Understanding Essential Shot Sizes in Filmmaking

Sep 21, 2024

The Shot List: Episode 1 - Shot Sizes

Overview

  • Films consist of sequences, scenes, and shots.
  • Understanding the storytelling value of each shot is crucial.
  • This episode focuses on defining essential shot sizes and their use in filmmaking.

Importance of Shot Size

  • Shot choices establish rhythm, tone, and meaning of a scene.
  • Directors and DPs prioritize the aesthetic and dramatic value of shots.
  • A shot list serves as a cheat sheet for creating memorable moments.

Essential Shot Sizes

Establishing Shot

  • Opens a scene or film by establishing geography, time of day, and scale.
  • Transitions between scenes, especially in genres like science fiction.
  • Example: Blade Runner 2049 uses establishing shots to introduce its world.

Master Shot

  • Confirms location and geography of a scene.
  • Shows characters and their relationships.
  • Example: The Godfather Part II uses a master shot to emphasize family dynamics.

Wide Shot (WS)

  • Positions subjects far from the camera to show their environment relationship.
  • Used to show subjects as lost, lonely, or overwhelmed.
  • Example: Phantom Thread uses a wide shot to isolate characters.

Full Shot

  • Captures subject head-to-toe.
  • Makes statements about physicality and presence.
  • Not necessarily centered but often used that way.

Medium Full Shot (Cowboy)

  • Frames from the head to just below the waist.
  • Suggests confidence, danger, or confrontation.
  • Example: The Favourite uses cowboy angles for confrontation.

Medium Shot (MS)

  • Neutral shot size similar to real-life interactions.
  • Captures subjects from above the waist to just above the head.
  • Example: Coco uses medium shots to capture character reactions.

Medium Close-Up Shot (MCU)

  • Frames from mid-chest to above the head.
  • Focuses on story and character details.
  • Example: Avengers Endgame uses MCU to show Thanos' emotions.

Close-Up

  • Highlights emotional or dramatic changes.
  • Arranged at eye level for empathy and insight.

Extreme Close-Up Shot (ECU)

  • Isolates specific areas like eyes or lips.
  • Used for emphasis and dramatic impact.
  • Example: Kill Bill Volume 1 uses ECU for heightened tension.

Tools and Resources

  • Shot listing software like StudioBinder can automate the process.
  • A shot list reference is available, with a link in the video description.

Next Episode

  • Focus will be on framing and composition.
  • Subscribe and click the notification bell to stay updated.

Note: This episode serves as a foundational guide to shot sizes for filmmakers.