Camera Shots

When making a file or a TV series there is a very wide variety of camera shots that are used by the camera crew. The use of these different camera shots helps the viewer to engage with the show more whether its by keeping them on their toes with constant cuts to different shots or vividly expressing a characters facial expression and emotions. Either way a variety of camera shots are imperative to making a brilliant show. Here are the main camera shots that are used:

1. First there is the establishing shot which introduces you to the setting for the upcoming scene, this usually shows a busy town, a luxurious home or a spooky forest. All of which give you an insight as to what might be coming next; they also signify an end to one scene and the start of another. 
   
2. Then there is long shot which is has a character in it, but from a distance. This shot introduces the character to their new surroundings and allows you to see them from afar which could raise suspense if its a thriller or view them amongst the public if its in a crowded area.
   
   
   
3. The full shot allows the audience to view the characters whole body from head to toe. Usually used to show the persons outfit this shot can also be used to show a group of people socialising. 
   
4. The mid shot is of a person from the waist up to the head. It can be used a good shot to use during conversations as its close enough that you can see the facial expressions yet far enough to capture the surroundings. 
   
5. The close up is of the persons whole face from the shoulder up. This angle is very common in TV series as it is often used when there is dialogue because you can see the full face with all the expressions without being distracted by the background.
   
6. An extreme close up is when the camera zooms into a section of the face that has two or more features, this could be used to add suspense. for example pointing out a nervous twitch or or the smirk of a plotting villain. 
   
7. Finally the very extreme close up  is when the camera zooms into one feature if the face to show extra detail. This shot is mainly use in dramatic scenes but it is not used very often as it is very specific. 
   

Preliminary Preparation

Our first project for Media was to do a Preliminary task which requires us to film and edit a character opening a door and walking across a room before sitting down opposite another character to exchange a short dialogue. The prelim must include:

1.  Match on action, which is an editing technique when one shot is cut to another point of view that matches the first, this can be done by having an action follow through or have a dialogue continue through different camera angles. 
   
2. Shot reverse shot, is used when you shooting a conversation between characters, during the conversation the camera switches from the point of view of one character to the point  of view of the other, this can be shown in over the shoulder shots, over the head shots or face to face shots.
   
   
   
   
3. 180 degree rule, this is important when filming because it maintains the 4th wall between the audience and the characters. It outlines that the camera(s) must stay on one side of the imaginary 180 degree line across a room and two characters that are interacting.