Shot Variation

Shot Variation

Shot variation is a technique that includes a range of different shots in a scene in order to acquire as much coverage of the action as possible.

This includes:

Wide shot – Where the setting behind a character is also focussed on as well as the character.

Extreme long shot – Where you have a full view of the character but from a further distance.

Long shot – Where you have a full view of the character.

Medium long shot – Where you can see three-quarters of a character.

Medium shot – Where the camera focuses on the character’s head and upper body.

Medium close shot – Similar to a close up, however you can see the character’s face more clearly.

Close-shot – Where the camera is close up to the character however some background is included in the shot.

Close-up – A shot where the character’s face covers the majority of the frame.

Extreme close up – Where you can see up close on a character, such as to show their facial expressions or facial features.

A wide shot is generally used at the start of a sequence to:

•          Set the tone of the scene
•          Introduce the audience to the location
•          Enable the audience to understand the concept of the scene

L    Long shots are used to present a new location

Medium shots are commonly used to show the dynamics of two or three-person interaction.

Closer coverage is used for:

•          Intensity
•          Intimacy
•          Detail

Shot variation can be used to keep the audience's attention on every angle of a scene in action films due to a large number of different cuts in a small amount of time. This technique can also be used to fasten the pace of a scene.

This clip from Saving Private Ryan features different shots in order to show the audience what the main character is seeing and the impact it has on him. The beginning shot is a mid-shot of the main character’s face to show the audience his reaction to what he is seeing, which also include long shots and close ups of his surroundings, the injuries and facial expressions/emotions of other characters. This enables the audience to have a full view of the events happening around the main character as well as seeing most of it through his own point of view. Shot variation makes the audience capable of understanding the events happening to the characters and their surroundings.