• Master shots provide the foundation of a movie scene.film image by charles taylor from Fotolia.com
  
  A master shot is a recording of an entire scene. Master shots, also known as long shots or establishing shots, produce the foundational shot for a scene. All subsequent shots are used to highlight close-ups and other aspects of the scene. Master shots can be recorded using different techniques to enhance the emotions or atmosphere of a scene and can be used with any type of film equipment.
  
  

Moving Shot

• A moving master shot requires the camera on a track, also known as a dolly, and moves around actors during a scene. A dolly can be as small as 3 feet for slow moving shots or as long as 15 feet to maneuver around the actors. Mounted on a tripod, the camera attaches to wheels that rest on the track. During the scene, the camera operator gently pushes or pulls the camera to create the motion shot desired. For most moving master shots, maneuver the camera slowly to prevent jerking or some other form of distortion. Make sure actors are continually lit throughout the shot; this is the most complex part. Purchase camera dollies at any film equipment store or made using equipment found at any hardware store.
  
  

Stationary Shot

• A stationary shot is the most common type of master shot. Place the camera in the ideal position to capture the scene, and do not move it throughout the entire scene. Capture a simplistic scenes, such as a dinner or interview scene, with stationary camera placement. When setting up a camera, ensure all lighting equipment is out of sight and actors are properly lit. Do not focus on capturing small details of the scene as cut-away shots and close-ups will capture minor details. Use a wide-angle lens most often for this master shot technique.
  
  

Extreme Long Shot

• The extreme long shot establishes the main subjects' relation to his or her surroundings. An example of this shot is a worker in a mall. Let the scene carry out while the camera is placed up to 50 feet away from the actors. In post-production, the editor uses this master shot to establish the size and scope of the scene in which the actors are placed. Sound is not often recorded for extreme long shots as close-up shots will capture all audio. This shot gives a larger impression rather than specific information or details about the scene.