• Master shot (also called the wide shot): this is a wide-angle shot of the entire scene. Usually only a small portion of this shot is used in the final product. And many times the wide shot will be the only rehearsal you get.

• Two shot (also called a double): a tighter shot of the two (sometimes more) actors in the scene; usually framed from the lower portion of the chest to the top of their heads. Shooting tighter enhances the elements of storytelling by creating a greater degree of intimacy, conflict and/or tension.

• Over-the-shoulder shot: this shot includes the back of one or both shoulders and sometimes a portion of the back of the head of one actor, while capturing the other actor’s face, framing the shot from his/her collarbone to the top of his/her head. Again, this is done to enrich the storytelling by boosting the level of intimacy, conflict and/or tension.

• Reverse over-the-shoulder shot: just what it sounds like; the reverse of the shot described above. This time the actor who had his/her back to the camera is now facing the camera.

• Close-up: a shot, from the neck to the top of the head of one actor. This and the ECU (see below) create the most intimate moments or add the most tension.

• Reverse close-up: again, exactly what it sounds like; the reverse shot of the other actor, making sure his/her size in the frame is the same as the actor in the first close-up.

• Extreme close-up (ECU): directors use this shot to emphasize a moment. It could a bit of an actor’s face, i.e., the eyes or mouth; it could be a person’s hand or a single object.

The key thing to remember is that the tighter the shot, the less you have to do. That doesn’t mean that what’s going on inside of you is less, just your outward expression of it. Think of it like this: how would you communicate a message to someone standing twelve feet away? Now think how you would communicate the same message to someone standing a foot away? The tighter the shot, the less you need to do. But you always need to be fully engaged

Person 1 will play the sound clip so it appears as a voice over,

Person 2 will face act to the sound clip.

Just to confirm, you are not miming the words, you are only face acting!

Then swap over.

• You should aim for at least one minute so do not have to complete the full clip.

• You may plan/ practice/ do as many takes as you like.

• You do not have to do the same clip as your partner

• It needs to be one continues clip, in up close shot (face and upper shoulders)

• It should have a dramatic feel

• This is a challenge, it is not easy to pull off.

If you both complete this task, find another example of a monologue/ speech to camera to facial perform.

Show back to the class

Opening - Fairy God Mother

Aladdin – genie and aba

Christmas pantomime – dame and narrator

(or choose other sections from the pantomime or find your own online)