Are you a budding cinematographer? If so, you’ll need to nail the lingo to demonstrate professionalism. There’s now a lexicon surrounding cinema, especially regarding camera shots. Use this brief guide to the different terminology for camera shots in film to gain some foundational knowledge!
High-Angle/Overhead Shot
An overhead shot peers down on the scene from above. In other words, the camera hangs above the actors and angles down towards them. It’s an effective shot for making the subject appear small, suggesting weakness, or demonstrating scale. Safely achieving this shot requires practice and a solid grasp on how to operate camera rigs for overhead shots.
Over-the-Shoulder Angle
A staple of narrative cinema is the over-the-shoulder (OTS) angle. This shot is key for capturing conversations, arguments, and emotional moments with a personal feel for the viewer.
Filmmakers achieve the shot by placing the camera behind one character’s shoulder as they speak to another character. It’s normal to get an OTS shot for each character in the conversation. That way, the editor can cut back and forth between the shots to create a seamless, impactful exchange.
Dutch Angles
A Dutch angle, also known as a Dutch tilt, occurs when the shot is off-axis. Filming intentionally off-axis creates a tilt in the display. There are many reasons why a filmmaker would choose a Dutch angle; The unique perspective conveys disorientation, drunkenness, or unease.
Close-Up and Extreme Close-Up (CU and ECU)
If your script has dramatic elements, you’ll want to make use of these two foundational shots. A close-up shot is what it sounds like—a close-up view of the character/scene. An extreme close-up goes even further and fills the entire frame with a character’s face. Sergio Leone used this technique to significant effect in his 1960s Westerns.
Of course, the list of different terminology for camera shots in film goes far beyond these few notable examples. These shots provide a foundation for the hundreds of unique angles, movements, and methods camerapersons implement today. The best way to continue building your knowledge of camera shots is to study scripts, create notations for your favorite films, and simply dive into the world of filmmaking!