The types of shots and angles chosen in the making of a film are important because they help the audience to understand the story. Directors, alongside other crew members, carefully consider the shots and angles they will use – they decide what they want to show you (the audience), and what they want to leave out. In this way filmmakers shape their stories and shape your expectations of them. A film shot is a continuous view from a single camera, without interruption. Every shot gives you new information that the other shot could not give you – even if you do not notice this, it is happening as you watch anything on-screen.
In Odyssey 1, pages 190-193 you learned about three different types of camera angles: 1. the close-up, 2. the medium-shot and 3. the long-shot.
Camera Angle
Close-up The camera focuses on the actor’s face or object.
LITERACY COMMUNICATION
Medium-shot The camera shows half of an actor’s body and face.
Long-shot The camera shows the location and all of the actor’s body.
BEING CREATIVE MANAGING MYSELF
Check your understanding Below are three shots from the movie Kes (1969), directed by Ken Loach. With a partner, discuss which camera angle is used for each image.
MANAGING INFORMATION AND THINKING LITERACY
A
WORKING WITH OTHERS BEING CREATIVE
NUMERACY MANAGING INFORMATION AND THINKING STAYING WELL WORKING WITH OTHERS NUMERACY C STAYING WELL B COMMUNICATION MANAGING MYSELF Effect
There is a focus on an emotion or an important detail.
There is a focus on plot. This angle allows the actor’s expressions and dialogue to be clearly communicated.
There is a focus on location. It allows the audience to know where the story is set.
