shot-composition

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

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

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

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

┌───┬───┬───┐
│ • │   │ • │   Place subjects at intersections
├───┼───┼───┤   for dynamic composition
│   │ ○ │   │
├───┼───┼───┤   Center for stability/confrontation
│ • │   │ • │
└───┴───┴───┘

Leading Lines

Lines that guide the eye:
- Roads, hallways, fences
- Arms, gaze direction
- Light beams, shadows
- Architectural elements

Frame Within Frame

Use doorways, windows, mirrors
to create visual interest and
focus attention on subject

Depth

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

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

## 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

DOMINANT: Low angle, higher position, larger frame
SUBMISSIVE: High angle, lower position, smaller frame
EQUAL: Eye level, similar frame sizes

Create Tension

- Tight framing (claustrophobic)
- Negative space (anticipation)
- Off-center subjects (unease)
- Shallow DOF (isolation)

Guide Emotion

JOY: Bright, warm, open framing
FEAR: Dark, tight, unpredictable
LOVE: Soft, close, warm tones
ANGER: Hard, dynamic, extreme angles

Coverage Strategy

Basic Scene Coverage

1. Master - Full scene in one shot
2. Singles - Individual close-ups
3. Over-shoulders - Conversation coverage
4. Inserts - Detail shots
5. Cutaways - Reaction, environment

Action Coverage

1. Wide master - Geography
2. Medium action - Key moments
3. Close details - Impact
4. Reaction - Emotional response

Shot Breakdown Template

## 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