Camera Shots

Below are demonstrations of the types of camera shots we could use within our horror film opening.



Close-up - This shot will be used to show expression and action that needs to emphasised, for example opening a door with a key.

Medium Shot - This shot is still able to show expression, it will be used when the full body doesn't need to be in shot.

Long Shot/Wide Shot - Used when the whole body is needed to show action it also helps show proportion within the surroundings.

High Angle - This show will likely be used for the victim to create the image of the victim being vulnerable and makes them look like they have no power.

Low Angle - Does the opposite of the high angle and would be used for thr killer, to make them seem more powerful.

Establishing Shot - This shot is used to establish the setting and location of the film and helps to identify the genre of the film to the audience straight away. This would be an establishing shot of a city.

Point of View Shot - This is used to show the characters point of view from the camera angle. It can be used when two characters are having a conversation or during action to show what one character is seeing of the other. Below is a point of view shot of someone riding a bike.

Dolly Shot - This shot is usually used when a character is walking or running to mimic their movement. In horror films such as The Shining, it has been used as a point of view shot to show how the killer was running behind the victim.

Below are some rules when filming that we need to follow to ensure our film opening has smooth continuity

Rule of Thirds - The camera frame is divided into nine equal squares, we need to make sure that the subject of the frame is equally and correctly spaced, so that the subject or person isn't cut off in any way or right at the edge of a frame.

180 Degree Rule/Shot Reverse Shot - We may use this rule if the characters were to have a conversation to help continuity. This rule means that when one character is looking at one character, the other character is looking back at the first at the opposite angle but within the 180 degrees between them.

Match on Action Shot - We will use this shot to show action that is carrying on whilst another action or point of view is talking place.