The 6 Shot System

After critiquing news packages as a class, my teacher taught us the "6 shot system". With this new arrangement, I think that my packages will increase in quality. The system is known to capture a dominant visual story, and help identify the important subjects that are featured in your story. Professional news stations use this B-roll technique in their packages, and it's safe to say that I will incorporate this system into my works as well.

The biggest conclusion I gained from the 6 shot system was sequencing. I discovered how well I can tell a story just by using visual shots. If I were to take out all of the background noise from my packages, my viewers should still be able to tell what my story is about.

1. CU or close up of items- This rule is self explanatory but long story short, your camera angle should be close and in focus of a relevant item that's applicable to your story.
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2. CU or close up of subjects- This rule allows you to get up close and personal to your interviewee's face or hands. If you can, try and acquire some sort of movement from your subject.
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3. MS or medium shot- The medium shot angle demands a brief background view along with your subject in action.
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4. WS or wide shot- The wide shot perspective includes your subject in action as well, but includes more of a background view. This will let your viewer see the big picture.
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5. OTS or over the shoulder- The camera angle should be placed over your subjects shoulder and should provide a unique shot of your subjects behaviors.
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6. XWS or extra wide shot- The XWS is close to the medium and wide shot, but it is just bit more extensive than the two. This will capture the entire background and the panning technique is encouraged.
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