effects

Definition of sound effects: Artificially created or improved sounds made to make the scene seem more dramatic.
Example of sound effects:

The sound of the tardis materialising or dematerialising is a sound effect. A sound effect had to be created as there is obviously no real sound of a tardis materialising or dematerialising but one is still needed as an audience will expect one and this is what this sound effect does here, people hear what they think they should hear and the show becomes more interesting to them.

Asynchronous sound

Definition of asynchronous sound: Sound which does not match with the actions or movements on screen, for example hearing dialogue but the movement of the characters mouth shows they are saying something else.
Example of asynchronous sound:

Asynchronous sound is used here to lead on from the scene where the woman is screaming to one where there is a train coming by making it look like she is screaming but actually using the train whistle. It links the scenes for the audience and makes the link seem more dramatic to them.

Synchronous sound

Definition of synchronous sound: Sound which seems to match the actions or movements on screen e.g lips moving and hearing words being spoken.
Example of synchronous sound:
Synchronous sound is used here to make the piece seem more lifelike as in real life sound is synchronous. The audience can then be absorbed more into the story.

Non-diegetic sound

Definition of non-diegetic sound: Sound which doesn't have a source visible on the screen or a source wasn't implied such as narrator's commentary, sound effects and mood or background music. Example of non-diegetic sound:
It is used here for convenience as it is the show's main theme and it would be impossible for there to be a source for it anytime it played, the audience (mostly fans) upon hearing the theme would grow more excited and interested.

Diegetic sound

Definition of diegetic sound: Sound made by a source that is visible on screen or by a source that is implied to be nearby. This can be the voice of the characters, sounds made by other objects in the film or music that appears to be coming from instruments in the film.
Example of diegetic sound: Diegetic sound is used here as non-diegetic sound wasn't needed because the excuse of a wedding was a good reason for having a real band there, it helps add a more genuine Italian atmosphere to the film and this pulls the audience in more.

Visual effects

Definition of visual effects: The different ways in which images are created and/or changed outside of a life action shot, this can be done by; using background plates, using bluescreens or greenscreens, adding digital animation, and using special effects such as CGI.

Post production

Definition of post production: The name for any editing that takes place after the shooting and creation of the complete work. This includes; video editing, writing, recording and editing the soundtrack, adding special effects and sound effects and transferring the film from video to DVD.  
                                  

Ellipsis and expansion of time

Definition of ellipsis and expansion of time: An ellipsis is when the action in a film is shown in a way that makes it take less time than in the actual story. Expansion of time is the opposite of this in that it shows the action in such a way that it takes more time than the actual story. This is sometimes achieved by shots from previous scenes being reshown. Example of an ellipsis:
An ellipsis is used here so that the plan can be seen in a short space of time, without going into detail, this keeps the audience interested.
Example of expansion of time:
Expansion of time is used here to highlight the boredom and monotony of everyday life and the audience sees this too.

Slow motion

Definition of slow motion: A filmmaking technique which is created by filming at a faster speed than normal but then projecting the film at the normal speed. This makes the action on screen appear slower than it normally does.
Example of slow motion:
Slow motion is used here so that all the action can be seen more clearly and this heightens this the adrenaline and tension for the audience.

Wipe

Definition of a wipe: When one shot replaces another by travelling from one or both side(s) of the frame to the other, travelling to the middle of the frame or by appearing from a shape. Example of a wipe:
 
A wipe is used here as a more interesting way to show a change in scene and setting and the audience is able to see and understand this too.

Fade-in, fade-out

Definition of fade-in, fade-out: Fade-in is the gradual increase in the visibility of an image or shot and a fade-out is the gradual decrease in the visibility of an image or shot. Example of fade-in, fade-out:
 
This technique is used here to create an eerie quality and mood with the audience.

Dissolve

Definition of dissolve: A gradual transition from one shot to another, a new shot is placed below or on top of the first shot and then the first shot fades or dissolves away, leaving the new second shot behind. Example of a dissolve:
 
A dissolve is used here to show that the avalanche is happening at the same time as the party, to show their connection, this adds to the audiences' tension.

