Elements of Cinematography. How Motion-Pictures Work.

Elements of Cinematography

How Motion-Pictures Work

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The film rate for motion-picture films is 24 FPS (frames per second).

The film rate for video is 30 FPS.

A 1 minute video consists of 1800 individual frames (30 FPS x 60 sec).

Time Stamp / Code: 01:25:45:05

The above Time Code reads: 1 hour, 25 minutes, 45 seconds, and 5 frames.

If we are working in 30 FPS, the final segment of the time code will never read more than “:29”.

In filmmaking, a Shot is a continuous group of frames.

By combining shots, we create a Scene.

A Sequence is a collection of related shots and scenes.

Types of Camera Shots

Wide / Long Shot



A wide (or long) shot shows the entire character from head to toe. Gives a sense of scale and a sense of place.

Often used as an “establishing shot.”

Image from “The Art of Technique: An Aesthetic Approach to Film and Video Production,” by John Douglass and Glenn Harnden.

Medium Shot

A medium shot generally shows the characters upper body while still including elements of the setting.




Close-up Shot

A close-up shot shows only the characters face and / or shoulders.Subtle expression should be clear.




Other Shots

Extreme Wide



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Medium Wide / Long Extreme Close-up

Types of Camera Angles

Eye Level

An Eye Level camera angle feels “natural” and is the most commonly used.




High Angle

High Angle shot - the camera is placed above eye level, looking downward.




High Angle

High Angle shot - the camera is placed above eye level, looking downward.Can make the character look small, childish, weak, or confused.




Low Angle

Low Angle shot - the camera is placed bellow eye level, looking upward.




Low Angle

Low Angle shot - the camera is placed bellow eye level, looking upward.Can make the character look large, strong, noble, or intimidating.




Bird’s-Eye View

Bird’s Eye Shot - the camera is placed above looking directly down.



Bird’s-Eye View

Bird’s Eye Shot - the camera is placed above looking directly down.Can be used as an to emphasize insignificance or a feeling of voyeurism.



Canted / Oblique / Dutch Angle

Canted Angle - is composed by tilting the camera to one side.

Image from “Battlefield Earth.”



Canted / Oblique / Dutch Angle

Canted Angle - is composed by tilting the camera to one side.Can emphasize uneasiness or tension in the subject.

Image from “Battlefield Earth.”



Types of Camera Movements

Image from “The Art of 3-D Computer Animation and Imaging,” by Isaac Kerlow.



Basic Composition

Rule of Thirds

The Rule of Thirds divides the frame into thirds vertically and horizontally. Where these divisions intersect are aesthetically pleasing spots

to place subjects.






180 Degree Rule

When planning a sequence of shots for a scene (or when using multiple cameras), the cameras should stay on the same side of the line of action.

A line of action is an invisible line between two characters who are interacting.

Image from “The Five C’s of Cinematography,” by Joseph V. Mascelli



180 Degree Rule

By using cameras 2 and 3, the audience stays on one side of the line of action. This results in clear continuity.





180 Degree Rule

If cameras 2 and 4 are used, the audience crosses the line of action. This breaks continuity and the result is confusing and disorienting.





Elements of Cinematography. How Motion-Pictures Work.

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