SHOT DEFINITIONS
Long shot (LS) or Wide Shot (WS)
Shows the whole scene, all subjects/ elements are in the shot, establishes a setting. Also known as an
establishing shot.
Medium Shot (MS)
Action shot, generally from the waist up, a shot to identify with a subject, character or thing.
Close Up (CU)
Head and shoulders shot, emotion shot, expression shot, detail shot
Extreme Close Up (ECU)
Only a part of the face or body or element fills the whole shot. Shows definition. A part of the subject
usually dominates the screen.
High Angle Shot (HA)
Camera looking downwards, generally shot from just above head height. A monopod comes in handy for
this type of shot.
Birds Eye View (BEV)
Very high camera angle shot downwards towards the subject from a building, ladder or balcony.
Low Angle Shot (LA)
Camera tilted looking upward towards a subject, taking the shot from about waist level.
Worms Eye View (WEV)
Very low camera angle shot looking up from ground level. A mini tripod comes in handy for this shot.
Point of View Shot (POV)
A subjective shot taken from the point of view of a participant or character in the action. Eg Looking at a
watch to see the time.
Action Shot
Generally a mid shot capturing the action. Eg falling down stairs, pulling a gun, or looking at the time. A
POV or reaction shot usually follows.
Reaction Shot
Reaction shots result from an action or series of action shots. They allow an audience to identify more
closely with a character. There are Physical Reaction Shots and Emotional Reaction Shots.
Anticipation Shot
An anticipation shot is generally a close-up shot and gets the audience ready for and action shot.
Two Shot
Generally a profile shot of 2 people facing, possibly engaging in conversation
Over The Shoulder Shot
Generally used for dialogue exchange. Head and shoulder shot of the speaker with shoulder and back of
head of listener in foreground. This shot can follow a Two Shot.
Reverse Shot
The reverse of the Over the Shoulder Shot.
Cut Away Shot
A shot that cuts away to action that is not part of a sequence but is related.
Eg. Burglar breaking into a house. Cut away to dog barking in back yard.
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FILM-MAKING RESOURCE
Created by Kym Nadebaum 2012