Plan camera angles, movements, shot sizes, and visual design for cinematic storytelling
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.
EWS ─── WS ─── MWS ─── MS ─── MCU ─── CU ─── ECU
│ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │ └── Detail/Eyes
│ │ │ │ │ └──────── Face
│ │ │ │ └──────────────── Head/Shoulders
│ │ │ └──────────────────────── Waist Up
│ │ └──────────────────────────────── Knees Up
│ └──────────────────────────────────────── Full Body
└──────────────────────────────────────────────── Environment
| 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 |
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)
Frontal → Direct, confrontational
3/4 Profile → Most common, dimensional
Profile → Reflective, contemplative
Over Shoulder → POV, conversation
Dutch Angle → Unease, disorientation
| 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 |
Movement should be motivated by:
┌───┬───┬───┐
│ • │ │ • │ Place subjects at intersections
├───┼───┼───┤ for dynamic composition
│ │ ○ │ │
├───┼───┼───┤ Center for stability/confrontation
│ • │ │ • │
└───┴───┴───┘
Lines that guide the eye:
- Roads, hallways, fences
- Arms, gaze direction
- Light beams, shadows
- Architectural elements
Use doorways, windows, mirrors
to create visual interest and
focus attention on subject
Foreground │ Midground │ Background
↓ ↓ ↓
Frame Subject Context
| Lens | Effect | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Wide (14-35mm) | Distortion, space | Environments, unease |
| Normal (35-50mm) | Natural | Dialogue, general |
| Telephoto (85mm+) | Compression, isolation | Portraits, tension |
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
## 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 |
DOMINANT: Low angle, higher position, larger frame
SUBMISSIVE: High angle, lower position, smaller frame
EQUAL: Eye level, similar frame sizes
- Tight framing (claustrophobic)
- Negative space (anticipation)
- Off-center subjects (unease)
- Shallow DOF (isolation)
JOY: Bright, warm, open framing
FEAR: Dark, tight, unpredictable
LOVE: Soft, close, warm tones
ANGER: Hard, dynamic, extreme angles
## 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]