Medium shots (MS) are often neutral, uninvolved shots. The subject (person) in the shot is being observed, but not closely.
The normal sequence is to begin an interview or scene with a medium shot. As the intensity of the scene slowly builds, the camera moves closer and closer. This transition can be so slow the audience isn’t consciously aware of it, or it can be an abrupt transition from MS to CU.
Medium Shot
Close ups (CU) are how the audience shares what an actor or interviewee is feeling. This means that you have to get the camera so close that the person’s face fills the screen. People avoid shooting close-ups because it’s uncomfortable to get the camera in close and record people’s intimate facial expressions. This reluctance is so ingrained in our culture that we have a phrase for it. It’s called “getting in people’s faces.”
The viewer, however, needs and wants you to get in people’s faces.
Every culture has strong taboos about personal space and how close you can get to someone. Before you get physically close to someone, make sure you have their permission.
Close up (CU)
Secret 10 -- Five basic camera angles
The “camera angle” (where the camera is placed) makes a huge difference in how the audience reacts to footage. Different camera angles will evoke different emotional reactions from the audience. This is the reason why political ads often place the camera slightly below the politician, looking up. The politician is literally shown as someone the audience should “look up to.”
As you watch films and advertisements, pay attention to the camera angle. Try to see what reaction the filmmaker is trying to get from the audience.
Here are seven angles to consider using when you shoot your scenes:
