Shot Size

There are eight main shot sizes. Visual emphasis is directly related to the size of the subject in the shot. A big, close subject is more powerful. Therefore, the choice of which shot to use is the most fundamental decision every director makes.

The definition of shot sizes depends on the subject of the shot. A close-up of an elephant is very different from a close-up of an ant! Most definitions work on a human scale. They define the size of the shot according to how much of the human body can be fitted into the frame.

Extreme long shot (ELS): a wide view of the complete setting, such as a coral reef in the middle of a vast ocean. In human terms, a person would be barely visible in the scene. In the narrative, an extreme long shot gives a sense of scale and also provides location.

Extreme long shot. Often used at the beginning of a scene to show where the scene will take place. For this reason, this type of shot is often called an establishing shot.

Long shot (LS): closer than the extreme long shot but still shows the complete scene. On a human scale, a human figure is clearly visible and the complete person fits easily within the frame. In a typical long shot, the background still dominates the human figure. A long shot is most often used in narrative to establish the scene.

Long shot. In a long shot, it is usually possible to discern individuals but there is also a great deal of background.

Medium long shot (MLS) or Full shot: a great deal of information about the setting is still visible. Human characters can be seen in detail and almost all of the body (usually from just below the knees) is in the frame. French filmmakers once called this ‘the American shot’, as it was very common in Hollywood during the film noir period. A common purpose of this shot is to provide for both dialogue and action. In noir films a detective may be surrounded by a carefully arranged formation of underworld characters.

Full shot. A full shot shows a character from head to toe. This type of shot is often used as a ‘master shot’ for the scene, showing all the action that occurs.

Medium shot (MS): defined by some as ‘not too close, not too far’. On the human body, a medium shot would start at around the waist and include a little space above the head. Gesture and expression are now more clearly visible. The medium shot is ideal for dialogue and some limited action

Mid shot. A mid shot is often used when filming conversations. It is one of the most frequently used shots in film and television.

Close-up (CU): shows the detail of a subject. A typical close-up may show only the face of a person. The close-up is often used in narrative to show emotion. It is common in both film and television, but television narrative relies more heavily on it. ‘A face in close-up is what, before the age of film, only a mother or a lover ever saw,’ says media analyst Dennis Porter.

Close up. A close up usually shows a character’s face. Often used when shooting conversations, this is also one of the most frequently used shot sizes in film and television.

Extreme close-up (ECU): shows only a portion of detail or magnifies something that is minute. An example could be a dramatic focus on someone’s eyes. Often an extreme close-up is used to create a sense of mystery. It can be very effective in hiding what something is until a dramatic camera pullback.

Middle School Media