Framing / Shot Distances

Types of Frame Distances

• The "Extreme Long Shot"-

This shot is filmed from a considerable distance away and usually pans across a landscape or the exterior of a building to depict the setting/general location and time. 

These shots are used a lot in movies at the beginning of the film to establish the setting but also at the beginning of a new scene so that the audience has an idea of location and at the end of the film to make it clear that the story is finished as the camera is further away from the characters.

In this scene, the house where the action is taking place isn't being focused on because the setting is being introduced. You can tell the time of day (Sunset/Sunrise because of the sun on the horizon and the light spots), and that the area is very isolated because it is surrounded by water and there isn't any sign of people except the smoke from the chimney of the house.

• The "Medium Long Shot"-

Movie: Irreversible

This is filmed a short distance away from the character(s) in the scene so that the shot has their full body in view. The medium long shot establishes the relationship between the character and the setting, and the actors are more 'life-like' because size also becomes clear. This shot is very easy to over use because it's simple to co-ordinate but it doesn't help explain details of the story like a lot of other shots do.

In this scene, the woman walks through an empty, dirty tunnel (she is in a city) that has very dim lighting which makes the surroundings look red. This tells you that the woman is in danger or that trouble follows her.

• The "Medium Shot"-

The medium shot is normally filmed from the waist up and is used frequently for dialogue scenes because it gives a bit more detail of action. The camera can film characters close to each other and help determine their relationship e.g. love, hate, friendship etc.

Movie: Flightplan

During dialogue, the frame usually alternates between a medium shot and a close up of one characters face while they're speaking or while another character is speaking to gauge their reaction.

In this scene, 3 characters are in the middle of a conversation. You can see from the background that they are on a plane but it isn't the main focus because the audience is focused on what they are saying and the setting was probably already introduced. One of the characters is wearing a uniform so we can deduce that he is one of the pilots. His arms are folded so we can see that whatever he is talking about is serious. The woman seems to be facing the two men, and they both seem to be opposite her, showing that she is independent of that they might not agree with what she is saying.

• The "Close-up"-

The close-up shots are primarily used for reactions and scenes where the character is reflecting on their own. The shot captures the shoulders and head and is a short distance away

Movie: The Leopard

from the action. This lets the audience feel closer to the character and more empathetic because of the close proximity. This shot is especially good in movies with lots of drama.

In this scene, the man's head is tilted and you can tell he's been crying because his cheek is wet. The lighting isn't very bright and it looks quite muted which makes it look like it is an older movie. The style of his facial hair is quite old fashioned as well, so we can tell the movie is set in the past. 

Movie: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

• The "Extreme Close-Up"-

This shot allows for the frame to magnify what the human eye would see in real life, making the shot very artificial but helpful in adding dramatic effect. Close-ups should usually follow wider frames unless the intention is to build suspense and the character is significant in the story.

In this scene, the extreme close-up was used uniquely to show what the character was seeing. The lighting is very dark on one side and fades to light on the other side of his face, which makes the shot very intense because it incites a lot of mystery and thriller.

XLS= Extreme Long Shot, LS= Long Shot, MLS= Medium Long Shot
MS= Medium Shot, MCU= Medium Close-up, CU= Close-up
BCU= Big Close Up, XCU= Extreme Close-up