Just as we physically move through the world, film makers move their cameras to guide a viewer’s experience. A moving camera opens up space in a scene, introduce details, choose which details to focus on or ignore, and can help develop relationships between subjects. Three of the most common movements are listed below.

Want to learn more? Have a look at nofilmschool.com and their helpful webpage called “An Evergreen Guide to Camera Movement.”

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ZOOM SHOTS

In a zoom shot, the camera doesn’t actually move. Instead, the camera’s lens is adjusted to magnify (or demagnify) a portion of the scene. This can:

• pull the viewer into, or away from, the action
• it can make viewers feel like they are coming or going
• can reveal more information

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PAN SHOTS

Pan shots are horizontal (side-to-side) movement of the camera; the camera stays level as it moves from side to side. This can be used to:

• show a larger, panoramic view
• guide a viewer to notice important characters or action
• show that subjects that are too far apart to be seen in the same frame
• allow the viewer to follow people, objects,

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TILT SHOTS

Tilt shots are vertical (up-and-down) movement of the camera; the camera stays in a fixed position as it moves up and down. This can be used to:

• mimic a character looking up at something large or grand
• reveal something/someone to create suspense or relief
• set up context or location

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