#70 Planning: Through the Camera’s Eye

    Hey everyone, today I will be talking about how when I first started the whole media studies Cambridge course in AS Level I didn't know anything about cameras and how there's angles and shots in film and how they all mean something and give a meaning. Now know the importance of all that and knowing that this makes any type of film better I try my best to use it with me team.

Before I get into the shots we’re using, here’s a video that helped me understand camera angles way better:

    When we started planning out our trailer, I didn’t realize how much camera angles actually shape the whole vibe of a scene. I always knew they mattered, but once we started breaking everything down, it hit me how much each angle changes the way the audience sees the moment. So, I’ve been paying way more attention to the shots we’re choosing and why they fit what we’re trying to show.

    One thing I’ve been thinking about a lot is close ups. They’re honestly so good for showing emotion without having to do too much. When something intense is happening, a close‑up just makes it feel way more personal. I like using them for moments where the audience is supposed to focus on someone’s reaction or when something important is revealed. It just pulls you in.

Close up shot:

    Then there’s wide shots, which are basically the opposite but still super useful. I love how they show the whole space and make the character look small or isolated when the scene calls for it. For our project, wide shots help set the mood and show the environment, especially in the creepier parts. It gives the audience a second to take everything in before things get tense again.

Wide shot:

    And of course, over the shoulder shots. These are honestly so underrated. They make conversations feel more natural and help the audience see things from a character’s point of view without it being a full POV shot. I like using them when two characters are talking or when someone is watching something important happen. It adds this subtle tension, especially if the person in the foreground is reacting to something the audience hasn’t fully seen yet.

Over the shoulder shot:

    Moreover, planning out these angles has made me realize how much thought goes into every single shot. It’s not just about pointing the camera at something it’s about choosing the angle that actually tells the story the way we want it to feel. I’m glad we took the time to break everything down because now the trailer feels way more intentional.

Source:

50+ Types of Camera Shots, Angles, and Techniques