Shot Sizes In Storyboards: A Beginner's Guide

Hey guys! Ever wondered how filmmakers tell a story visually? Well, it's not just about the actors and the dialogue. A crucial part of visual storytelling is something called shot size. In storyboarding, understanding and using different shot sizes is like having a secret weapon. It allows you to control what the audience sees, how they feel, and what they pay attention to. Today, we're diving deep into the world of shot sizes, exploring what they are, why they matter, and how to use them effectively in your storyboards.

Understanding the Basics: What are Shot Sizes?

So, what exactly is a shot size? Simply put, it's the size of the subject within the frame. Think of it like this: if you're taking a photo of your friend, you could zoom in really close to their face or zoom out to show their entire body, the background, and maybe even a dog running by. Each of those different "zooms" – or framings – represents a different shot size. In storyboarding and filmmaking, we have a specific vocabulary for these sizes, each with its own purpose and impact on the viewer. The choice of shot size is one of the most fundamental decisions a director and storyboard artist make, significantly influencing the narrative and emotional impact of a scene. Getting this right is absolutely critical if you want your audience to stay hooked! The different shot sizes aren't just for aesthetics, they guide the viewer's eye, create specific emotions, and give context to the scene. The right shot size can make your audience feel anything from intimacy and connection to danger and grandness. So, learning the ropes of shot sizes is really important, you know? It's like learning the letters of the alphabet before you can write a novel. Let's break down some common shot sizes.

The Extreme Wide Shot (EWS) or Establishing Shot

Let's start with the big one: the Extreme Wide Shot (EWS), also sometimes called the Establishing Shot. This shot shows a vast amount of the environment and often includes the character as a tiny part of the scene, or maybe not even at all. This is the shot you use to set the scene, to show the location, and to give the audience a sense of the scale of the surroundings. Imagine a lone figure standing in a desert, or a spacecraft floating in the vastness of space. The EWS is all about creating a sense of place, setting the mood, and providing context. It can make a character seem small and vulnerable, or show the grandeur of the setting. It is usually used at the beginning of a scene or sequence to show the audience where the action is taking place. This shot size often creates a sense of loneliness, isolation, or the immensity of the setting. If you want to make your audience feel insignificant, or if you want to showcase the scale of the environment, this is your go-to shot size. The EWS is the wide lens's best friend; they allow you to pack the most into the frame. It's great for showing the landscape, the sky, and anything that can create a sense of scale or atmosphere. So, next time you are storyboarding, remember the EWS, and think about how the setting can influence the story you are trying to tell.

The Wide Shot (WS) or Long Shot

Next up is the Wide Shot (WS), also sometimes known as the Long Shot. It still captures the entire character but provides more detail about their environment, allowing you to see the character and some of the surroundings. This shot shows the character from head to toe, giving a good sense of the character's body language and their relationship with their environment. The WS is all about showing the character's position within their environment, giving context to their actions, and providing visual information about their surroundings. It's excellent for showing movement, such as a character walking across a room or running through a field. The wide shot gives you a great balance between character and context. It is great for showing action and movement, allowing the viewer to understand the character's actions within the scene. You can also use the wide shot to establish relationships between characters or to show how they are interacting with the environment. It is the perfect shot size to showcase a car chase, a dance sequence, or any other scene that highlights movement or action. With this shot, you can still follow the subject and their action while providing a sense of scale and scope for the viewer. This shot size gives you room to see what the character is doing and where they're doing it, which is awesome for laying the groundwork for a scene.

The Medium Shot (MS)

Alright, let's move in a little closer with the Medium Shot (MS). This shot typically frames the character from the waist up. This is a very versatile shot size. It's often considered the "workhorse" of filmmaking and storyboarding. The MS is all about balance, showing the character's body language and facial expressions while still giving the audience a sense of the character's surroundings. It's an excellent choice for dialogue scenes, as it allows the audience to see the character's reactions and emotions. This shot is the sweet spot for showing a character's interaction with another person or object. It's also great for showing physical actions like picking up an object or taking a step. The medium shot is your friend when you want to show a character's emotions and body language without getting too close. It’s perfect for conversations, showing reactions, and focusing on the character's actions within the scene. It allows the audience to connect with the character while still providing some context about their environment. This shot size is excellent for portraying emotional reactions, like surprise, sadness, or joy. The MS is the go-to for capturing a character's emotions and reactions while still giving some sense of the background or context.

The Medium Close-Up (MCU)

Now, let's step it up with the Medium Close-Up (MCU). This shot frames the character from the chest up. The MCU is a favorite for capturing emotions and reactions. It's close enough to see the character's facial expressions clearly but still allows for some of the upper body to be visible. The MCU is a great way to build intimacy and connection with the character. It provides a good balance between showing the character's face and some of their body language. The MCU allows the audience to connect with the character on a more personal level. It is fantastic for showing nuanced emotions and reactions, and it is frequently used to make the audience feel closer to the character and the scene. This shot is the perfect way to show how the character feels without losing the context of their movements. It's all about emotion, intimacy, and making sure the audience feels connected to the character. This shot size really shines in scenes where the character is delivering a passionate speech, reacting to surprising news, or sharing a vulnerable moment. The Medium Close-Up offers a great balance between character and environment, allowing for close-up expressions while maintaining a little bit of the background. Think of it as the "emotional shot."

