1. OCR G322: Introduction to TV Drama
Media Languages: Camerawork
In all visual media, the creator uses camera
angles, shot types and movements to convey
emotion, meaning, narrative and context to the audience.
CAMERAWORK (or cinematography) combines with SOUND, EDITING and MISE EN
SCENE to create meanings and representations for the audience.
TASK:
In teams of no more than three, use a digital camera to take examples of all these aspects of
camerawork. Each of you must take photos and be photographed. Use
photography and video mode to show your understanding of camerawork.
You must capture ALL shot types using the college building and your team
members.
Once you have captured all your shots return to the classroom and upload your
photos/ videos to the desktop.
Link showing and explaining camerawork in more detail:
http://www.mediaknowall.com/camangles.html

2. STANDARD SHOT SIZES
Abbreviation Full Term Use
XLS Extreme Long Shot To show that the subject is dominated by his
surroundings
LS Long Shot Shows the full figure, establishes character
MLS Mid- Long Shot Not used very often: psychologically, audiences
aren’t comfortable with shots ending at the knee,
particularly in moving texts
MS Mid- Shot Establishes character, costume, emotion and
location in the mise en scene
MCU Mid- Close Up The most common shot type on magazine front
covers: Audience can see the star from far away on
a crowded shelf. Shot is close enough to maintain
eye contact with the star and see what they are
wearing
CU Close Up Very common in soap opera: audience can “feel”
the emotion of the characters as they can see facial
expressions and other non- verbal communication
BCU Big Close Up Very common in soap opera in the last decade: by
cutting off the hair and chin, the facial features
dominate the frame, emphasising the emotional
conflict
XCU Extreme Close Up Used to convey significant details or disorient the
audience

3. Angles: remember, you must keep moving around to find the best angle for
your image
Canted – a view in which the frame is not level, causing the objects in the scene to appear slanted out of
an upright position.
Low angle shot: used to make subject appear larger and more powerful.
High angle shot: used to make subject appear smaller and threatened

4. Eye level angle: the camera is positioned as if it is a human eye. It is as though the audience is actually observing the
scene
Symmetrical Composition: creates balance, can reflect a calm point in the narrative.
Asymmetrical Composition: creates a focal point for the viewer, emphasises the subject

5. Over the shoulder shot: makes audience feel like they are observing a private moment
Birds eye point of view: used in dream sequences, can simulate an out of body experience.
Graphic Composition: Mise en scene frames the subjects

6. From behind shot: makes audience feel like they are following the characters
Two shot: used to establish actor’s positions in a scene before cross- cutting with close-ups and reverse
angle shots
Deep focus (different distances all in focus)

7. Shot Reverse Shot: used during conversations or scenes with more than one focal point.
OTHERS TYPES OF CAMERA MOVEMENT:
TERM DEFINITION/ EXAMPLE
ZOOM IN/OUT
DOLLY ZOOM
TRACK
PAN (LEFT, RIGHT, UP, DOWN)
360 DEGREE PAN
ESTABLISHING SHOT
CRANE