Evaluation: Camera shots

Establishing shot

As a trailer only gives the audience a teaser to a film it’s important that we incorporated an establishing shot. This camera shot is usually found at the beginning of a film trailer to show the audience, where the action is taking place and also to introduces new settings and location. For our production we decided to remain conventional by opening the trailer using this shot for our first location the park. The fact that the setting of the park is established right at the start of our trailer, consisting of the two characters, may help the audience identify their relationship e.g. signifies they are close and share special and key moments at this place. 

Close up shot

We used multiple close- up shots throughout our production to convey the emotions and facial expressions of the characters, in the scene. This type of camera shot consists of little background and shows the important subject for the audience to focus on. As our trailer is a drama the narrative consists of emotional peaks and troth .We used close-up shots to frame and capture the characters at their best as well as in their vulnerable and unstable mental state. Close up shot are quite intimate, which is impactful because the audience able to emphasise with characters and build a strong connection. I thought the use of this shot was most effective during the argument scene in our trailer. This is because although the original audio was removed from the scene and replaced with the ambulance services, it clearly shows that there is a conflict between the two characters due to their angry and distressed expressions.

Longshot

Long shot

 

 Similarly to an establishing shot, a long shot is used to shows a new setting, environment, and surroundings, but at a shorter range. It creates a realistic viewpoint for the audience, allowing them to be apart of the action-taking place in the scene. For the running scene, this shot was effective, especially with the panning motion because it appears more engaging and intense for the audience, rather than just having a stationary camera shot. Drama is all about the realness, therefore, it is important to have realistic aspects of the story so the target audience can relate to. For example, locations long shot is able to capture the character and their surrounding in a single frame. We used locations that are seen every day such as the park, home, and café, which the audiences are familiar with; characters in same age group as our target audience  

Medium shot

The purpose of a medium shot is to show the viewers the character's body language and gesture, which is important in showing emotions. This shot can vary between two to three figures. We used the medium shot a few times in our trailer. For example in the park scene with the three main characters there relaxed and natural body posture suggests they are comfortable around each other and share a close bond. In the argument scene, Belle body gesture shows that she is angry and frustrated, which informs the audience that the characters relationship is complicated and contains conflict – this causes the audience to question their friendship and closeness.