Planning : Camera Shots & Angles

The use of different camera shots and angles creates strong variation in a film. The use of a different camera shot or angle creates a different effect for the audience.

Examples of shots I have used:

Extreme Long Shot:

This shot gives an overall idea of the scene for the audience. It is the only shot from the film that shows outside and only the stalker is shown leaving the house, this can be interpreted by the audience. This may portray the idea that only the stalker can walk free from the situation where as something has happened for the young girl.

Long Shot:

This shot shows the whole of the character in the frame providing detail of the scene for the audience. The audience can gage the idea of the setting and character's lives.

Medium Long Shot:

I have used medium shots when the scene is darker to show a bit more detail but at this point I didn't want full detail of the characters face to be seen by the audience to still keep an element of mystery, I think a medium long shot does this.

Medium Shot:

This shot type provides the audience with a better understanding of the frame and scene. More of the character can be seen but there is still a balance with the background as well.

Medium Close Up:

This shot provides a full view of this character making her more personable. The camera shot is also from inside a cupboard giving an unusual point of view for the audience that is different to most films and camera shots.

Close Up:

This is a more intimate type of shot that opens the character up to the audience. Her emotions can be seen in this type of shot and I think it is important to vary shot types and include these close up shots.

Privileged/Over the Shoulder:

This is an unusual angle/type of shot but I think it gives a good effect on the audience. The idea of a stalker in the narrative comes through from this shot as it gives the impression of someone looking over this character's shoulder.

Low Angle:

 Low angle shot's provide an indication to power. Often they are used to symbolise the character shown inn the low angle shot has a higher power but in my short film this is not the case. The character shown has less power and is more vulnerable which is a contrast to the stereotypical use of a low angle.

Other camera movements I have used include:

Panning: I will use this a lot of my film as I think it is a smooth camera movement that allows you to see a lot more in a scene. It will be effective in showing the audience more of the setting to build on their understanding of the plot. I think it is especially effective in reflecting so I will be using it a lot at the end of my film showing each room in the house to allow the audience to come to their own conclusions about the plot and what has happened in the film with the last few shots.