Storyboard Shot Types: Essential Visual Storytelling Elements for Filmmakers

Understanding storyboard shot types is essential for filmmakers and visual storytellers. Each shot, from close-ups to wide angles, serves a specific purpose in conveying emotion, setting the scene, and guiding the viewer’s focus. By mastering shot types and their applications, creators can craft compelling visual narratives that bring their stories to life.

‍Understanding storyboard shot types

Storyboard shot types help plan out visual scenes. They show what the camera will see and how characters or objects will be framed.

Defining shot types

Shot types describe how much of a subject is shown on screen. Close-up shots focus on details, like a character's face. Medium shots show the upper body. Wide shots display full figures and surroundings. Extreme close-ups zoom in on tiny details. Long shots capture large areas from far away. These shot types help tell the story visually.

Some special shot types include:

• Over-the-shoulder: Shows a subject from behind another character's shoulder
• Point-of-view (POV): Mimics what a character sees
• Aerial: Taken from high above, like a bird's eye view
• Two-shot: Frames two characters together

Identifying shot purpose

Different shot types serve different purposes in storytelling. Close-ups draw attention to emotions or important objects. Wide shots set the scene and show relationships between characters. Medium shots balance detail and context.

Shot types can:

• Build tension (slowly zooming in)
• Show power dynamics (looking up or down at characters)
• Guide the viewer's focus
• Create a mood or feeling
• Reveal or hide information

Pick shot types that fit the needs of each scene. Mix them up to keep things interesting. Think about what you want the audience to notice or feel when choosing shots.

Fundamental shot types

Storyboards use different shot types to convey visual information. These shots range from very wide to extremely close, each serving a unique purpose in storytelling.

Extreme long shot (ELS)

An extreme long shot shows a very wide view of a scene. It often includes landscapes, cityscapes, or large crowds. This shot helps set the scene and give viewers an idea of where the action takes place.

ELS shots can:

• Show the scale of a location
• Establish the mood or atmosphere
• Highlight a character's isolation

In movies, you might see an ELS of a vast desert before zooming in on the main character. In animation, an ELS could show a sprawling alien planet before introducing the heroes.

Long shot (LS)

A long shot shows a character or object from head to toe, with some background visible. This shot type gives context to a scene while still focusing on the subject.

LS shots are useful for:

• Introducing characters
• Showing body language and movement
• Revealing relationships between characters and their surroundings

You might use a long shot to show a character entering a room or to capture a full-body dance sequence.

Medium shot (MS)

A medium shot frames a character from the waist up. It's a versatile shot that balances detail and context. MS shots are great for dialogue scenes and character interactions.

Benefits of medium shots:

• Show facial expressions and upper body language
• Capture conversations between two or more characters
• Reveal some background details without losing focus on the subject

Use medium shots for most dialogue scenes in your storyboard. They work well for TV interviews, casual conversations, and reaction shots.

Close-up (CU)

A close-up shot focuses on a character's face or a small object. It fills most of the frame with the subject, leaving little room for background details. CU shots help show emotions and draw attention to important details.

Close-ups are perfect for:

• Showing strong emotions on a character's face
• Highlighting important objects or details
• Creating tension or intimacy

Use close-ups in your storyboard when you want to emphasize a character's reaction or show a key plot item.

Extreme close-up (ECU)

An extreme close-up shot zooms in very tight on a subject, showing only a small part of it. This shot type creates intense focus and can be very dramatic.

ECU shots can:

• Show tiny details invisible in other shots
• Create suspense or tension
• Emphasize strong emotions

You might use an ECU to show a character's eye filling with tears or to focus on a ticking clock in a tense scene. Be careful not to overuse ECU shots, as they can be jarring if used too often.

Angles and camera movements

Camera angles and movements are key tools for filmmakers. They help tell stories and create moods in movies and TV shows. Let's look at some common types.

High angle shot

A high angle shot looks down on the subject from above. This makes the subject seem small or weak. It can show a character feeling powerless or trapped. High angles work well for showing big crowds or wide areas. They give viewers a sense of the full scene.

