What is a Static Shot in Film?
Different types of camera movements and shots are used by filmmakers. To produce the desired connections among the audience. And to showcase various elements and areas of a scene. Perhaps one of the most basic shots for a cinematographer to understand and learn. As well as one of the most useful in many ways is the static shot. But, what is a static shot in film and how is this particular shot accomplished?
What is a Static Shot in Film?
A static shot is a term describing a simple camera shot. That does not include any type of movement. And is therefore considered static or stationary. You might have heard the static shot referenced before as a locked-off shot or as an immobile shot.
The idea of the static shot is that it is captured without any movement of the camera. Such that any movement that does occur is the result of action, weather, props, characters. Or other elements that are moving within the frame itself and not the result of the camera.
You might be more familiar with dynamic shots. These are shots that involve one or more of a variety of camera movements. And are not captured from a static or stationary point.
When describing a shot without movement, we call it a static shot. And when describing a shot with movement, we call it dynamic. Shots are either dynamic (with movement) or static (without movement) they cannot be both.
How is a Static Shot in Film Used?
Static shots are used in various filmmaking situations. Especially when there is a desire to convey information in a very clean, and subtle manner.
Since just about any type of shot, including establishing shots and closeups as well as POV shots can be static. You might notice this shot being incorporated into a film for various purposes and with varied intents.
The static shot allows the audience to visualize the framing and, although there may be movement IN the frame, there is no movement OF the frame when capturing this type of shot.
Because there is no actual frame movement with a static shot, there are certain shots that simply cannot be considered static – this includes the tracking shot and dolly shots, both of which involve movement of the camera frame as well as, potentially, movement of items within the frame.
More to it than Basic
Although static shots are incredibly basic in terms of filmmaking. As far as camera movements go? It’s not to say that the use of a static shot in a film is going to result in a “basic” visualization by the audience.
In fact, static shots can be used to create incredibly stunning visualizations for the audience, particularly when a static shot is used to display emotionally tense or particularly objective moments within a film.
So, what is a static shot in film?
It’s a shot that is sometimes described as a “camera movement”. Although it is actually devoid of camera movement. And involves the use of the camera.
Such that there is no movement of the camera or framing. Although there can be action movements within the frame as part of the shot.