Shot and Lighting Research

Before I can actually begin filming, and before I had written up the shot list and storyboard, I had to do some research into the different sorts of shots that are used in my genre of film. Before beginning filming, I also need to research the sorts of lighting used.

I first looked at camera angles and setups in filmmaking in general, at first not restricting myself to any particular genre. In Shot by Shot, by Steven D. Katz (1991) the range of shots used are discussed, as well as why, in general, they are used. He first describes the use of Close ups:

"The close up can bring us into a more intimate relationship with the subjects on the screen"
"Not only can the close-up reveal the intimate, it can make us feel as if we are intruding on moments of privacy or sharing a moment of vulnerability- as if the person on screen has opened himself up to us."

This is something I feel may be very important for my film, particularly as it is restricted to only five minutes. Because of having such a short run time, even with only a couple of characters, I will not be able to add lots of explicit characterisation and character development. This is where close-ups will become important, showing the the subtleties of the character, particularly if we get strong actors.

Katz also describes what he calls 'The Medium Shot';

"The medium shot captures and actor's gestures and body language, but is still tight enough to include subtle variations in facial expression." It is "combining valuable qualities of the full shot and the close-up". 

This is a shot that I feel will often be used to bridge between a long shot, or a 'full shot', and the close-ups, and also to break up the close-ups where needed and help to lead into other shots. This follows what Alexander Mackendrick has said, (On Film-making 2004) "each angle should be significantly different in a way that adds or subtracts to the pictorial narrative."  However, this should all only be done when there is a reason. A cut should only be done when required , it "should have a purpose , that it follows the momentum of the viewer's interest, that each shift of angle is motivated by the audience's desire to see something that has been promised to them." This is something that I will try and follow when shooting the film and putting together the shot list and storyboard.

Katz then goes on to talk about 'The Full Shot';

"One of the full shot's most attractive qualities is that it allows the actor to use body language. This type of physical expression has all but disappeared from the movies since the silent period."

My film does not often require the much use of body language. This is because a lot of the film is dialogue and subtle emotion. I think I will try an incorporate a couple 'full shots' in order to show the power of murder. However, it is likely that my film will mostly consist of close-ups and medium shots.

In my genre of film, shots are the same as commonly used, however they are all used for specific reasons.

Quite often in this genre, close up as used to show emotion, often fear or anger, or some other related emotion often experienced in this genre. One example is this shot from Silence of the Lambs:

Close ups, of all kinds (MCU, ECU and CU) are possibly some of the most common shot types in a psychological thriller, because of this portrayal of, quite often, intense fear or anger, a common theme found in psychological thrillers, which can often be closely related to the horror genre.


Often large establishing shots are also used, often when there is few or even one location. This is often a dark shot not only setting up the location, but also the atmosphere. This example is from the film Shutter Island:


Although not a shot, a technique that can often be found in psychological thrillers, which could be classed more of as a movement, is the use of the long take, a continuous take that can often last for a few minutes. This can be used to create tension and fear, something that is often quite important to the themes and atmosphere of the films.