In action scenes, high angles can make fights look more intense. They let you see all the action at once. High angles are also good for showing a character's point of view when they're looking down at something.

To film a high angle shot, put the camera above eye level. You can use a crane, drone, or just stand on something tall.

Low angle shot

A low angle shot looks up at the subject from below. This makes the subject seem big, powerful, or important. It's often used to make characters look strong or scary. Low angles can make buildings look taller and more impressive too.

In horror movies, low angles can make monsters scarier. They make the threat seem bigger than the viewer. Low angles are also good for action heroes. They make them look tough and in control.

To get a low angle, put the camera below eye level. You might need to crouch down or even lie on the ground.

Bird's eye view

A bird's eye view shot is taken from high above, looking straight down. It shows the scene as if you were a bird flying over it. This angle gives a wide view of an area. It's great for showing the layout of a place or how things are connected.

In action movies, bird's eye views can show car chases from above. In dramas, they might show a city to set the scene. These shots often use drones or helicopters.

Bird's eye views can make people look small and unimportant. They're good for showing how big a place is compared to the characters.

Worm's eye view

A worm's eye view is taken from ground level, looking straight up. It's like you're a worm looking at the world above. This angle makes things look very tall and powerful. It can make buildings seem to touch the sky.

In monster movies, worm's eye views make creatures look huge and scary. In superhero films, they can show heroes about to take flight. These shots often use wide-angle lenses to fit more in the frame.

Worm's eye views can make viewers feel small and helpless. They're good for showing a character feeling overwhelmed or amazed.

Dutch angle/tilt

A Dutch angle, also called a tilt, is when the camera is rotated so the horizon isn't level. This creates a slanted view that can make viewers feel uneasy. It's often used in thrillers or horror movies to create tension.

Dutch angles can show that something is wrong or off-balance. They might be used when a character is confused or the world seems chaotic. The more extreme the tilt, the more unsettling it feels.

To create a Dutch angle, simply rotate the camera on its axis. Even a small tilt can have a big effect on how a scene feels.

Pan and tilt

Panning is when the camera moves side to side on a fixed base. Tilting is when it moves up and down. These moves let you follow action or reveal new parts of a scene.

A slow pan can build suspense by slowly showing more of a room. A fast pan can follow a speeding car. Tilts can reveal tall buildings or show a character looking someone up and down.

Pans and tilts are often done with the camera on a tripod. This keeps the movement smooth. They can also be done handheld for a more shaky, realistic feel.

Tracking shot

A tracking shot moves the whole camera through the scene. It can follow a character as they walk or move around an object to show it from all sides. Tracking shots make scenes feel more dynamic and alive.

In action scenes, tracking shots can follow car chases or fights. In dramas, they might follow a character through a crowded room. These shots often use dollies (wheeled platforms) or steadicams (body-mounted stabilizers) to keep the movement smooth.

Tracking shots can be complex to set up but they can create very impressive results. They're great for making viewers feel like they're part of the action.

Specialized shot types

Storyboards use special shots to show different viewpoints and relationships between characters. These shots help tell the story in unique ways.

Point of view shot (POV)

A POV shot shows what a character sees. The camera acts as the character's eyes. This shot puts viewers in the character's shoes. It can create suspense or show important details.

To make a POV shot: • Choose which character's view to show • Frame the shot as if looking through their eyes • Include part of their body if needed (like hands or feet)

POV shots work well for:

• Revealing surprises
• Building tension
• Showing a character's focus

Over the shoulder shot (OTS)

An OTS shot frames a scene from behind one character, looking at another. It shows both characters and their interaction. This shot helps viewers feel part of the conversation.

Tips for OTS shots: • Show the back of one character's head and shoulder • Frame the other character's face and upper body • Keep the foreground character slightly out of focus

OTS shots are great for:

• Dialogue scenes
• Reaction shots
• Showing character relationships

Two-shot

A two-shot shows two characters in the same frame. It can be from the side or front. This shot type lets viewers see both characters' reactions at once.

