Learn


Digging Deeper:  Types of Shots


Remember, there are no accidents in film! Directors plan each shot in their films, before anyone steps onto the sets.  Considering these thoughtful decisions will help you unlock the directors’ intent in presenting their films. 

  View

Study this video that discusses how Steven Spielberg uses different types of shots to tell vivid and moving stories in films such as Jaws and Schindler’s List.

  Note It

While you view this video on Steven Spielberg, consider . . .


  1. Why do directors focus on character’s facial expressions?

  2. What emotions does the character express in the Jaws scene (6:21–6:41) of this video?  How do you know?

  3. What techniques did you recognize in the Schindler’s List scene (6:57–7:48)? How does this moment in the film make you feel?  You can add these effects to your Elements of Film Handout, if you wish.  If you are unsure about the effects yet, don’t panic.  You’ll learn more about the effects of these techniques in the Elements of Film video.


WHAT’S NEXT?  

                                                                                                                    
Next, you will learn about other types of shots in the Elements of Film video.