Rule 1: The most important rule when videotaping people is to always compose your shot so that the subject is cut off in between joints. Even if you are videotaping Lego characters this rule still applies! Don't cut your subjetc at the knee, neck, elbow or waist. Try to think about this when you plan the shots in your storyboard.

Rule 2: Always shoot one scene from one angle and then move the camera or change the angle for the next shot. If you don't do this you will get a "jump cut." The example here shows a jump cut and and then a second take of the same scene without a jump cut.

	ECU - Extreme Closeup
	The extreme close up is used to reveal very small details in the scene. It might be used to reveal horror in a subject (extreme close up of the subject's mouth as she/he screams). It might also be used in a mystery to show some detail that the detective picks up on or to show some small clue.
	CU - Close Up
	The close up shot is used to reveal detail. If you are shooting just the head and shoulders of a subject this is a close up.
	Head and Shoulders
	The head and shoulders shot is used in news broadcasts. If you think about the television news you will realize that this shot reveals enough detail to see the subject's lips move and the expression on her/his face.
	Bust Shot
	This shot shows your subject from above the knees to above the head. It is often used when the subject of the shot is doing something that requires the audience to see some detail.
	MS - Medium Shot
	The medium shot is from just below the waist to above the head. There is more headroom than in the bust shot. This show is used if the person is animated with their hand movements, etc.
	MLS - Medium Long Shot
	Remember in this shot to not cut ther person off at the knees. With this shot, you can still see expression on the persons face, while getting more information from what is going on around the person.
	LS - Long Shot
	This shot is useful for someone that is walking or moving.
	ELS - Extra Long Shot
	Also known as the Establish shot, this gives the viewer some perspective as to where the subject is. This is very important if the subject is moving to new locations or times. It lets the viewer know where the video is taking place.
	2 Shot
	Two-shots are composed when two people are in the scene and their interaction is important. A two-shot is a good way to introduce a conversation. From the introduction you might cut to an over the shoulder shot of one person talking or a close-up of the other person reacting to what is being said.
	OS - Over Shoulder
	The over the shoulder shot reveals one subject as seen from over the shoulder of another subject. It simulates a view of the subject as seen from the second person's eyes. This shot is often used in conversations between two people where the dirtector wants to focus on the person speaking. Usually these shots are head shots (close ups of the speaker).
The pictures on this page are used with permission from English Resources