Shot Composition Skill
Purpose
Design visually compelling shots that serve the story. Every camera choice—angle, movement, lens, composition—should enhance meaning, create emotion, and guide the viewer's attention.
Shot Sizes
The Size Spectrum
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EWS ─── WS ─── MWS ─── MS ─── MCU ─── CU ─── ECU │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ └── Detail/Eyes │ │ │ │ │ └──────── Face │ │ │ │ └──────────────── Head/Shoulders │ │ │ └──────────────────────── Waist Up │ │ └──────────────────────────────── Knees Up │ └──────────────────────────────────────── Full Body └──────────────────────────────────────────────── Environment
When to Use Each
| Size | Use For | Emotion |
|---|---|---|
| EWS | Establishing, scope, isolation | Awe, loneliness |
| WS | Context, geography, action | Objective, neutral |
| MWS | Blocking, movement | Balance |
| MS | Conversation, action | Engagement |
| MCU | Emotion, dialogue | Connection |
| CU | Reaction, intimacy | Intensity |
| ECU | Detail, revelation | Impact |
Camera Angles
Vertical Angles
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Bird's Eye → Looking straight down (god view) High Angle → Looking down at subject (vulnerability) Eye Level → Neutral, natural (equality) Low Angle → Looking up at subject (power) Worm's Eye → Looking straight up (extreme power)
Horizontal Angles
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Frontal → Direct, confrontational 3/4 Profile → Most common, dimensional Profile → Reflective, contemplative Over Shoulder → POV, conversation Dutch Angle → Unease, disorientation
Camera Movement
Movement Types
| Movement | Description | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Static | No movement | Stability, observation |
| Pan | Horizontal pivot | Survey, follow |
| Tilt | Vertical pivot | Reveal, scale |
| Dolly | Camera moves forward/back | Intimacy, revelation |
| Track | Camera moves alongside | Follow, accompany |
| Crane | Camera moves up/down | Scope, grandeur |
| Steadicam | Smooth handheld | Immersion |
| Handheld | Naturalistic shake | Urgency, documentary |
| Zoom | Lens change (not movement) | Emphasis, isolation |
Motivated Movement
Movement should be motivated by:
- •Character movement (following action)
- •Emotional revelation (moving in for intimacy)
- •Story information (revealing new element)
- •Point of view (showing what character sees)
Composition Principles
Rule of Thirds
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┌───┬───┬───┐ │ • │ │ • │ Place subjects at intersections ├───┼───┼───┤ for dynamic composition │ │ ○ │ │ ├───┼───┼───┤ Center for stability/confrontation │ • │ │ • │ └───┴───┴───┘
Leading Lines
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Lines that guide the eye: - Roads, hallways, fences - Arms, gaze direction - Light beams, shadows - Architectural elements
Frame Within Frame
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Use doorways, windows, mirrors to create visual interest and focus attention on subject
Depth
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Foreground │ Midground │ Background
↓ ↓ ↓
Frame Subject Context
Lens Choices
Focal Length Effects
| Lens | Effect | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Wide (14-35mm) | Distortion, space | Environments, unease |
| Normal (35-50mm) | Natural | Dialogue, general |
| Telephoto (85mm+) | Compression, isolation | Portraits, tension |
Depth of Field
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Shallow DOF (f/1.4-2.8): - Subject sharp, background blur - Isolation, intimacy - Focus pull for attention Deep DOF (f/8-16): - Everything in focus - Context, geography - Multiple planes of action
Shot List Format
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## Scene [Number] Shot List | Shot | Size | Angle | Lens | Movement | Subject | Action | Duration | |------|------|-------|------|----------|---------|--------|----------| | 1.1 | WS | Eye | 35mm | Static | Room | Est. | 3s | | 1.2 | MS | 3/4 | 50mm | Track | Sarah | Enter | 5s | | 1.3 | CU | Eye | 85mm | Static | Sarah | React | 2s |
Visual Storytelling
Show Power Dynamics
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DOMINANT: Low angle, higher position, larger frame SUBMISSIVE: High angle, lower position, smaller frame EQUAL: Eye level, similar frame sizes
Create Tension
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- Tight framing (claustrophobic) - Negative space (anticipation) - Off-center subjects (unease) - Shallow DOF (isolation)
Guide Emotion
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JOY: Bright, warm, open framing FEAR: Dark, tight, unpredictable LOVE: Soft, close, warm tones ANGER: Hard, dynamic, extreme angles
Coverage Strategy
Basic Scene Coverage
- •Master - Full scene in one shot
- •Singles - Individual close-ups
- •Over-shoulders - Conversation coverage
- •Inserts - Detail shots
- •Cutaways - Reaction, environment
Action Coverage
- •Wide master - Geography
- •Medium action - Key moments
- •Close details - Impact
- •Reaction - Emotional response
Shot Breakdown Template
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## Shot [ID] ### Technical - **Size:** [EWS/WS/MS/MCU/CU/ECU] - **Angle:** [Eye/Low/High/Dutch] - **Lens:** [Focal length] - **Movement:** [Type and direction] - **Duration:** [Seconds] ### Composition - **Subject Placement:** [Thirds/Center] - **Depth:** [FG/MG/BG elements] - **Leading Lines:** [If any] ### Purpose - **Story Function:** [What it communicates] - **Emotional Intent:** [What viewer should feel] ### AI Video Prompt [Optimized prompt for generation]
Quality Checklist
- • Shot size serves scene purpose
- • Angle reinforces power/emotion
- • Movement is motivated
- • Composition guides eye
- • Coverage is complete
- • Continuity maintained
- • Screen direction consistent
- • Each shot earns its place