6 Types Of Shots Used In Mostly Local Short Film

Singapore seems to have come a long way when it comes to filmmaking and movies. The film that is one of most popular and produced locally here in our country seems to have gotten popular in our neighbouring countries as well. 

If you noticed - Or if you are in love with local movies, you might have observed that there are similarities on each of the movies - The shots taken and how the angle is being executed. This is not to say that the directors were all the same. It is a method for directors to ensure that viewers are able to feel as they are part of the movie and the scenarios in these films made you feel like the events are happening in real-time. This is Singapore. We can relate to most of the situations depicted in the movie. https://www.timeout.com/singapore/film/the-best-singapore-films-to-watch

So here we are, showing you the 6 common shots that are used in most of the local short films so you are able to apply in your own work as well. 

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1. Establishing Shot

This shot is usually taken during the start of a new scene. It is supposed to be a very wide shot that it captures the environment and place in the camera. Directors have a vast creativity in their minds. Before going into the actual scene, directors stepped back, and looked at the user's point of view of where the scene they are trying to portray takes place. Therefore, it usually resembles the setting of the place, time of day or even the environment. 

If you notice, Singaporean films are mostly related to culture, people and traditions. Having an establishing shot helps to portray the cohesiveness of the entire outlook of the scene.

2. Medium

This shot is often taken from the waist till given enough head space for the actors. It is to capture the moment from a medium distance of the camera to the actors. This shot is often very detailed, as viewers are allowed to look at the surrounding of the place - and also the actors in the scene.

That is not all, a medium shot is being notified as a shot to understand the body language of the actors and how they are interacting with the environment or the people.

3. Medium Close-Up

This shot works hand in hand with Medium shot. The shot is taken from the chest till given head space for the actors. It is used to capture details of the subject’s face and their expressions but showing viewers of the actor’s surroundings and environment as well. Typically, conversations were carried out during such shots.

4. Close-Up

Singaporean films love to capture emotions from viewers - Turning them emotional. If you have notice. Directors will execute this idea by carrying out close-up shot. It is the type of shot where it focuses on the subject’s face to focus on their emotions and facial expressions. Such shots are great to use to connect with audiences, as the environment and surroundings have taken out from the shot, and to only focus on the actors.

This shot is taken from the chin till given head space of the actors. Try this shot if you like to capture the emotions from your viewers.

5. Extreme Close-Up 

When a close-up shot is not enough, there are extreme close-up shots. This shot is typically focuses on the eyes, or mouth of the actors, and nothing else basically. Unless, if it is some horrifying shots where you have to see the actors’ nostril hair, which no one that is eating popcorn as of that moment would want to watch the movie again. 

Aside, extreme close-up shots are used when a person’s emotions are on the climax. It could mean that they are crying, with tears rolling down their face or they are angry - Or they could be chewing something.

6. Over The Shoulder

This shot is usually taken behind the actor’s shoulder. It is often used to capture conversations between two actors.

This shot is to maintain both characters in one scene, applying the 180 degree rule (Check out Understanding the 180-Degree Rule in Cinematography - 2020 ) while focusing on one actor at one time.

There you go, 6 common shots used in most of the Singapore local films you have watched, or at least. If you haven’t, try to keep yourself away from Netflix or Korean dramas, and watch a local film one or two in a month. I’m pretty sure you will feel enticed by those films.

References

https://www.polarprofilters.com/blogs/polarpro/filmmaking-101-types-of-camera-shots-and-angles 

https://www.editmate.com/project/10-types-of-camera-shots/ 

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