See examples on an external site: /camerashots
Here is an overview plus abbreviations. See figure III on the next page. / TRANSLATION
– BCU: Big close-up or extreme close-up.
The head or part of the head. Used to show emotion in detail.
Often reserved for some extreme moments in the film.
Too much use can be disruptive
– CU: Close up or close shot. The head and shoulders of the character.
A powerful and intimate shot. Promotes intimacy and identification with the character.
– MCU: Medium close up. The head and chest. Standard shot.
– MS: Mid shot or medium shot. Until the middle.
Provides the opportunity to learn more about body language.
– MLS: Medium long shot. Up to the knees.
Allows for more body language but less detail.
– LS: Long shot. The whole body can be seen.
Places the character in the context of the environment.
Can be used to create distance needed for e.g. comedy.
– WS: Wide shot. Wide shot of the location.
Also called a master of establishing shot because it is often used to clarify where the scene is taking place and sets the tone of the scene.
– O/S: Over the shoulder. Literally a shot that is turned over the shoulder of the character.
Creates identification and connection between the character and what he sees.
Often used in dialogues with a shot and countershot setup.
– 2/S: Two shot: Two characters together in the shot.
Can be used to clarify their proportions as opposed to shot and countershot. Three or more is of course also possible.
– POV: Point of view. A character's perspective.
Helps with identification only if previously bonded with the character.
– High angle: Camera films the character from above eye level.
Makes the characters weak and vulnerable.
– Low angle: Camera is below eye level.
Makes characters strong and dominating.
– Dutch angle: The camera is intentionally skewed.
Used to indicate confusion or disorientation.
– Ins: Insert. A close-up of an object in the place of the face.