Shots & framing
Establishing shot: definition and examples
What is Establishing shot?
An establishing shot is a wide or extreme-wide shot placed at the opening of a scene to show the audience where and sometimes when the action takes place. It orients viewers to the setting before the edit cuts to closer, action-focused framing.
When you'd use it
- 1When the video opens in a location the viewer has no context for yet.
- 2When a scene change moves the action to a new environment mid-video.
- 3When the setting itself is part of the brand story and needs to be communicated visually.
- 4When the viewer needs spatial orientation before the edit cuts to tighter framing.
Example
A chef's 60-second recipe reel opens with a two-second wide shot of a home kitchen before cutting directly to hands chopping ingredients. The establishing shot communicates 'home cooking' without a word of explanation.
Use cases
- 1Opening a brand video on a wide exterior of the store or studio before cutting inside.
- 2Placing a wide landscape shot at the top of a travel or lifestyle reel to set the scene.
- 3Orienting viewers to a trade show floor or event space before cutting to product demos.
FAQ
Is an establishing shot the same as a wide shot?
An establishing shot is usually a wide shot, but the terms describe different things. Wide shot refers to the framing distance. Establishing shot refers to the narrative function: placing viewers in a location at the start of a scene. A close-up of a landmark, for example, could serve as an establishing shot even though it is not a wide frame.
Make on-brand short-form video from the footage you already have.