Ways to use two-shots: • Full body: Show both characters from head to toe • Medium: Frame from the waist up • Close-up: Focus on both faces

Two-shots work well for:

• Showing character interactions
• Comparing or contrasting characters
• Capturing shared moments

Master shot

A master shot shows the whole scene in one wide view. It gives viewers the big picture. This shot helps set the scene and show where characters are.

Key points for master shots: • Include all important elements of the scene • Show the full setting and all characters • Use as a starting point for other shots

Master shots are useful for:

• Establishing new locations
• Showing character positions
• Giving context for closer shots

Framing details and composition

Framing and composition shape how viewers see and feel about shots in storyboards. These techniques guide the eye and create visual interest.

Rule of thirds

The rule of thirds splits the frame into a 3x3 grid. Key elements are placed along the lines or at their intersections. This creates balance and draws focus.

To use the rule of thirds: • Put important objects or people on the grid lines • Place the main subject at one of the four intersection points • Leave space in front of moving subjects

This rule works for many types of shots. It adds visual appeal to wide landscape shots and close-ups of faces.

Leading lines

Leading lines direct the viewer's eyes to key parts of the image. These can be: 

• Roads or paths 
• Rivers or coastlines 
• Buildings or fences 
• Shadows or light beams

Use leading lines to: 

• Guide attention to the main subject 
• Create a sense of depth 
• Add visual flow to the composition

Diagonal lines add energy. Curved lines feel more natural. Straight lines convey stability.

Framing within a frame

This technique uses elements in the scene to create a frame around the main subject. It draws focus and adds depth. Some ways to frame within a frame:

• Look through windows or doorways 
• Use tree branches or leaves 
• Frame with architectural elements like arches 
• Create frames with shadows or light

This method makes shots more interesting. It gives context and can set the mood.

Depth of field

Depth of field is how much of the shot is in focus. It affects which parts of the image stand out.

Shallow depth of field: 

• Keeps the subject sharp but blurs the background 
• Draws attention to one part of the frame 
• Creates a dreamy or intimate feel

Deep depth of field: 

• Keeps most or all of the image in focus 
• Shows more detail in the whole scene 
• Works well for landscapes or wide shots

You can show depth of field in storyboards by blurring parts of the image. This helps plan how the final shot will look.

Shot selection strategies

Picking the right shots can make or break your storyboard. Good choices help tell your story visually and keep viewers engaged. Bad choices can confuse or bore your audience.

Visual storytelling

Shot selection plays a big role in how you tell your story visually. Wide shots set the scene and show where characters are. Medium shots let viewers see character interactions. Close-ups reveal emotions and small details.

Mix up your shot types to keep things interesting. Use a wide shot to establish a new location. Follow with medium shots of characters talking. Then cut to close-ups to show reactions. This variety helps move the story along and keeps viewers' attention.

Think about what each shot adds to the story. Every shot should have a purpose. Ask yourself what you want the audience to notice or feel. Choose shots that highlight the most important parts of each scene.

Maintaining continuity

Good shot choices help keep your story flowing smoothly. Pick shots that match from one scene to the next. This helps viewers follow the action without getting confused.

Pay attention to where characters and objects are in each shot. If a character exits to the right in one shot, they should enter from the left in the next. Keep track of props and make sure they stay in the right spot between shots.

Eye lines are also key for continuity. When characters look at each other, their eyelines should match up. If one looks left, the other should look right. This makes conversations feel natural and keeps viewers focused on the story.

Creating juxtaposition

You can use shot choices to create contrast and highlight differences. Put two very different shots next to each other to make a point.

Try pairing a close-up with a wide shot. This can show how a character feels alone in a big space. Or put a bright, happy scene next to a dark, sad one. The contrast will make both feelings stronger.

You can also use similar shots to compare things. Show two characters in matching medium shots to highlight their differences. Or use the same framing for before and after shots to show how things have changed.