Cutaway

Definition of a cutaway: A cutaway is when a continuously filmed scene is interrupted by another short scene. This short scene or cutaway usually cuts back to the same point in the original scene as where it started.

Example of a cutaway:
Here a cutaway is used for comedic effect without breaking the scene and the audience will find it humourous.

Parallel editing

Definition of parallel editing: Cutting between two scenes of action which are always occurring simultaneously. It is used to build suspense or to show similarities between the different scenes of action.

Example of parallel editing:
Parallel editing is used here to increase tension for the audience as they realise from the parallel editing that the two scenes are happening at the same time.

Cross-cutting

Definition of cross-cutting: Cutting between two scenes of action which may be occurring simultaneously or at different times. It is used to build suspense or to show similarities between the different scenes of action.

Example of cross-cutting:
Cross-cutting is used here to let the audience know that both scenes are happening at the same time and see the similarities, the world of both the scenes is tilting, the whole hall is tilting and the van is literally tilting and spinning around.

Jump cut

Definition of a jump cut: Two shots of a subject from only slightly different camera angles run in sequence giving the effect of jumping slightly forwards in time.
Example of a jump cut:
 
Here it is used to show that time has moved a little further on in the car journey and this is the impression the audience will also get.

Action match

Definition of an action match: A shot which combines two different views of the same action together making it seem to continue uninterrupted. Example of an action match:
A match on action shot is used here for comedic effect and also for practicality as it would be impossible to film all the action on this scene in one shot. Using a match on action shot here makes the scene more humorous to the audience as it looks like all the things that happen in the scene to the character occur continuously.

Graphic match

Definition of a graphic match: Two successive shots with a similar main subject (similarity can be in the colour, shape etc) that run one after the other to create a smooth transition between shots, scenes and subject, it is easier for the audience to concentrate on the new subject if it is similar to the first. A graphic match is used here to make an easier transition between the two shots and it help the audience see and understand the link between the realisation that a bone could be used as a weapon and a nuclear space station. The audience can understand more and will likely watch more.

Eyeline match

Definition of an eyeline match: Eyeline matching is based on the belief that when a character looks off-screen the audience will expect or want to see what the character is looking at. There will then be a cut to what the character is looking at, what is in the character's eyeline. So we will all be able to see what the character is meant to be looking at. This shot is used here so that the audience can read what the character is looking at or supposed to be reading so we understand their reaction afterwards. The audience after seeing this would fell as if they were in on a joke with the character and become more connected to them and to what they are watching.

Shot/reverse shot

Definition of a shot/reverse shot: A shot/reverse shot is a film technique where one character is shown looking (often off-screen) at another character, and the other character is shown looking "back" at the first character. Since the characters are shown facing in opposite directions, this causes the audience to unconsciously assuming that the characters are looking at each other.
 A shot/reverse shot is used here to give the impression that the characters are talking to each other, this helps the audience to not become confused about who is speaking.

Why editing is so important

Editing is considered by some to be the most important part of film production. It is through editing that a finished film product is able to bring the story first created by a writer to life. Days, weeks even months of shots captured on film must be gathered and edited together so that one full, fluid story lasting a fraction of the time it took to capture it all. That is why editing is often described as an art form.

Transition of image and sound.

Transition of image: In film image transition is a post-production process, form of editing where the scenes or shots are combined. One scene or shot is moved into another scene or shot. There are many different ways to do this and often more complex transitions are needed at dramatic moments in the film Transition of sound: A transition of sound is generally used to flow the film into the next scene. This can be done by removing all the sound from a scene, or perhaps by inserting background music, and then fading in the sound from the next scene as it appears.

Depth of field (deep and shallow focus)

Definition of depth of field: In film depth of field is the distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a scene that appear sharp in the image. Although a lens can precisely focus at only one distance at a time, the decrease in sharpness is gradual on each side of the focused distance, so within the depth of field, the unsharpness is hard to see under normal viewing conditions.In some cases the entire image sharp must be sharp, and a large depth of field is used which is called deep focus. In other cases, a small depth of field is used which emphasises the subject while de-emphasizing the foreground and background, this is called shallow focus.

