Shot Types

Basically there are three main shot sizes: Long, Medium, and Close. Long shots (also known as Wide shots) show the subject from a distance, emphasizing setting, while Close shots reveal details of the subject and highlight emotions of a character. Medium shots fall somewhere in between, emphasizing the subject while still showing some of the surrounding environment.

Extreme Long Shot/ Establishing Shot (ELS) is used to show the subject from a distance, or the area in which the scene is taking place. Particularly useful for establishing a scene, the character doesn’t necessarily have to be in this shot.

Very Long Shot (VLS) is used to show the entire character as well as their surroundings. It can be very difficult to make out certain characteristics from the subject.

Long Shot (LS) is used to show the entire character but not much else. In this shot the character will often fill the screen from head to toe.

Medium Long Shot (MLS) is used to show most of the character, typically from the head to the knee area.

Medium Shot (MS) is used to show roughly half the character so the head and torso.

Medium Close-Up (MCU) is used to show a small area of the character's body, typically the head and shoulders. This is typically used in Over The Shoulder shots and in interview situations.

Close-Up (CU) is used to show an even smaller area of the body, typically the head.

Big Close-Up (BCU) is used to show just the character's face meaning the chin and most of the hair is left out of the shot.

Extreme Close-Up (ECU) is typically used to show facial features, most commonly the character's eyes.