The EssentialShowbiz Dictionary™

of Entertainment Industry Terms

Wide Shot

1 minute read | Last updated: 4 months ago

What does Wide Shot mean?

Wide Shot (WS) is a camera shot that captures a large portion of the set or location, often showing the entire subject in relation to their surroundings. Wide shots are typically used to establish the setting, provide context, or emphasize the scale of a scene. This type of shot is commonly used at the beginning of a scene or sequence to give the audience a sense of location. Related terms include Establishing Shot, which sets up the location at the start of a scene, and Close-Up, which focuses on a subject’s face or a small detail.

Example:The wide shot captured the entire battlefield, showing the scope of the conflict and the positions of the characters.
Example: Wide shots are often used in outdoor scenes to emphasize the scale of the landscape in relation to the characters.

Did You Know?
Wide shots are frequently used at the beginning of scenes to give the audience an overview of the location before cutting to closer shots!

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