Example of the use of depth of field:

Depth of field is used here to make one object stand out while you are still easily able to see the other objects. This can let the audience see the distance between them or could  let them think the more focused glass is more important.

Rule of thirds

Definition of the rule of thirds: The rule of thirds is a concept in film production where the frame is divided into nine imaginary sections. This creates reference points which act as guides for framing the image. Points of interest should occur at 1/3 or 2/3`s of the way up or across the frame, rather than in the centre.

Example of the use of the rule of thirds:
 Rule of thirds is used here to make their eyes the points of focus. This means that the audience can see their emotion easier and this makes the scene more emotional to the audience and helps them empathise more with the characters.

Framing

Definition of framing: Framing is about creating the image that you are about to shoot.  Having the camera lined up right and the subjects in the shot are in the right place in the frame.

Example of good framing:

Good framing is used in most shots in most films and tv series so that it looks professional and the audience takes it seriously.

Reverse-zoom

Definition of a reverse-zoom:A camera shot that changes smoothly from a close-up to a long shot. A zoom-out places a person or object in a wider context.

Example of a reverse-zoom:
A reverse-zoom is used here as it is more dramatic than going from a shot of the earth to the final shot. It may give the audience a sense of awe.

Zoom

Definition of zoom:A camera shot that changes smoothly from a long shot to a close-up.

Example of zoom ( yes I know it says panning but it's actually a zoom shot):





This clip is used here to show the doctor's emotion after you see or hear what has happened before. This particular shot is humorous to the audience.

Focus pulls

Definition of a focus pull: A focus pull is a creative camera technique in were you change focus during a shot, adjusting the focus from one subject to another. The focus pull is useful for directing the viewer's attention. This is often used in drama dialogues — the focus shifts backwards and forwards between the people speaking as each one talks they become the main subject and focus point. Example of a focus pull (about 3 minutes in):
 The focus pull is used here so that you can see the Moriarty who may be shot in detail and then the gun that he might be shot with in detail. This adds tension and suspense to the audience as they wait to see if Sherlock will shoot.

Handheld camera

Definition of a handheld camera: A hand-held camera or hand-held shooting is a filmmaking technique where the camera is held in the camera operator's hands as opposed to being mounted on a tripod or other base. Hand-held cameras allow a greater freedom of motion during filming.
Hand-held camera shots often result in an image that is perceptibly shakier than that of a tripod-mounted camera. Purposeful use of this technique is called shaky camera and is created by the camera operator during filming, or artificially simulated in post-production. Shaky camera is a cinematographic technique where techniques to keep the camera steady are not used. The camera is held in the hand, or given the appearance of being hand-held.. It suggests unprepared, unrehearsed filming of  and can provide a sense of dynamics, immersion, instability or nervousness. The technique can be used to give a documentary-like appearance to a film.
 Example of a handheld camera shot: A handheld camera was used here to make the film look more like a documentary, so it appeared real. This causes the audience to be more fearful during the whole film as it seems more like it all really happened and could happen to them.

Steadicam

Definition of a steadicam: An object for steadying a hand-held camera, consisting of a shock-absorbing arm which the camera is attached to and a harness worn by the camera operator.It allows for a smooth shot, even when moving quickly over an uneven surface.

Example of a steadicam shot: A steeadicam is used here so that the couple can quickly and smoothly be followed around corners without many multiple shots having to be taken. This one long shot makes the audience feel as if they are really following them, that they are part of the film.

Crane shot

Definition of a crane shot:

 In filmmaking a crane shot is a shot taken by a camera on a crane or jib. There uses are to view the actors from above or to move up and away from them, a common way of ending a film. Example of a crane shot.
 
 A crane shot is used to show that the film is ending as the camera is leaving the scene and floating up into the sky. It helps the audience detach and recognise that the film is over.

