'Skins' - Camera Angles/Movements Example: How is Age Represented?

The idea that teenagers are curious about sex is reinforced through the over-the-shoulder shot used when he is looking at the older woman getting dressed through the window over the road. The shot is hand-held so that the audience can have the same experience as the teenage main character. The following close-up shot shows a lack of expression suggesting that this is routine and he has become disaffected by the image. This conforms to the stereotype that teenagers' lives are surrounded by sex and it plays a big part of their lives.

A track shot out of the driveway is used when the protagonist's sister is walking up the street. This type of shot may have been used to portray how other people in the neighbourhood see her and show that she is conscious of herself. Therefore, the shot draws attention to the fact that she has a secret to hide as her body language shows that she doesn't want to be seen and known for having gone out at night, so stereotypes of teenagers is conformed and her rebellious, mischievous side is brought out again at this point. 

In addition, a high angle shot of the protagonist's sister below looking up to the protogonist is used. This portrays that she is in a vulnerable position as she relies on her brother. The low angle shot of the protagonist suggests that he has power which conforms stereotypes of younger sisters usually relying on their older brothers for support. Another way in which this view is supported is through the use of the close-up shot of the 'OK' signal that the protagonist gives to his sister, showing that he is covering up for her. 

The close-up shot of the protagonist smirking and looking at the door suggests that he enjoys this regular routine of covering up for his sister as it frustrates his father. His father's frustration is portrayed through the use of the zoom as the more angrier he gets, the closer the camera zooms in. Teenage stereotypes are conformed here as the protagonist's mischievous side is shown too as teenagers are stereotyped as being misbehaved and causing unnecessary trouble.

TV Drama Revision Booklet

Tv Drama Revision Booklet

Camera Movements

Track (or Dolly) - This is when the camera follows a moving subject or the camera is moved itself towards/away from the subject. The camera is usually run down a track of small size (similar to a miniature railway track), which is why the shot is known as a 'track' or a 'tracking' shot, to follow what's going on in the scene. 'Dolly' refers to a tripod on wheels. By using these particular techniques, the camera is stabilised. Therefore, the objects/action in the frame receive all the focus - while the background runs past, the focus stays steady.  

Pan - To follow a subject that's moving or to scan a scene, the camera is pivoted from side to side. Even though the action runs past the camera remains focused. In this way, the speed of what's going on is highlighted in the form of the camera or clear evidence of scope is portrayed, which is mostly used to establish the 'background' or to show the surroundings.

Whip Pan - A pan shot which is unexpected and speedy.

Tilt - The camera is rotated vertically up or down, producing a high or low angle shot.

Rolling - The image is made askew by moving the camera diagonally. Another name for this is a 'Dutch Angle'.

Arc - This when the camera is moved around the subject in a curve.  

Crane Shot - The primary way of moving the camera beyond the ground is using the crane shot. This is when the camera is generally positioned high beyond the ground/action and the camera itself is moved up or down. The camera is raised and lowered onto a stand which is connected to a mechanical arm. Large distances up and down, forwards and backwards, and from side to side can be traversed by the camera by using the crane. 

Overhead - The action within a scene can be looked over by the camera straight from above (kind of like a shot taken from the ceiling).

Aerial Shot - These are a variety of crane shots. A helicopter or plane usually takes this type of shot. Having a camera which is mounted on an aerial support can go into space in every direction, reaching heights which are a lot greater than what a crane can reach. In an aerial shot, another flying object could be captured or a 'birds eye view' of the setting could be taken.

Hand-held Shot - A sense of closeness or realism is conveyed through this type of shot. Therefore, a hand-held shot is usually used in films which are more gritty. But it's still used quite a lot today because more freedom is permitted and by using a steadicam, the shots don't have much of the hand-held, unsteady feel that an individual relates to amateur filming. 

Zoom (Crash Zoom, Reverse Zoom, Reverse Crash Zoom) - Although it does look like the camera is moving, it actually isn't. The focus is pulled so that the object/action gradually seems further away or closer. A crash zoom is when it's done quite rapidly. To make the object/action seem far away the focus reverses in order for a reverse zoom to be taken, and a reverse crash zoom is taken when a reverse zoom happens very quickly.   

Zoom


Crash Zoom   

Reverse Zoom 

Reverse Crash Zoom