CINEMA TYPES OF SHOTS DCM AFLE

(Most of the graphics shown here were taken from CorelDraw libraries.)

• detail/extreme close-up (DS, XCU) A small object or part of an object shown large (a speaking mouth, a telephone receiver; frame 1). Often a detail shot shows a plot-relevant object -- a ring, a telephone number on an envelope, the countdown display of a bomb detonator, etc.


• close-up, close shot (CU, CS) Full view of, typically, a human face (frame 2). Sometimes the term semi-closeup is used to refer to a slightly wider shot showing the upper third of a person's body.


• medium shot (MS) A view of the upper half of a person's body, showing his or her bodily stance (frame 3).


• American shot (AS) A three-quarter view of a person, showing her or him from the knees up (frame 4).


• full shot (FS) A full view of a person, e.g., a waitress balancing dishes (frame 5).


• long shot (LS) A view from a distance, of a large object or a collection of objects (e.g., buildings, a bridge; frame 6). Often used to establish a setting (establishing shot). People, when present, are reduced to indistinct small shapes. The term semi-long shot is sometimes used to indicate a slightly closer view (e.g., the facade of a house).


• extreme long shot (XLS) A view from a considerable distance (e.g., the skyline of a city; frame 7). If people can be made out at all, they are mere dots in the landscape.