Planning a video or sequence in a film doesn’t come second nature to most filmmakers. Serious prep is required. Lucky for you, there are tools to make this easier. Laying out your vision in a storyboard is one way to do it. What is a storyboard you may ask? It is a roadmap that will guide your journey from script to screen. To really grasp the benefits of storyboarding, we'll go beyond a simple storyboard definition to explore how filmmakers like Ridley Scott and the Coen Bros. rely on this fundamental process and how easy it will be for you to…
home → Camera Angles → Profile ShotSearch for:Search Button— The —Profile ShotGet to know the profile shot as we dive into what it is, how to use it, and some of its best executions.VideoExamplesArticleProfile shot definitionWhat is a profile shot?A profile shot frames the subject from the side, showing their face in full profile, typically with one eye visible and the rest of the features in clean outline. This side-on angle is often used to emphasize a character’s solitude or focus, or it can be used to match another character’s eyeline. It can also highlight physical detail or contrast between characters in…
home → Camera Angles → Ground Level ShotSearch for:Search Button— The —Ground Level ShotLearn more about the ground level shot through examples, analysis, and answers to frequently asked questions.VideoExamplesArticleGround Level Shot DefinitionWhat is a ground level shot?A ground level shot places the camera directly on or just above the floor, offering a view from the ground up. This unusual vantage point doesn’t reflect how we typically see the world, giving it a distinct visual impact. Instead of presenting characters or scenes from a human perspective, it emphasizes scale, texture, and presence, among other things.For more, read our full breakdown of the ground…
home → Camera Angles → Knee Level ShotSearch for:Search Button— The —Knee Level ShotLearn more about the unique knee level shot, and why it's used by so many filmmakers.VideoExamplesArticleKnee Level Shot DefinitionWhat is a knee level shot?A knee level shot places the camera near the subject’s knees, offering a distinctly low vantage point that shifts the viewer’s perspective significantly. This angle often emphasizes size, movement, and power, making characters appear more dominant or imposing. Because it’s lower than more traditional shots, it can add drama, tension, or a sense of scale, drawing attention to actions happening at or below the waist. Knee…
home → Camera Angles → Hip Level ShotSearch for:Search Button— The —Hip Level ShotTake a deeper look at the hip level shot — what it is, why you should use it, and some of the best examples.VideoExamplesArticleHip Level Shot DefinitionWhat is a hip level shot?A hip level shot positions the camera around the height of a subject’s hips, offering a viewpoint that shifts the focus downward while still staying relatively neutral. It’s often used to highlight actions or movement– like walking, drawing a weapon, or hand gestures. Though less common than eye or shoulder level shots, hip level framing can add subtle…
home → Camera Angles → Shoulder Level ShotSearch for:Search Button— The —Shoulder Level ShotLearn more about the shoulder level shot through definitions, differentiations, and lots of examples.VideoExamplesArticleShoulder LEvel Shot DefinitionWhat is a shoulder level shot?A shoulder level shot places the camera roughly at the subject's should height, offering a perspective slightly lower than the eyes but still relatively neutral. This angle maintains realism while subtly shifting the viewer's point of view, often grounding the shot in a more physical or bodily sense. Because it can add a feeling of height to a character, it is about as common as an eye level…
home → Camera Angles → Eye Level ShotSearch for:Search Button— The —Eye Level ShotGet to know the eye level shot by looking through examples, use cases, and more.VideoExamplesArticleEye level shot definitionWhat is an eye level shot?An eye level shot is a camera angle where the lens is positioned at the same height as the subject’s eyes, creating a neutral perspective. This angle closely mirrors how we naturally see people and the world, making it feel familiar and balanced. It doesn’t exaggerate power dynamics or emotions, which makes it ideal for dialogue and everyday moments.For a more detailed breakdown of this technique, take…
home → Camera Angles → Aerial ShotSearch for:Search Button— The —Aerial ShotFamiliarize yourself with the aerial shot in film, starting with what it means, how to use it, and some of its greatest examples.VideoExamplesArticleAerial shot definitionWhat is an aerial shot?An aerial shot captures a scene from high above to provide a bird’s-eye view. This elevated perspective is often used to showcase scale or geography.For an in-depth exploration of this technique, check out our full guide to aerial shots, complete with examples and breakdowns.Filming aerial shotsAerial shot examplesIt’s helpful to see aerial shots in action before exploring how they operate within visual storytelling. Browse…
home → Camera Angles → Overhead ShotSearch for:Search Button— The —Overhead ShotGet acquainted with one of the most unique shots in film by looking at overhead examples, uses, and pairings with other techniques.VideoExamplesArticleOverhead shot definitionWhat is an overhead shot?An overhead shot is a camera angle where the camera is positioned directly above the subject, looking straight down. Also known as a birds-eye view shot, this top-down perspective can be used to create a sense of detachment or visual abstraction.For a deeper look at this technique, check out our breakdown of the overhead shot, including more examples and detailed analysis.Filming overhead shotsOverhead shot examplesBefore…
home → Camera Angles → Dutch Angle ShotSearch for:Search Button— The —Dutch Angle ShotLearn about the Dutch angle– why filmmakers use it, what it means, and how it works best.VideoExamplesArticleDutch angle definitionWhat is a Dutch angle?A Dutch angle, also known as a canted shot, involves tilting the camera so that the horizon line is slanted. This can create a sense of unease or disorientation within a frame. The tilt can be subtle or extreme, depending on the desired effect.For a deeper dive into this technique, check out our detailed breakdown of the dutch angle, complete with examples and additional insights.Dutch angle in filmDutch…
