Welcome back! Today we are going over shots. And no, not the ones you take at a bar (ha ha ba-dum tsk). Moving on, there are various types of shot types and headings. For our featured photo I have provided and example of a script format so you have an idea of what your headings may look like when writing a shot. They will typically be located where you see “scene heading” this is a slug line. A slug line is used for visual direction, scene headings, action sequences, and mid-scene location changes. They may not always go at the very top and beginning of the scene, but they will always be in the left hand side. We will get deeper into these things along with script formats in another post so try to stick with me.
The first type of shot we have is the close up shot. This is pretty self explanatory, you’ll get in close so people can see the fine details. You could write this as CLOSE ON SUBJECT, CLOSE ON SUBJECT, CLOSE-SUBJECT, CLOSER ON SUBJECT, CLOSEUP-SUBJECT, CU-SUBJECT. This will always be written in capitalized letters.
Our next shot is the insert shot. This shot is used when you’re seeing something in a book, magazine, or note. Say the character is reading a letter you would write, INSERT LETTER WRITTEN IN CALLIGRAPHY ON CRISP STATIONARY. Then you would go on to say who is reading this letter and what is written on the letter.
Next we have a wide shot. This pulls the camera back to give the reader a better sense of the area. You could write this as, WIDER ANGLE, WIDE ON ROOM, WIDE-ROOM. This shot is truly about direction and setting.
Next we have a POV shot. This shot is also pretty self explanatory. This indicated the point-of-view of a particular character. You could write this as CHARACTERS POV, or just POV.
Now we have Two shot/ Three shot. This means either two or three people are going to be in that shot. This is very helpful to the director so they know who is in what shot. A storyboard and shot list is also helpful but I’m getting ahead of myself. You would write this shot as TWO SHOT- (BOTH CHARACTERS NAMES)
Next we have an establishing shot. This is used to show the exterior location where the scene takes place. This isn’t used a lot in scrips but it’s a great way to get the reader familiar with the setting of the scene. You write this by putting EXT. MIDWEST SUMMER LANDSCAPE then you would go on to describe this landscape. You’d follow this with EXT. LAURENS HOUSE Establishing.
Finally we have the underwater shot because why be underwater. You would write this as, UNDERWATER SHOT, SHOT- UNDERWATER, EXT. OCEAN/ UNDERWATER, UNDERWATER then talk about what is under water then SURFACE and you would describe what is on the surface.
If you have any questions please comment below. This was a lot of information and it can get confusing.
If this post helped you please don’t hesitate to share with friends!
See you next time!