These are the only shots you will ever need.

Summary

This video explains a simple and effective shot sequence template for solo filmmakers facing creative blocks. The template consists of three staple shots: a wide shot for establishing scenes and relationships, a medium shot to bring the subject closer and show interaction with the environment, and a close-up shot to highlight character details. The final shot(s) can vary depending on the story, whether it’s another close-up, medium, or wide shot. This approach provides flexibility in creating a visually engaging sequence, especially when working in dynamic or impromptu settings.

Takeaways

• 😀 Planning shots with a storyboard or shot list helps make filming and editing more efficient.
• 😀 Using a template of staple shots can help overcome creative blocks during video production.
• 😀 A wide shot is great for establishing a scene and showing the relationship between the character and their environment.
• 😀 A wide shot gives flexibility for placing the subject using the rule of thirds, either on the left or right side of the frame.
• 😀 The medium shot frames the subject from the waist up, offering a balance between wide and close-up shots.
• 😀 A medium shot is useful for showing how the subject interacts with their environment or introducing another character.
• 😀 Close-up shots emphasize the subject’s facial expression or details, adding depth and context to the story.
• 😀 Close-ups can connect to a previous medium shot to provide more detailed or emotional focus on the subject.
• 😀 The final shot(s) in a sequence depend on the story—could be another close-up, medium, or wide shot, or a combination.
• 😀 Flexibility is key in shot selection, allowing creativity to guide the filming process, especially in run-and-gun situations.
• 😀 Using this shot template is a reliable method to keep the creative process flowing when filming alone or under pressure.

Q & A

What is the benefit of planning shots with a storyboard or shot list?

Planning shots with a storyboard or shot list makes filming more efficient, helps with editing by reducing the number of shots to choose from, and improves storytelling by selecting shots that align with the story.

What can be a challenge when filming solo?

When filming solo, a common challenge is dealing with creative blocks, making it difficult to come up with shot sequences.

What is the go-to template for shots mentioned in the video?

The go-to template consists of three staple shots: the wide shot, the medium shot, and the close-up shot. Additional shots depend on the story being told.

What is the purpose of a wide shot in filming?

A wide shot is used to establish scenes and show the relationship between the character and their surroundings. It captures a large area of the scene and gives the audience a sense of the environment.

How does a medium shot function in a sequence of shots?

A medium shot frames the subject from the waist up. It serves as a balance between a wide shot and a close-up, bringing the subject closer to the frame, and can also introduce another character or serve as a staging point for the next shot.

Why is a close-up shot important in storytelling?

A close-up shot emphasizes details that may be missed in a wide or medium shot, focusing on the character's emotions, facial expressions, or specific movements that convey deeper meaning.

How is the close-up shot connected to the previous shots?

A close-up shot typically follows a medium shot and can focus on specific parts of the subject, such as their face, to highlight the subject's interest or emotional state.

How can the fourth shot or shots in the sequence vary?

The fourth shot or shots depend on the story. It could be another close-up, a medium shot again, or a wide shot. The choice depends on how the story progresses and the desired impact on the audience.

What might the sequence look like if a character is leaving the scene?

If a character is leaving the scene, the filmmaker might use a wide shot of the character leaving, followed by a wide shot of the next location to transition to the new sequence.

How does the template of three staple shots help when struggling with creativity?

When struggling with creativity, the three staple shots—wide, medium, and close-up—serve as a reliable foundation, allowing filmmakers to quickly build an interesting sequence without overthinking.