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If you are passionate about the audiovisual world, you should know the most well-known types of film shots on the big screen. Knowing each one will allow you to visualise scenes and frame them perfectly so they convey the message you want with every shot.
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Types of shots in cinema
In cinema and photography, there is a wide variety of shot types, and they are divided according to framing, angle and the camera’s point of view. They can be descriptive, narrative or close, always depending on the intention you want to give to the scene or sequence.
Below, we show you some of the most relevant types of film shots based on framing.
Extreme Long Shot (ELS) and Long Shot (LS)
Example of an Extreme Long Shot and a Long Shot – Credits: Stranger Things (Netflix)
In these two types of film shots, most of the scene is framed. The main difference is that in the Long Shot, human figures or locations can be distinguished and placed in context, whereas in the Extreme Long Shot they cannot.
In the examples, you can see how the first is used to place a group of men in the snow in context, and the second places the subject within a location.
To create an Extreme Long Shot, it is necessary to use cranes or place the camera in an elevated position to capture the landscape.
In this shot, characters appear tiny and distant, creating a sense of unfamiliarity or distance and sparking the viewer’s curiosity to learn more about the story.
In this shot, the characters are clearly identified within a context, describing the scene. By using a wide-angle lens and positioning the camera several metres away, the scene can be captured easily.
Medium Long Shot (MLS)
Example of a Medium Long Shot – Credits: Stranger Things (Netflix)
This is similar to a long shot, but slightly tighter, and it is used to show the actor along with other elements in the scene. In this shot, the actor is closer to the camera than the rest of the elements.
Full Shot or FS
Example of a Full Shot – Credits: Stranger Things (Netflix)
The full shot, or figure shot, is a type of shot in which the character is framed from head to toe to give them exclusive prominence, as in this shot of Eddie Munson. In general, this shot is used to show the characters’ wardrobe.
American Shot (AS)
Example of an American Shot – Credits: Stranger Things (Netflix)
In the American Shot, or ¾ shot, the framing runs from the head to just below or above the knees. The American shot is an excellent tool when you need to highlight hand movement in a scene.
The name originates from Westerns, where the actor would always appear with their gun holsters.
Medium Shot (MS)
Example of a Medium Shot – Credits: Stranger Things (Netflix)
This framing is done from the waist to the head and is used mainly in interviews, allowing you to see hand gestures and the character’s body language. This shot also makes it possible to get to know the character and their relationship with the environment in greater depth.
Medium Close-Up (MCU)
Example of a Medium Close-Up – Credits: Stranger Things (Netflix)
This shot, slightly tighter than the previous one, is framed from the head to below the chest, focusing attention on the character and their facial expressions.
Close-Up (CU)
Example of a Close-Up – Credits: Stranger Things (Netflix)
This shot is framed from the head to, at most, the shoulders, to draw attention to the face and the subject’s emotions, as in this shot of Henry Creel, One or Vecna (Spoiler). This shot is intended to show a much more intimate side of the character and make them feel closer to the audience.
Extreme close-up (ECU)
Example of an Extreme Close-Up – Credits: Stranger Things (Netflix)
The extreme close-up is a framing that runs from the chin to the top of the head. This cinematic shot conveys even more of the subject’s expressiveness, as in this shot of Eleven as Jane Hopper.
Detail shot (DS)
Example of a Detail Shot – Credits: Stranger Things (Netflix)
The detail shot is used mainly to show objects or parts of the body in detail, with the aim of giving viewers more information about a character’s personality or highlighting the importance of an object in the development of the plot.
Types of shots in cinema by angle
In addition to film shots by framing, there is a list of shots that are classified according to the angle of the camera position. Among the most notable are the following:
Bird’s-eye shot (overhead shot)
Example of a Bird’s-eye Shot – Credits: Stranger Things (Netflix)
This shot is completely perpendicular to the ground, at about 90° to the subject. This type of shot in cinema has an aesthetic and descriptive purpose. To record a bird’s-eye shot, it is necessary to use cranes or drones to capture the framing properly. Today, it is one of the most widely used shots on the big screen.
High-angle shot
Example of a High-Angle Shot – Credits: Stranger Things (Netflix)
In this shot, the camera is positioned above the subject’s eye line, at an angle of no more than 45°, always pointing downwards. It is a cinematic device used to convey vulnerability or fear.
Low-angle shot
Example of a Low-Angle Shot – Credits: Stranger Things (Netflix)
In the low-angle shot, the camera should be below the subject’s eye line, looking upwards, with the aim of giving the characters in the frame an air of superiority or power.
Nadir shot
Example of a Nadir Shot – Credits: Stranger Things (Netflix)
The nadir shot is the complete opposite of the bird’s-eye shot. The camera is placed directly below the subject, perpendicular to the ground at 90° to the framed object, adding more drama to the scene, as in this shot of the group discussing their next move while playing Dungeons & Dragons.
Over-the-shoulder shot
Example of an Over-the-Shoulder Shot – Credits: Stranger Things (Netflix)
This is often used to frame a conversation between two actors, with the back of one subject in the foreground and the other facing the camera. It is an ideal device to emphasise the suspense of the scene and what the conversation will reveal, which will be relevant to the development of the plot.
Profile shot (side shot)
Example of a Side Shot – Credits: Stranger Things (Netflix)
As its name suggests, the profile shot shows the subject’s side profile. The purpose of this shot is to bring the character’s figure closer to the audience, showing their facial expressions from this perspective.
Frontal shot
Example of a Frontal Shot – Credits: Stranger Things (Netflix)
In a neutral way, the camera is placed at the subject’s eye level without any angulation. It is a shot very similar to a close-up, as its purpose is to show the character’s expressiveness clearly.
Rear shot
Example of a Rear Shot – Credits: Stranger Things (Netflix)
To create a rear shot, the camera must be positioned behind the subject. This film shot is used to create mystery around something we know is about to happen. It is widely used in thriller or horror films due to the strong dramatic effect it adds to the film.
Dutch angle (canted angle)
Example of a Dutch angle – Credits: Stranger Things (Netflix)
This film shot is used to add dynamism to a scene, and the camera is usually tilted 45° on its own axis to create a sense of instability and action. It is a cinematic device widely used in action films.
… And that concludes the best-known types of film shots that exist. Remember that if you are getting started in the audiovisual world and want to begin putting your own projects into practice, be sure to take a look at our previous post, where we reveal all the key points of cinematic composition.
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