Master Shot

In plain words

Covers a whole scene from start to finish in one wide shot where every character is visible. The closer shots are matched to this one, so the space never gets confusing.

When to use it

The base shot before you break up a scene where several people talk or move, a shot to fill gaps in the edit.

Example videos

What Is A Master Shot? — Explainer: From 2:10, it explains the basic definition of a master shot: a wide shot that captures almost all the action in a scene.

Master Shot - Jaws (1975) - Camera shot, Camera angle, Camera movement — Real: The ferry scene from Jaws. A conversation among several characters is covered in one shot for over 1 minute 40 seconds.

Will AI handle it well?

Not verified — use wide shot wording instead, and write this shot's character positions into the next shot's prompt exactly as they are.

One-click prompt

Master shot, wide static frame holding a whole scene without a cut, a family of four sits around a kitchen table at breakfast, a girl stands to pour juice and sits back down, every face and the full room visible the entire time, locked-off camera, 28mm lens, soft morning window light, warm everyday mood, 8-second shot.

Tell the AI like this

master shot, wide static frame, all three characters visible for the whole scene, they talk and move around the kitchen table

See it in real films and ads

StudioBinder — Master Shot explained

AI-made examples

Not verified

Recommended for scenes like these

Oldboy — Corridor Hammer Fight in One Take

Techniques that pair well

Wide Shot (WS)One-Take / Long Take Truck Left / Right 180-Degree Rule / Screen Direction Invisible / Hidden cut

← Talking Head Three Shot / Group Shot →