Research- Shot types

‘I hate the idea of going onto a location or a set someplace and [saying] ‘Well, let’s see, I wonder where we should put the camera?’ I want to be able to say, The camera’s going to go here, she’s going to walk in the door there, and we’re going to dolly with her, move in, go over there, and end up with a two-shot of her standing at the desk’- Robert Wise

Reflecting on Wise's quote, it is apparent that the pre-production stages are essential, in order to be well prepared and time efficient on the filming days. To ensure this, a descriptive shot list has to be formed, whereby there are four points of consideration:

1. Shot types
2. Angle
3. Camera movement
4. Blocking (of characters, vehicles, etc

1. Shot types

• Can be referred to as scale, which is the relationship between the frame and the object

Extreme close-up (ECU) - A shot with a very narrow field of view, which emphasises on a tiny detail, usually part of a person’s face. The magnified image is an effective way of representing moments of intense emotion such as happiness, sadness or fear.

Close-up (CU)-There is slightly a wider view than the extreme close-up. It usually captures a characters head and shoulders. This shot can be used for reaction shots or dialogue scenes, whereby it is important to capture emotion and facial expression.

Medium close-up (MCU) - This shot usually shows a characters face to their mid chest, which typically features in 2-shots and over the shoulder shots. The shot is intimate, showing much of the character, however it’s looser framing reveals significant objects and part of the setting.

Medium shot (MS) - The shot shows the character from the waist upwards. The audience can focus on the facial expression, but also body language, costume, setting and props within the scene.

Medium long-shot (MLS) - The shot shows the character from the knees up. This is a useful shot to convey the character in relation to their surroundings such as a large group of people or setting. It can be vital in terms of showing a specific characters relationship with other characters on set.

Long shot (LS) - The shot shows the character is full frame, but the setting dominates. It is commonly used as an establishing shot, showing a sense of time, place and atmosphere. The characters whole physicality is also shown.

Wide shot (WS) - The shot is designed to see a large proportion of the action on screen in relation to the surroundings. It is usually used as a master shot.

Single: A shot with only one person.

Two shot: A shot of two people together.

Insert- These shots are typically portrayed in close-ups. It serves to reveal details missed by the master shot, or general coverage. 

Applying shot types to child eyes

Evidently there are many different types of shots, which all serve different purposes in creating a certain emotion and tone for a film. Due to the psychological nature of the film ‘Child Eyes’, a series of extreme close-ups, big close-ups and close-up shots will be significant to track the emotional stages Michael undergoes. However, the variation of close-up shots have to be used selectively and appropriately, in order to create the utmost emotional impact upon an audience. Medium long-shots and Long shots are also important to show Michael in terms of his surroundings. At the beginning of the film, filming from distances can be used to illustrate Michael's isolation in the world. As the film progresses two shots of Michael and his child self can be used to convey how Michael has become more fulfilled, when reunited with the memory of his youth.