Shot Types

180 degree rule
The 180° rule is a basic guideline in film making that states that two characters (or other elements) in the same scene should always have the same left/right relationship to each other. If the camera passes over the imaginary axis connecting the two subjects, it is called crossing the line. The new shot, from the opposite side, is known as a reverse angle.

Establishing Shot
In film and television, an establishing shot sets up, or "establishes", a scene's setting and/or its participants. Typically it is a shot at the beginning (or, occasionally, end) of a scene indicating where, and sometimes when, the remainder of the scene takes place.

Close up
In film, television, still photography and the comic strip medium a close-up tightly frames a person or an object. Close-ups are one of the standard shots used regularly with medium shots and long shots. Close-ups display the most detail, but they do not include the broader scene. Moving in to a close-up or away from a close-up is a common type of zooming.

Match on Action
Cutting on action or matching on action refers to a film editing technique where the editor cuts from one shot to another view that matches the first shot's action and energy.

Reaction Shot
Reaction shot is a term used in motion picture production and cinematography referring to a basic unit of film grammar. It is a shot which cuts away from the main scene in order to show the reaction of a character to it.

Long shot
In photography, film and video, a long shot (sometimes referred to as a full shot or a wide shot) typically shows the entire object or human figure and is usually intended to place it in some relation to its surroundings.

Point Of View (POV)
This shot is maid to make the viewers feel like they are in the film showing footage from a characters point of view, it emphasises Emotions and Important actions, also the ambiant sounds are Louder and more pronounced, this makes the viewer Feel truly involved in whats happening on screen. A great example of this is "CloverFeild" & "The Blair Witch Prodject"

Written By:
George Marino,
Sassie Risino