Dolly

Definition of a dolly: A camera dolly is a piece of equipment designed to create smooth camera movements. The camera is mounted to the dolly and the camera operator and focus puller or camera assistant usually ride on the dolly to operate the camera.

This creates shots that go toward or away from the subject. Dolly-in means to go towards the subject with the camera, while dolly-out means to go backwards with the camera, keeping the zoom the same. Dolly shots are similar to tracking shots but they go in and out more than side to side.

Example of a dolly shot:





 A dolly shot is used here for a similar reason as the tracking shot, to follow the action in one long steady shot. The audience feels they are part of the action.

Track

Definition of a track: A track is the rails which a dolly is pushed along.

It is often used to film a tracking shot where the camera is mounted on the dolly which is pushed along the track while the shot is being taken. Tracking shot tend to move sideways unlike dolly shots which move in and out.
Example of a tracking shot:




  A tracking shot is used here so that the couple can quickly and smoothly be followed around corners without many multiple shots having to be taken. This one long shot makes the audience feel as if they are really following them, that they are part of the film.

Tilt

Definition of a tilting shot: A shot taken by angling a stationary camera up (tilt-up) or down (tilt-down), similar to panning but vertical instead of horizontal.
Example of a tilting shot:
 Like with the pan shot the tilt shot is used here so that the whole scene can be taken in without any detail being lost.

Pan

Definition of panning: Panning refers to the horizontal movement or rotation of a still camera.
 Example of panning:
 
 Panning is used here so that the whole scene can be taken in without any of the detail you would lose from just doing a long shot.

Canted angle shot

Definition of a canted angle shot: The canted angle shot, also known as Dutch tilt, is a type of camera shot where the camera is tilted off to one side. The shot is often used to portray the psychological uneasiness or tension in the subject being filmed.
 Example of a canted shot:
 
 Here the shot is used to let the audience know that the subject is deranged or unhinged which adds to their uneasy feelings about him, causing him to be a more feared villain.

Low angle shot

Definition of a low angle shot: This shows the subject from below, anywhere below the eye line, looking up, giving them the impression of being more powerful or dominant.
Example of a low angle shot:

A low angle shot is used here to make the subject seem bossy and in charge while she tells someone off.

High angle shot

Definition of a high angle shot: A high angle shot is usually when the camera angle is located above the eye line. With this type of angle, the camera looks down on the subject and the subject often gets "swallowed up" by the setting. A high angle shows the subject from above, i.e. the camera is angled down towards the subject. This has the effect of diminishing the subject, making them appear less powerful, less significant or even submissive. Example of a high angle shot: The high angle shot is used here to make the subject seem submissive and small as he is being told off.

Over the shoulder shot

Definition of an over the shoulder shot: This shot is framed from behind a person who is looking at the subject. Some of the person facing the subjects' body should be visible such as some of their shoulder, back or side of their head.This shot helps to establish the position of each person, and get the feel of looking at one person from the other's point of view. It's common to cut between these shots during a conversation, alternating the view between the different speakers. This type of shot is very common when two characters are having a discussion.
Example of an over the shoulder shot:
This shot is used here during a discussion and causes the audience to feel as if they were there and part of it, just standing behind someone else.

Point of view shot

Definition of a point of view shot: This shot shows a view from the subject's perspective. It is usually edited in such a way that it is obvious whose point of view it is. What they are seeing with their own eyes is represented by what the camera shoots. It is usually established by being positioned between a shot of a character looking at something, and a shot showing the character's reaction. Example of a point of view shot:




This shot is used here to emphasise that Oswin has discovered that she is really a dalek as her point of view shot is seen through a daleks' eye. This helps to give the audience an understanding of what is going on.

Aerial shot

Definition of an aerial shot: Aerial shots are where the camera is attached to a crane or special helicopter to view large landscapes from the air. This sort of shot is restricted to exterior locations. A good area to do this shot would be a scene that takes place on a roof or outside. Example of an aerial shot:

This aerial shot is used here so that the full size of the castle can be seen and appreciated. The audience can see the overall largeness of the castle and feel the medieval atmosphere.

