Lecture Notes: Shot Sizes in Filmmaking

Introduction

• Films consist of sequences, scenes, and shots.
• Importance of understanding characteristics and storytelling value of each shot.
• Focus on shot sizes and their aesthetic and dramatic value.

Episode 1: The Shot List

• Shot choices establish rhythm, tone, and meaning of a scene.
• Essential shot sizes in a filmmaker's toolbox.
• Aim to populate a shot list as a reference for filmmakers.

Key Shot Sizes

Establishing Shot

• Opens a scene or film.
• Wide enough to establish geography, time of day, and scale of subjects.
• Crucial for transitioning between scenes.
• Example: Blade Runner uses establishing shots to introduce the near-future setting.

Master Shot

• Confirms location and geography.
• Shows characters and their relationships.
• Example: The Godfather Part 2 uses master shots to emphasize family dynamics.

Wide Shot (WS)

• Positions subjects far from the camera.
• Represents relationship to the environment.
• Used to depict feelings of loneliness or being overwhelmed.
• Example: Phantom Thread shows characters dwarfed by a ballroom.

Full Shot

• Subjects are framed from head to toe.
• Effective for physical storytelling and character posture.

Medium Full Shot (Cowboy Shot)

• Frames subjects from above the head to below the waist.
• Often used to present characters as confident or dangerous.

Medium Shot (MS)

• Neutral shot size.
• Captures subjects in a relatable size.
• Typically starts above the waist and ends above the head.
• Example: Coco uses medium shot to show Miguel's emotions and environment.

Medium Close-Up (MCU)

• Frames subjects from mid-chest to above the head.
• Reduces distractions and emphasizes story and character details.

Close-Up (CU)

• Emphasizes emotions or dramatic moments.
• Frames the subject at eye level to evoke empathy.

Extreme Close-Up (ECU)

• Isolates specific areas (e.g., eyes, lips).
• Used for emphasis in dramatic scenes.
• Example: Kill Bill uses ECU to focus on characters' eyes during tense moments.

Conclusion

• Shot list compiled in Studio Binder includes most common shot sizes.
• Link to full shot list in the description.
• Next episode will cover framing and composition.
• Reminder to subscribe and stay updated.