LIKE THIS SITE?

Follow us on Facebook for Contact Us

updates.

HOME CINEMA SCREENWRITING CINEMATOGRAPHY DIRECTING EDITING SOUND

REFERENCES

CAMERA ANGLES: Search this website

the Art of Let's Be Friends:

Manipulation
PUBLISHED BY GABE MOURA, ON JUNE 3, 2014

Whereas shot
RECENTLY PUBLISHED
sizes direct who and
what we see, Anatomy of a Scene: Stakes &
camera angles Steaks in GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS
affect how we (1992)
perceive it. Is a
Anatomy of a Scene: No Pattern on
character going to
my Quarter from THE WAY WAY
appear dominant BACK (2013)
and tall? Or short
and weak? A strong Anatomy of a Scene: Crushing
weapon in the cinematographers arsenal Dreams in LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE

is the ability to position the camera in (2006)

relation to the subject or scenery. Writing Strong Female Characters

Eyelevel Angle
What is ISO (Film Speed)?
An eyelevel angle is the one in which the camera is placed at the
subjects height, so if the actor is looking at the lens, he wouldnt have
to look up or down. Eyelevel shots are incredibly common because they
are neutral. They often have no dramatic power whatsoever, thus they
are ideal for romantic comedies and news casting. SPONSORED LINKS
Low Angle
Low angles are captured from a camera placed below the actors eyes,
looking up at them. Low angles make characters look dominant,
aggressive, or ominous.

Sign up for our newsletter and

receive news and updates
straight into your inbox.

High Angle Name:

In a high angle, the camera is above the subject, looking down. This
Email:
position makes characters look weak, submissive, or frightened. They
are also good POVs of an adult looking at a child:
SUBMIT

We respect your privacy.

LISTEN NOW!

Dutch Tilt
Also called canted angle, a Dutch tilt has the camera leaning sideways,
transforming the horizon into a slope. A Dutch tilt changes horizontal
and vertical lines into diagonals and creates a more dynamic
composition. Though rare, canted angles can be employed with great
artistic effect to disorient and disturb the viewer.

Listen to The Elements of Cinema

Podcast where Gabe Moura talks to
filmmakers and other industry
insiders beating the odds to work in
Hollywood.

NEVER MISS A GUEST:

Point-of-View (POV)
As the name suggests, point-of-view shots are angles in which the
Subscribe
camera incorporates a characters eyes. POVs are usually preceded by
a close-up of the characters eyes. on iTunes
Subscribe
on Stitcher
INDEX

Home

Cinema
Film Form
Narrative Filmmaking
Documentary Filmmaking
Experimental Filmmaking

Screenwriting

Needless to say, cinematographers will choose different angles Screenwriting Basics

Conflict
for different scenes within the same movie depending of the
3-Act Structure
scene goal or purpose. When analyzing the camera angles used
Issues with the Three-Act
in a movie, it is wise to note how different angles are used in
Structure
each scene.
Character Arc
Exposition & Backstory
Sometimes different angles will be chosen to emphasize Theme
different elements in the screen. For example, if an airplane Main Character
flying overhead is of importance to the story, then filmmakers Foreshadowing
may choose to use a low-angle shot to show the sky and the MacGuffin
plane. Dialogue

Cinematography
 Cinematography Basics
Depth of Field
FILED UNDER: CINEMATOGRAPHY Exposure >>
Aperture (aka Iris and F-
Number)
COMMENTS Shutter Speed
Composition >>
Shot Sizes
Camera Angles
Janet Deaver says Camera Moves
October 8, 2015 at 12:07 am Types of Lenses
The Cinematography Crew
Without it being a true shot, how does the writer show an
action that is a shot. The first line of my opening page has Directing
clothes that cover the lens, blocking the audience view then it Directing Basics
pulls back to show the scene. I dont use SHOTS in anything I Mise-En-Scene
write but try to incorporate it into an action. Help? Blocking
Coverage
Reply
Editing
Editing Basics
Parallel Editing (aka Cross
Gabe Moura says
Cutting)
October 9, 2015 at 6:47 am
Kuleshov Effect
Types of Transitions
Hi Janet, thank you for your question. Its always tricky
Reaction Shots
when you want to direct the scene in the screenplay, as is
Ellipsis
this case. Heres just one suggestion of how maybe you
can incorporate the camerawork instructions without being Sound
too brash about it:
References
Some fabric obscures the view. [John] peels the [dress],
tosses it on the floor, revealing a [messy room].
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
Now, I wasnt really sure where the clothes covering the
lens were in the story space Are they being worn by I may be an affiliate for products
someone? Are they just on the floor? Are they in a dryer? that I recommend. If you purchase
You will have to adjust to what makes sense in your story. those items through these links, I
may earn a small commission at
Another thought: Dont let questions like this slow down NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. I only
your writing. You may spend days trying to think of the recommend products that I use and
best description for a scene that later on you realize will be love, or products relevant to the
completely different. Now, if you know you really want a topic under discussion. We are also

scene to be shot a certain way, know that the omission of part of the Google AdSense
network to provide you with
the camerawork will not diminish your screenplay. Even if
relevant ads tailored to your taste.
you plant a nice visual in the readers mind, the director is
For more information, click here.
likely to change whatever it is you suggest. So it is more
important to focus on character and story, with a nice
emphasis in writing style and pace. Good luck!

EDIT: Also wanted to add that if you include too many

references to shot and camerawork, that could indeed
diminish your screenplay by hindering the reading flow as
these detract from the story. It is safer to avoid them
altogether. But if you are an avid reader of screenplays,
you may learn just how much enough is enough, and more
 importantly, how to do it!

Reply

Shrikant says
December 12, 2015 at 10:36 am

you have shared good information of camera shots , view and

agles.. i have also written some content on camera technology
here.. http://www.technologypoint4u.com/post/camera-
technology.php

Reply

Nik says
July 2, 2016 at 8:39 pm

Hey Gabe, quick question. I read your article about creating a

shot list for a short film Im working on and noticed under
camera angle one of the boxes said TH. Thats the only one I
cant figure out. Do you know what it stands for?

Reply

Gabe Moura says

July 3, 2016 at 10:27 am

Hi Nik, thats a tricky one. I consulted with a friend, and we

think TH stands for Tracking Horizontal. (Another friend
guessed The Hell shot, but I think he was joking.)

Reply

mansi patel says

January 5, 2017 at 12:48 am

How does cinematography affect interior spaces ?

Reply

LEAVE A REPLY
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment

Name *

Email *

Website

POST COMMENT

Sign up to our newsletter!

Home References About Contact Us Support Us Privacy Policy DMCA Policy Disclaimers
Copyright 2010-2014 Gabriel Moura All Rights Reserved