Camera Positions

                            

 Over the shoulder shot

Is where the camera is placed at the shoulder level and is shot in this position. We see a character over another’s shoulder; it is often seen used during dialogues between characters. With over the shoulder shots characters can remain mysterious because we never see their face, this could be a good shot to use in a thriller film if I want to create a mysterious suspense scene.



Two shot (TS)
In which the frame shows a view of two people (the subjects). A two-shot is a good way to introduce conversation. With my thriller it is a good way to show two characters within the frame.

Medium long shot (MLS)

When the shot focus on the subject from the knees upwards. It also permits a balance between the subject and surrounding. It is able to show expression on the face as well as giving away the background or surroundings.  With this shot we are able to tell a lot about the character by viewing their costumes/ outfits. In my thriller where there is not dialogue the audience must can assume a character by their hair /make up and costume, all 3 can be viewed in this shot.

Close up (CU)

Shows a fairly small part of the scene and puts emphasis on the subject, such as a characters face and neck. This shot is used to reveal detail and expression. Close up of objects show detail. With a lot of thrillers there is usually a reaction shot required because of the shock and suspense factors, to see detail of make up and emotion of characters faces a close up is an ideal shot.

          

  Long Shot ( LS)

Includes the full shot showing the entire body, with the head near the top of the frame and the feet near the bottom. While the focus is on characters, some of the background detail still emerges. This shot is useful for someone that is walking or moving. This shot shows a fairly large subject (such as a person). In this example you can see the central character. This helps the audience to identify what the character as well as the location. In relation to my thriller film long shots can be used to give the audience a sense of situation and what is going on within the frame.



 Master shot (MS)

This shot is similar to an establishing shots; it is used at the beginning of sequences, as a reference point for the rest of the sequence to follow. In this example, if you are aware of what city it can give an indication of where the film is located and of the events that may be associated with it.

Medium/ Mid shot (MIDS)

Where the camera shots midway between a close-up and a medium shot. Also where the subject and background share equal dominance in the picture. In my preliminary task, this shot was used frequently I was able to focus on the characters emotions and reaction yet keep the surroundings and location visible.

                                                              

Over head shot(OHS)

Show the subject and surrounding to get more of an impact on what is happening within the scene.  The camera is aimed at a high angle to enable the view of the whole room and can give a sense of dominance. The pictured example does not give clear view of the characters or their facial expression it has a bigger impact on a scene that is very busy to capture all what is going on, without focusing on one aspect.

Extreme close up (ECU)

 This shot singles out a portion of the subject which focuses on detail and magnifies. Extreme close-up of a face, for instance, would show only the mouth or eyes, with no background detail whatsoever. The shot can be used for dramatic effect. If it’s an extreme close up of another part or object, no background detail still applies, enabling us to see the subject a lot clearer. To see features or a specific area I would use this shot to show detail.

Extreme long shot (ELS)

Is a shot that is sometimes used as an establishing shot. This is because the camera is at a further distance from the subject, highlighting the background and also reducing the significance of the subject. This example shows there is no specific focus on any one subject; it is rather an equal balance of all subjects giving an idea about location. I would find using extreme long shot easier to use over an establishing shot as it can be used throughout the film to indicate various locations if there is a lot of location change.

Establishing shot (ES)

Defines the location and gives the audience an outlook on the action that is to follow. This shot is vital to identifying the genre. Immediately, in this example, the darkness and focus on the only car on the road creates a dark suspense. It enables both the genre, which the audience can assume is horror/ thriller and the events that may follow, which indicates to be either shock or surprise. With my own thriller using this type of shot may be ideal in showing the genre and what is next to happen; to determine my genre I could use different types of lighting, such as low key and my use of colours such as blacks and greys.