Two shot

Definition of a two shot: A two shot is a type of shot were the frame has a view of two people (the subjects). The subjects do not have to be next to each other, and there are many common two-shots which have one subject in the foreground and the other subject in the background. It is very useful if the piece is about two people.
Example of a two shot:

This shot is used here so that the audience can see both of the characters and what they are doing at the same time. This keeps the audience focused and unconfused about what is going on in the piece.

Wide shot

In the wide shot, the subject takes up the full frame. The subjects base is usually at the bottom of frame and its top at the top of the frame. Obviously the subject doesn't take up the whole width and height of the frame, since this is as close as we can get without losing any part of it. The small amount of room above and below the subject can be thought of as safety room — you don't want to be cutting the top of the head off. It would also look uncomfortable if his feet and head were exactly at the top and bottom of frame. Long and extreme long shots are often also referred to as wide shot as the frame is often wide in these shots too.

 Example of a wide shot:

This wide shot is used here to have all of the subject visible in the frame but with lots of background still visible. This means that the audience can still see the subject in good detail while still being able to see some of a location. The audience can see all the details they need which keeps them focused and interested.

Mid shot

The mid shot shows some part of the subject in detail, while also showing enough for the audience to feel as if they were looking at the whole subject. The shot shows the same amount of the subject as you would see if you were having a casual conversation with them. You wouldn't be paying any attention to their lower body, so that part of the picture is unnecessary. It is used when the subject is speaking without too much emotion or intense concentration. It also works well when the intent is to deliver information, which is why it is frequently used by television news presenters. The mid shot also allows room for hand gestures and a bit of movement.
 Example of a mid shot: this conversation is composed mostly of mid shots.
 Here the mid shot is used to make the audience feel as if they are part of the conversation.

Long shot

A long shot is very similar to an extreme long shot in that it is also a shot which is taken from a considerable distance away, with a wide frame value which is why it is often also known as a wide shot. People are more visible, rather than being invisible or only seen as dots they now appear as indistinct shapes, the subject is indistinct or far away but visible. The long shot normally shows the entire subject, usually in some relation to its surroundings, this is why, like the extreme long shot, it is often used as an establishing shot. Example of a long shot: the first few shots of the abbey in this clip show good examples of a longshot.
 The long shots used here are used as an establishing shot so the audience will know where the show is set. This gains the audience interest and seeing the large house and some of its grounds give the scene an air of wealth and grandeur and give an insight into the kind of people who may live in the house.

Medium shot

Definition of a medium shot: The medium shot is the most common shot used in movies. It is a camera shot in which the subject is in the middle distance and some of the background to be seen. It shows some parts of the subject in detail while still giving an impression of the whole subject. Example of a medium shot: about 1.58 minutes in.
Let's the audience see the details of the regeneration while the subject 'the doctor' is still mostly visible. This let audience see and understand better what is going on.

Close up

Definition of a close-up: A close-up is a shot where the subject, subjects or sometimes some part of the subject/s, takes up the entire frame. These kinds of shots are used to show detail on an object and details in a person such as their emotions.
Example of a close-up: most of the shots in this clip are close-ups, see below.
This shot is used here so we can easily see who is talking in this fast-paced conversation, this helps the audience stay engaged, seeing them face to face can make them feel as if they are there and part of the conversation.

Extreme long shot

Definition of an extreme long shot: An extreme longshot is a shot with a wider frame value where the subject is small in the overall image people, if they can even be seen at all, are shown as dots. It can be taken from up to a quarter of a mile away and usually shows an exterior such as the outside of a building or landscape. This makes it perfect for emphasising the background and environment the character is in or against which is why it is often used at the beginning of a film or a scene (as an establishing shot) - to create an atmosphere or set the scene. There is often very little detail visible in the shot, it's meant to give a general impression rather than specific information. Example of an extreme longshot: The first few shots in the opening credits of Sherlock show good examples of an extreme long shot, see below. This shot has been used to set the scene as London and this has the effect of drawing the audience in by giving them their first piece of information about what they are about to see.