Camera angles and position

The camera is placed over the shoulder of a character in a conversation with another character. This is the most common way to get coverage in a conversation.

As with 'Over the shoulder' shot, but you are covering the other character in conversation.

OS and Reverse OS are also known affectionately as ‘roundy roundies!’

The camera is placed roughly in line with the subject’s eyes. This is a neutral angle.

The camera is placed above the subject, looking down.

This is used for a specific effect, to make the subject seem smaller or give a point of view.

The camera is placed above the subject, looking down.

This is used for a specific effect, to make the subject seem smaller or give a point of view.

The camera is placed below the subject’s eye-line, looking up. This is used for a specific effect, to make the subject seem larger or give a point of view.

The camera is placed extremely low and looks almost directly up. This is used for a specific effect or to give a point of view. 

The camera is tilted at an unusual angle. It is used for a specific effect and usually connotes disorder or disruption, or a character’s point of view. Generally, these should be used very sparingly. 

This angle is used for specific effect to give a subject’s perspective. This may be used as a variation on an over the shoulder shot. For example, to show a first-person view of someone texting or writing. It could be taken to an extreme to show a whole scene or film from a first-person perspective.

Placing the camera in a container like a fridge, cupboard or suitcase, which opens to reveal the subject as they open the container.