A close-up shot is a type of camera angle, focus, and design that frames an actors face or an object at close range, intended to show greater detail to the viewer. It is one of the most commonly used shot sizes in film and television. Close-ups are used to convey information and to highlight a particular detail, emotion, or object. They are usually taken at relatively close range on a longer lens. Close-ups are one of the standard shots used regularly with medium and long shots. They display the most detail, but they do not include the broader scene. Close-ups are rarely done with wide-angle lenses because perspective causes objects closer to the lens to be unnaturally enlarged. There are various degrees of close-up depending on how tight (zoomed in) the shot is. The terminology varies between countries and even different companies, but in general, these are:

• Medium Close Up ("MCU" on camera scripts): Halfway between a mid shot and a close-up. Usually covers the subjects head and shoulders.
• Close Up ("CU"): A certain feature, such as someones head, takes up the whole frame.
• Extreme Close-Up Shot (ECU): Focuses on a specific part of the actor, usually on their face. This might include a shot of a character’s eyes or a character’s mouth to better see their reaction to an event or conversation.

Close-up shots are highly effective filmmaking tools. They are used to:

• Focus the audiences attention on a crucial part of the story.
• Highlight emotion and nuance in a performers face.
• Develop a tone.
• Indicate importance.
• Provide story exposition.

Close-up shots signal to the audience that something is important, and this can be a prop or reaction, but often it is best when the subject or object has a significant influence on the story and the viewers understanding of the story.