04.i: Establishing Shots
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Harry Potter establishing shots
Star Wars establishing shots
Check out this video from StudioBinder for a quick overview on what an establishing shot is, as well as ways to imagine different establishing shots at the same location to alter the tone of the shot.
An establishing shot is a the opening scene of a video or film. While they can be utilized for different purposes, establishing shots are generally designed to accomplish the following:
Unveil the setting
Set the mood or tone
Provide context
Draw the audience in
The establishing shot of Sacred Strides, produced by Outside Magazine, begins with a slow-motion clip of a group of people — specifically focusing on one indigenous man through the use of lighting — running at dusk. The music is simple and highlights the sound of the wind. This shot evokes feelings of perseverance, connection, and perhaps spirituality.
One way to think of an establishing shot is as an opportunity for the video or film creator to invite the audience in to their story. With this shot, the creator decides where in their narrative to begin and what feelings to convey. Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself as you plan your establishing shot:
1) Where does my story begin?
Consider both geographical location (in a forest, beneath the stars, underwater) and point of view (level of zoom, direction)
2) What is the tone of my story?
(Hopeful, joyful, serious, lighthearted, etc.)
Next, let’s take a look at a couple examples of establishing shots in short films.
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