Home Cinematography Establishing Shots: Definition, Uses, and Common Mistakes

Establishing Shots: Definition, Uses, and Common Mistakes

What is an establishing shot? You may have heard the term used many times, and you may even think you have some understanding of what constitutes an establishing shot, but in this guide, we’re showing the exact role that these shots play in both film production and editing.

When we watch a movie, the directors and crew, including the editors, are likely using a lot of different storytelling tools. There are certain things that we get used to in films, and editing methods that allow us to fully buy into the movie. For instance, continuity editing is a way to make sure that films run in sequence, and that we can understand the sequence of events even though it is filmed on many different cameras, using different angles, and often with real-life events omitted. For example, you never see your favorite film characters stopping for a toilet break, and sometimes films are condensed into 90 minutes when they cover months of action. Techniques and tools used by the crew of a film, and the director in particular, are able to help us with suspending this reality long enough to enjoy the film and follow along. Understanding “what is an establishing shot in film” is essential for filmmakers, and useful for viewers of movies, too. Let’s get into it!

Establishing Shot Definition

An establishing shot is often the very first of the scene, or even the first in the film. In very simple terms, an establishing shot is usually a wide-angle shot to show us where the action in the film is taking place. If you see a wide-angle shot of a sports stadium, it is fair to assume that the next action will take place within the sports stadium. If the first shot is a wide shot of an office block, and the next shot is two people talking within an indeterminate room, then it is very likely that this is going to be within the office block. It helps to give a lot of context to the film and show us what is happening. An establishing shot is very common in lots of different types of films, they are certainly not just reserved for fictional stories. There are many ways that these kinds of shots may be used in a variety of different television and film broadcasts and productions. Here are some establishing shot examples:

The coverage of a big sporting event starts with an establishing wide shot of people walking into the stadium or even showing the stadium from above.
A medieval film scene that is set within a castle, a wide angle shot showing the castle and its surroundings tells the audience where the next events in the scene are taking place.
A documentary about the jungle could start with an establishing shot of said jungle, showing the trees and lush greenery.
A television show that is set within an office block could have a wide angle shot showing this office building before the action starts. This could be a documentary, a fictional show, or another form of production.

There are, of course, loads of other uses of establishing shots and ways that they can be utilized by directors and filmmakers. This means that you can let your imagination run wild if you are making a film.

The Purpose of An Establishing Shot in Movies

So the purpose of an establishing shot in films is to show us where the next action is going to take place, right? Well, this is one of the uses, but actually there are a few other establishing shot uses, and ways that they can cleverly be put into action.

Introducing a space

A lot of films are not as simple as being set in a location that we all know and recognize. The last time you watched a science fiction film, the chances are that clever editing was used during post production (and planned during pre-production) introducing us to a new, mystical place. This could be a new planet in a sci-fi film, or in a fantasy film it could be a totally mythical location. This helps to educate us on the fact that this is not taking place on earth.

Showing the time of the day

An establishing shot could also show a sunrise, sunset, or the fact that it is the middle of the day or the middle of the night. This may not be important to the action but there is also a chance that it could be crucial, and a director could use this to educate the audience.

Showing weather conditions

Similarly, the weather conditions can give your audience clues about what is going on or just help to set the scene. If you look at our portfolio of work, you’ll notice that most of our advertising work takes place on a sunny day. Pleasant weather helps to inject positivity and give customers a potentially positive association with your product. If you were watching a film and the establishing shot was a rainy, dark shot of an old building then there is a chance that you might start to assume that this scene is going to be tense or even scary. It helps to put the audience in a certain mood.

Moving us to a new location

This is where the editing tricks and the skill of post production comes into filmmaking. When editing a movie, there are a lot of different things that the directors and editing staff can do to show us when we’ve moved to a new location. The best way, and one that has stood the test of time, is a new establishing shot. An establishing shot in a film can be outlined as part of the storyboarding process. It is a way for a director to tell people that the action is moving from one location to another. If we’ve been in the hotel for a while watching the action, and you suddenly see an establishing shot of the beach, it is safe to assume that you are about to see something take place at our new location. It helps draw a line under the previous and start the next scene.

Setting the mood

An establishing shot in photography usually focuses entirely on setting the location, but in film it is a chance to add more feeling. While there is usually no dialog in an establishing shot, it is an opportunity for the director to show us more about the story. Perhaps the shot includes people dancing on the streets at a carnival, showing us that it is likely a day of a festival or big event. Maybe we see fog and darkness on empty streets, putting an eerie mood into the movie before a word has even been spoken.

What Does An Establishing Shot Usually Look Like?

The establishing shot in film usually has some conventions in terms of the way it looks and the way it is cut into the film. The establishing shot definition film makers and students have can vary slightly, but generally the shots look like this:

A few seconds long. Establishing shots don’t have to be long to have an impact. They’re just a snapshot of a new location and to show the weather and time of day before moving quickly on.
They usually show the location clearly. This is a way to make the audience feel like they are truly in the heart of the action, so an establishing shot usually gives a clear idea of the location. If the location is one that is well-known then this could also be demonstrated in the establishing shot. For example, if we see a shot that has the Empire State Building in it, we know it is set in New York.
They are usually wide-angle shots. Establishing shots don’t tend to give us a close-up of a space, as this doesn’t give a full understanding of the location. Instead, they could be a wide-angle shot showing us a full building, a whole beach, or a busy street.
They could be stock footage. While it is best for filmmakers to get their own footage, it isn’t always possible. There are a lot of establishing shots sold as stock footage, for example, footage shot from helicopters that shows a whole city could be a great, valuable way for a filmmaker to get a unique view of that location.

If you are still looking for some great examples of establishing shots and the messages they convey, this video shows all of the above uses being put into practice effectively in a variety of different ways.

Common Establishing Shot Mistakes

An establishing shot should make the scene easier to understand, but it can also slow things down if it is used without a reason. One of the most common mistakes is holding the shot for too long. If the audience already understands where they are, there is no need to keep showing the same space.

Another mistake is choosing a shot that looks impressive but does not tell us anything useful. A beautiful skyline might be attractive, but if the next scene takes place inside a small apartment, the audience may not learn anything that helps them follow the story. The shot has to serve the scene, not just decorate it.

It is also worth thinking about continuity. If the establishing shot shows a rainy evening, the following scene should not suddenly look like a bright morning unless the change is intentional. Establishing shots create expectations, and the rest of the scene has to respect them.

How to Plan an Establishing Shot

Before filming an establishing shot, ask what the audience needs to know at that exact moment. Do they need to understand the location, the time of day, the scale of the place, the weather, or the mood of the scene? Once that is clear, the shot becomes much easier to plan.

A wide lens, a high angle, a slow camera move, or a simple static frame can all work. The right choice depends on the story. A calm scene may need a quiet locked-off shot. A tense scene may need movement, distance, or a frame that makes the character look small inside the space.

In commercial and corporate videos, establishing shots can do the same job. They can introduce an office, a factory, a hotel, an event venue, or a city before the main message begins. Used well, they give the audience context without needing extra explanation.

The Establishing Shot: Put to Use

This is one of the oldest techniques in the whole of filmmaking. An establishing shot is an anchor that helps your audience and makes your film make a lot more sense (and impact) in the process. Our team of amazing video professionals know when to use a variety of editing techniques including the establishing shot, to communicate with your audience, and make your video have the amazing impact you dreamed of. Reach out to us today to start your project.