Camera Range, Movements, and Character Roles
Camera Range
Camera range refers to the distance between the camera and the object, influencing how the camera interacts with the subject. Here’s a breakdown of common camera ranges:
- Extreme Long Shot (ELS) or Extreme Wide Shot (EWS): Captures a vast scene, like a large crowd or expansive scenery, often reaching the horizon. Frequently used as an *establishing shot* to show the location. The subject is often not visible or is very small.
- Long Shot (LS), Full Shot, or Wide Shot: Shows a situation or setting from a distance, often requiring a wide-angle lens. The subject is visible, but the emphasis remains on their relationship with the environment.
- Medium Long Shot (MLS): Displays a group of people interacting, with the surroundings playing a significant role in the scene.
- Full Shot (FS): Frames a character’s entire body, highlighting their actions and interactions with other characters. Also known as a *figure shot* or *complete view*. The protagonist is the complete focus.
- Medium Shot (MS), Mid Shot, Medium Close Shot: Framed from the waist up, primarily used to show a character’s expressions and gestures.
- American Shot (¾ Shot): A variation of the medium shot, specifically including handgun holsters in Western films.
- Close-Up (CU): A full-screen shot of a subject’s face, capturing subtle expressions.
- Extreme Close-Up (ECU): Focuses intensely on a detail, such as a hand, eye, mouth, or object.
Character Roles According to Propp
These are common character archetypes found in storytelling, as identified by Vladimir Propp:
- Villain: Opposes the hero, driving the conflict.
- Donor: Provides the hero with a magical object or assistance.
- Magical Helper: Aids the hero in their quest.
- Princess and her Father: Often combined, this role assigns tasks to the hero, identifies false heroes, and ultimately rewards the hero (often through marriage).
- Dispatcher: Sends the hero on their journey. This role can sometimes overlap with the “father” figure.
- Hero/Heroine or Victim/Seeker: The protagonist, who may be passive and vulnerable (requiring rescue) or actively seeking something.
- False Hero/Heroine: Claims credit for the hero’s actions or attempts to usurp their reward.
Camera Movements
Here are some fundamental camera movements used in filmmaking:
- Panning: The camera moves horizontally (left to right or vice versa).
- Horizon: Camera moves and records up (sky) or down (ground).
- Tilt: The camera moves vertically (upward or downward).
- Dolly: The camera moves freely, often on a track or wheels.
- Zooming: A stationary camera appears to move closer to or farther from the subject by adjusting the lens.
- Tracking Shot: The camera physically follows a moving subject, either alongside or behind it.