Chapter 7: Shot Language & Sequencing

10-15% Rule Application: Right shot selection reduces need for alternatives

Content:

Shot Types from ECU to ELS:

1. ECU (Extreme Close-Up) - Eyes, details, objects

2. CU (Close-Up) - Full face, emotional intimacy

3. MCU (Medium Close-Up) - Head and shoulders

4. MS (Medium Shot) - Waist up

5. Cowboy Shot (CS) - Mid-thigh up

6. MFS (Medium Full Shot) - Knee level

7. FS (Full Shot) - Head to toe

8. MLS (Medium Long Shot) - Full body with space

9. LS (Long Shot) - Environmental context

10. ELS (Extreme Long Shot) - Vast scale

Camera Height and Angle:

• Ground Level - Camera positioned at ground, looking up
• Knee Level - Camera at knee height
• Hip Level - Camera at hip/waist height
• Shoulder Level - Camera at shoulder height
• Eye Level - Camera at subject's eye level (neutral perspective)
• Overhead - Camera looking down from above
• High Angle - Camera above subject looking down (diminishes subject)
• Low Angle - Camera below subject looking up (empowers subject)

Camera Angle Psychology:

• High angles make subjects appear vulnerable, weak, or small
• Low angles make subjects appear powerful, dominant, or threatening
• Eye level creates equality and neutrality
• Dutch angles (canted) create unease or dynamism

Application

• When to use each shot type
• Emotional impact of different framings
• Character presence and power dynamics in frame

Shot Sequencing for Visual Storytelling:

• Establishing shots to close-ups
• Shot rhythm and pacing
• Visual variety within sequences
• Matching shots for continuity
• Breaking the rules intentionally

Practical Elements:

• Visual guide to all shot types with examples
• Shot selection decision tree
• Shot sequencing patterns: Classic combinations
• Exercise: Create a shot list for a scene with emotional arc
• Prompts for accurate framing in AI

• ⚡ Quick Win: 5-shot standard sequence template