Types of Film Shots

Framing, or shot size, sets how much of the subject and world we see: extreme wide, wide, full, medium, close-up, extreme close-up, plus inserts and cutaways. Shot size controls intimacy and information load; jumping sizes without motivation can feel accidental. Editors rely on a mix of sizes planned in coverage so rhythm can tighten or breathe. For AI video prompts, stating shot size and whether the subject is centered or offset is one of the highest-leverage controls you can give a model. Pair size with a simple composition note (headroom, clean profile, dirty OTS) when the beat needs it. This hub collects framing techniques with definitions and AI video prompts for shot-size grammar. Inserts and cutaways should still feel like part of the same spatial world; note the matching eyeline or hand continuity when the insert must cut back cleanly. Extreme close-ups benefit from stating which feature fills the frame.

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Close-Up & Shot Sizes

Close-Up & Shot Sizes+10 variantsA head-and-upper-shoulders view prioritizes facial expression while retaining a small amount of body context.

Single, Two-Shot & Group Shot

Single, Two-Shot & Group Shot+4 variantsOne principal occupies the shot; the term describes subject occupancy rather than uninterrupted duration.

Insert Shot (Cut-In)

Insert Shot (Cut-In)+1 variantA close detail shot directs attention to an object fact that matters to the current scene.

Cutaway Shot

Cutaway ShotAn edit briefly leaves the main action for related secondary information, then can return with time continuity.

Establishing Shot

Establishing Shot+1 variantA shot locates a scene in place and time and connects that information to the subsequent action.

Master Shot

Master ShotOne coverage view contains the complete essential action and spatial relationships of a scene, not just its location.

Expressive Gesture Shot

Expressive Gesture ShotShot size and duration are organized around one expressive body movement with a readable start, peak and release.

Interview Shot (Off-Lens)

Interview Shot (Off-Lens)A stable portrait is oriented toward an implied interviewer beside the lens, with space supporting that off-axis eyeline.

Product Shot

Product ShotAn object is framed as the principal subject with controlled form, material detail and reflections, rather than as a narrative insert.

Reaction Shot

Reaction ShotA shot prioritizes a person's response to a specific stimulus whose relationship is established in the scene.

Video Portraits

Video PortraitsA sustained stable study of one person uses small living movements and duration as its main content.