The Close-Up (CU)

Okay, time to get intimate with the Close-Up (CU)! This shot is all about the face, typically framing from the shoulders up or just the face. The CU is all about emotion. This shot is used to highlight the character's facial expressions and draw the audience's attention to their emotions. The CU is used for capturing fine details, like a tear rolling down a cheek or a flicker of doubt in someone's eyes. This shot size is super effective at conveying the character's inner thoughts and feelings, creating a sense of intimacy and connection. The close-up is used in moments of high emotion or drama to create a sense of intensity and draw the audience into the scene. It really forces the audience to feel what the character feels. This shot is your secret weapon for creating an emotional impact. It is perfect for dramatic reveals, showing the character's reaction to something shocking, or highlighting a specific emotion. The CU is the perfect way to make the audience feel the character's emotions more intensely, whether it is joy, sadness, fear, or anger. It is all about the character's face. If you want to make your audience feel the same emotions as the character, then this shot size is your best friend. This shot puts the audience right in the character's head.

The Extreme Close-Up (ECU)

Let's get even closer, guys! The Extreme Close-Up (ECU) is the most intimate of all shot sizes. This shot focuses on a very small detail of the character, such as an eye, a mouth, or an object. The ECU is used to emphasize a specific detail or to create a dramatic effect. This shot can be used to show the character's emotion in a very intense way or to draw attention to something important, like a clue or a piece of evidence. The ECU draws the viewer's attention to a small detail that is essential to the story. This shot size is a powerful tool to generate anticipation, suspense, or shock, and it is often used to emphasize a specific detail or to reveal something unexpected. Think about it: a close-up on a character's eye right before they realize they're in danger, or a close-up on a hand reaching for a weapon. The ECU is often used for dramatic emphasis or to build suspense. The ECU is all about emphasizing a specific feature or object and creating a sense of intensity or drama. This is a very powerful shot to use in your storyboards.

Why Shot Sizes Matter: The Impact on Storytelling

Okay, so we know what the different shot sizes are, but why do they even matter? Well, my friends, the choice of shot size is one of the most fundamental aspects of visual storytelling. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Emotional Impact: Shot sizes have a direct impact on how the audience feels. Close-ups create intimacy and empathy, wide shots evoke a sense of scale and isolation, and so on.
• Directing the Viewer's Attention: By changing shot sizes, you can control where the audience looks. A close-up immediately focuses the eye on a character's face, while a wide shot allows the viewer to take in the environment.
• Pacing and Rhythm: Shot sizes can be used to control the pace of a scene. Quick cuts between close-ups can create a sense of urgency, while longer takes in wide shots can slow things down.
• Character Development: Shot sizes help to reveal character and build connections between characters. It can reveal a lot about a character's state of mind or emotions.
• Setting the Scene: The use of shot sizes is useful for establishing the setting, time of day, and tone of the scene.

Putting it into Practice: Using Shot Sizes in Your Storyboards

So, how do you actually use shot sizes in your storyboards? Here's a few tips:

• Plan Your Shots: Before you start drawing, think about which shot sizes will best convey your story. Consider the emotional impact you want to create and what information you need to convey.
• Variety is Key: Don't stick to one shot size throughout the entire scene. Mix it up to keep the audience engaged and to create a more dynamic visual experience. Use a variety of shot sizes, from wide shots to close-ups, to give the scene a sense of depth.
• Consider the Context: The setting, the characters' emotions, and the action of the scene should all inform your choice of shot size. It is important to know which shot to use to convey a certain mood or emotion.
• Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different shot sizes to see what works best. Try using different shot sizes to see how they impact the story. The more you practice, the more intuitive it will become. The only way to get better is to practice!
• Use the Right Tools: Make sure you have the right tools, whether it's software for digital storyboarding or paper and pencil for traditional methods. Choose the tools that best suit your style and the needs of your project.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Shot Sizes

Shot sizes are a fundamental tool in visual storytelling. By understanding and using them effectively, you can control the audience's attention, shape their emotions, and create a more compelling and engaging story. Whether you are creating a comic book, a movie, or an animated short, understanding shot sizes is going to boost your storytelling ability. So, next time you're storyboarding, take a moment to consider your shot sizes and how they can help you tell a better story. Remember to experiment, have fun, and keep learning! Good luck, and keep creating! And remember, by playing with shot sizes, you're not just creating images; you're crafting an experience for your audience. So, get out there and start creating those amazing visuals! Keep practicing, keep learning, and keep creating awesome stories!