EYE LEVEL SHOT BASICS 1. Eye level shot meaning Eye level is somewhat self-descriptive, but there is still some nuance to what eye level means, and how it is actually used in film production. So let’s break it down.

EYE LEVEL SHOT DEFINITION What is an eye level shot? An eye level shot refers to when the level of your camera is placed at the same height as the eyes of the characters in your frame. An eye level camera angle does not require the viewer to see the eyes of the actor, nor does the actor need to look directly into the camera for a shot to be considered eye level. Eye level shots simulate standard human vision and thus present visual information through a familiar viewpoint. The difference between an eye level and shoulder level shot is determined by the middle portion of the frame because the position of the lens iris determines the level of your shot more accurately than the base of your camera body. You may have the base of your camera in line with an actor’s shoulder, but the iris of your camera will be level with the eyes of the actor.

Why do directors use eye level shots? Dissolve the barrier between viewer and story.

Humanize characters with a neutral camera angle.

Simulate human vision and familiar composition.

Let’s take a look at a few scenes and sequences that used eye level shots effectively, and how there are many opportunities for eye level shots.

EYE LEVEL SHOT EXAMPLES 2. Examples of eye level camera angle Here you will see scenes that used eye level shots for a specific purpose. Often, directors will use shoulder or hip level angles to slightly empower characters, so an eye level shot is less common than you may think. In this scene, the filmmakers use a ton of different camera levels and compositions to generate emotions within the viewer.

Battle of the Bastards - Game of Thrones

This scene makes effective use of various angles and shot compositions, and it uses the eye level shot that has great impact. When Jon Snow realizes Ramsay has his brother on the end of a rope, the filmmakers use this high angle shot to diminish Jon’s power.

Jon Snow - Game of Thrones

Ramsay has the upper hand, and thus the filmmakers use a slightly low camera angle to empower his position within the conflict.

Ramsey with Jon's brother - Game of Thrones

Jon quickly steps down from his horse and into a close up that is somewhere between eye and shoulder level. His eyes are closer to the middle of the frame than his shoulders, so this is an eye level shot.

Jon Snow - Game of Thrones

Jon’s concern and emotions are very human at this moment, especially when dealing with someone who is so psychologically inhuman. The filmmakers further empower Ramsay when he removes his bow.

Ramsey - Game of Thrones

The filmmakers use a slight dutch angle paired with a low angle. This cinematic language empowers, but also informs us that this is a villain. , you should indicate that you want your shots to be set at eye level. You will be able to identify these key moments in your script and mark them for your future shot list. When you create your shot list , you should indicate that you want your shots to be set at eye level. You will be able to identify these key moments in your script and mark them for your future shot list.

Eye Level Shot - Camera Angles - Shot List - Game of Thrones - StudioBinder

When you use an eye level shot, you can contrast it with other angles to gain much more of an impact. It doesn’t have to be a battle scene either. How about this introduction sequence from American Psycho? How about this introduction sequence from American Psycho?

Introduction Sequence - American Psycho

Here we are introduced to the film's protagonist, but there is no external conflict present. In fact, this is where Director Mary Harron reveals Patrick’s internal conflict, but we need to connect with his thoughts.

I simply am not there - American Psycho

It seems simple enough, but there are many ways to present a character like this in these introductory moments, so the decision to use eye level is something very much intentional.

Even with the death stare and accompanying narration, we are placed in a situation where we are asked to sympathize and possibly even empathize with the character during a candid and vulnerable moment.

Oh my god… it even has a watermark - American Psycho

The filmmakers use this a lot in American Psycho, and while they don't hope you'll justify or rationalize Patrick’s behavior, they do want you to understand it on a personal level.

You should always avoid building a "regular shot" because regular filmmaking is boring. Even your eye level shots should have thoughtful application because they are just as powerful as any other shot level.

EYE LEVEL SHOT EXAMPLES 3. Emotional impact of eye level shots So which emotions are generated by an eye level shot? Well, there are many because it’s all dependent on the surrounding imagery and placement within the story. Generally, eye level shots connect you to the emotions of the character on screen, so whichever emotions they are feeling, hopefully so will you. You might ask: Even during moments that are uncomfortable and questionable? Especially during moments that are uncomfortable and questionable. WARNING: This next scene has some language and concepts that are not safe for a work environment, but it’s a great scene with true conflict. I want you to watch and listen very carefully:

Dinner Scene (NSFW) - American History X

How did watching that scene make you feel? Do you hate the father? Do you feel like Ed Norton's character? Imagine how you’d feel if the father was framed from a high angle or maybe even a dutch angle. Would you thoughtfully contemplate his words and the impact they have on both his son and society? Would you be so influenced by the cinematic language that the complicated circumstances of the scene would be lost? If your goal is to build a nuanced scene centered around a controversial and uncomfortable topic, is it more mature and effective to use earnest and neutral shot choices rather than hyper-dynamic camera angles? Do we gain the opportunity to judge less and contemplate more? All of the characters in American History X are complex and layered, and that, paired with great acting and thoughtful directing, make up the reasons why it's such a revolutionary film. The filmmakers used the eye level shot in a way that is far from standard. Because the power to bridge gaps begins with seeing each other on an equal plane, at eye level.