DIRTY SHOT Definition & Meaning To “shoot dirty” means deliberately including foreground elements (like parts of props, set pieces, or other characters) to partially obstruct or frame the main subject, creating visual depth and compositional interest. The opposite of a dirty shot is called a clean shot. Reasons for shooting dirty A director has many… Continue reading What is a “Dirty Shot” in Film? Meaning & Examples
framing
High-Angle Shots in Film: Definition, Use, and Examples
In a high-angle shot (aka top angle shot), the camera is elevated and looks down on the subject. This angle can vary from slightly above eye level to a steep, almost overhead position. It can provide narrative information not achievable by other angles, highlight vulnerability, and communicate large-scale environments. While often used to diminish the… Continue reading High-Angle Shots in Film: Definition, Use, and Examples
What is an Extreme Close-Up Shot? Definition & Examples from Film
extreme close-up (ECU) Definition & Meaning An extreme close-up (ECU) is a framing technique that focuses on a tiny subject detail, isolating a specific feature, such as an eye, a hand, or part of an object. ECUs magnify the subject to the point where the surrounding context is minimal or absent, drawing our attention to… Continue reading What is an Extreme Close-Up Shot? Definition & Examples from Film
What is an Over-the-Hip Shot in Film? Definition & Examples
Over-the-Hip Shot Definition & Meaning An over-the-hip shot (OTH) is a framing technique that captures a character’s perspective from behind. It focuses on the scene in front of the character while including the character’s hip and sometimes the lower part of their body in the foreground. As it places the viewer near the center of… Continue reading What is an Over-the-Hip Shot in Film? Definition & Examples
What is a Close-Up Shot? Definition & Examples from Film
close-up shot Definition & Meaning A close-up shot (CU) is a framing technique that captures a subject in detail, focusing closely on a particular feature, object, or character’s face. Close-ups use tight framing, often excluding the background and emphasizing the subject’s emotions, expressions, or intricate details. Reasons to use Close-Ups The primary purpose of a… Continue reading What is a Close-Up Shot? Definition & Examples from Film
What is a Two Shot in Film? Definition & Examples
two-shot Definition & Meaning A two-shot is a camera framing technique in which two characters or subjects are captured within the same shot. It is typically used to emphasize the relationship, interaction, or dynamic between the two individuals, whether they are in conversation, confrontation, or simply occupying the same space. Two Shot Framing and Composition… Continue reading What is a Two Shot in Film? Definition & Examples
Guide to Camera Shots, Camera Angles & Camera Moves
Camera shot Definition & Meaning A “shot” is the placement and angle of the camera relative to what is being shown in the frame. It is the most fundamental part of visual storytelling. A shot captures a specific subject or scene and is defined by the distance from a subject, the angle from a subject,… Continue reading Guide to Camera Shots, Camera Angles & Camera Moves