Practical applications of shot types

Shot types play a key role in visual storytelling. They help convey mood, focus attention, and guide the viewer's eye. Let's explore how different industries use shot types in their storyboarding process.

Storyboarding for film

In film, shot types are vital for planning scenes and sequences. Wide shots set the scene and show the big picture. Medium shots focus on characters and their interactions. Close-ups highlight emotions and important details.

Directors use shot types to create a visual flow. They might start with a wide shot to establish location, then move to medium shots for dialog. Close-ups can emphasize key moments or reactions.

Action scenes often use quick cuts between different shot types to build tension. Quiet, emotional scenes may linger on close-ups to let viewers connect with characters.

Storyboarding for animation

Animators use shot types to plan their scenes efficiently. Wide shots help design backgrounds and set the mood. Medium shots show character interactions and movements. Close-ups are great for facial expressions and small details.

In animation, each frame is carefully planned. Shot types guide artists on what to draw and how detailed it needs to be. This saves time and keeps the style consistent.

Animators also use shot types to create visual interest. They might mix wide landscape shots with close-ups of small objects to show scale. Or they could use a series of increasingly tight shots to build suspense.

Storyboarding for advertising

In ads, shot types help tell a story quickly. Wide shots can show a product in use or set a scene. Medium shots often focus on people using or reacting to the product. Close-ups highlight product features or brand logos.

Advertisers use shot types to guide viewer attention. They might start with a wide shot of a problem, then zoom in on the product solving it. Or they could use a series of close-ups to show off product details.

Shot types also help create a mood. Soft focus close-ups can make a product feel luxurious. Quick cuts between different shots can make an ad feel energetic and exciting.

Technical considerations for storyboard shot types

When creating storyboards, you need to think about camera gear, lighting, and aspect ratios. These factors affect how your shots look and feel. Let's explore each of these areas in more detail.

Camera lenses and shot types

The lens you choose impacts your shot composition. Wide-angle lenses capture more of the scene, making them great for establishing shots or large group scenes. They can also create a sense of depth. Telephoto lenses compress the image, bringing distant objects closer. This works well for close-ups and isolating subjects.

Prime lenses have a fixed focal length. They often produce sharper images and work better in low light. Zoom lenses let you change focal length, giving you more shot options without switching lenses.

For close-ups, use a lens with a longer focal length. This helps avoid distortion of facial features. Wide shots benefit from shorter focal lengths to show more of the setting.

Lighting and shot types

Lighting shapes the mood and look of your shots. Soft lighting creates a gentle, flattering effect. It's good for portraits and romantic scenes. Hard lighting produces strong shadows and contrast. Use it for dramatic or tense moments.

Think about the direction of light too. Front lighting shows details clearly but can look flat. Side lighting adds depth and texture. Backlighting creates silhouettes and a dreamy effect.

For outdoor scenes, consider the time of day. Golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) gives a warm, soft glow. Midday sun creates harsh shadows. Overcast days provide even, diffused light.

Aspect ratio considerations

Aspect ratio is the width-to-height ratio of your frame. Common ratios include:

• 16:9 (widescreen TV)
• 4:3 (older TVs)
• 2.35:1 (cinematic widescreen)

Your chosen ratio affects shot composition. Wider ratios like 2.35:1 work well for landscapes and wide shots. They can make close-ups feel more intimate. Taller ratios like 4:3 are good for portraits and vertical subjects.

When storyboarding, draw your frames in the final aspect ratio. This helps you plan shots that will work in the finished product. Remember, you may need to adjust your shots if the project's aspect ratio changes later.

Conclusion

Storyboard shot types are the foundation of effective visual storytelling, enabling filmmakers to plan scenes, evoke emotions, and maintain viewer engagement. By strategically using different shots and considering technical aspects like lenses and lighting, creators can elevate their projects. Whether for film, animation, or advertising, understanding and applying shot types ensures a more dynamic and impactful story.