the Seven Basic Shots
In making film, either for art or commercial purposes, there are seven basic shots to consider. The appropriate use of these will create a complete visual presentation and if done well enough, will communicate your point without the use of words or supplemental sound.
1. The Master Shot. This is usually a wide shot used to establish the tenor of the film. Items such as location, time, mood, style, and characters are presented and create the foundation for the remainder of the film.
2. Follow Up Shot. The several secondary shots in the series which drive the story forward.
3. Point of View Sequence. This is almost always a three shot sequence. An example would be: A. shot of a character (a quick head turn to the left) B. shot of what the character sees (shot of a snake) C. shot of the character's reaction (look of surprise)
4. Cross Cutting. Several shots from one view to another. Two people talking and as each one speaks, the camera switches to view their faces.
5. Cut In. A close up shot of something in the general (wider) scene to bring attention. As the car races down the street, the "cut in" is a close up of the front wheel beginning to come off.
6. Cut Away. A shot of a peripheral item. The main event is a boxing match with the two fighters in the middle of the ring. Then a "cut away" shot to the face of the girlfriend watching in the audience showing her anticipation of the outcome.
7. Match Cut. This is cutting from one view to another in the same scene. As the action proceeds, the exact position from one view to another is created. (a person walking viewed from the left as the foot just hits the ground, the view is switched to the back, just as the foot hits the ground).
Story boarding is the graphic layout of the sequence of shots for a film from the view of the camera lens. This is usually presented in a "cartoon" series of frames and may be supplemented with written comments.
For further information on short films, check "Making Short Films" by Jim Piper. http://www.piperbooks.com