Establishing Shot
An Establishing Shot is a camera technique commonly used at the beginning of films, TV shows, or commercials to show viewers where the action is taking place. It's like giving the audience a wide view of the location - think of an aerial view of New York City before showing characters in an apartment, or a shot of a school building before going inside to see students. This technique helps set the scene and gives viewers important context about where and when things are happening. When someone mentions this on their resume, it shows they understand basic filmmaking techniques and how to visually tell a story.
Examples in Resumes
Directed multiple scenes including Establishing Shots for indie film productions
Created compelling Establishing Shots using drone technology for real estate videos
Supervised camera crew in capturing Establishing Shots and Master Shots for TV series
Typical job title: "Cinematographers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Cinematographers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you plan establishing shots for different types of productions?
Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss how they consider factors like time of day, weather, location permits, equipment needs, and budget constraints. They should mention experience coordinating with directors and producers to achieve the desired visual storytelling.
Q: How do you handle challenging establishing shots in difficult conditions?
Expected Answer: They should explain their experience with different shooting conditions (bad weather, limited access, time constraints), alternative solutions, and how they maintain quality while adapting to challenges.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What equipment do you typically use for establishing shots?
Expected Answer: Should be able to discuss various camera types, lenses, and tools like drones or cranes, explaining when and why they would choose specific equipment for different situations.
Q: How do you ensure continuity with establishing shots?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they maintain consistency in lighting, weather conditions, and timing when shots might be filmed on different days or locations.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the purpose of an establishing shot?
Expected Answer: Should explain that establishing shots help orient viewers to the location, time, and mood of a scene, providing context for the story that follows.
Q: What are the basic types of establishing shots?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe different types like wide shots, aerial views, and exterior building shots, explaining their basic uses in storytelling.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic camera operation
- Understanding of shot composition
- Knowledge of basic lighting
- Ability to follow shot lists
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced camera techniques
- Drone operation for aerial shots
- Location scouting
- Crew coordination
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex shot planning
- Budget management
- Team leadership
- Creative problem-solving in challenging conditions
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic camera operations
- Lack of knowledge about different types of shots
- No experience with professional camera equipment
- Unable to explain how establishing shots contribute to storytelling
Related Terms
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