Video Editing Glossary

Establishing Shot

A wide shot that sets the location and context before cutting closer.

An establishing shot is typically a wide view that orients the audience — showing where a scene takes place before the edit moves to medium and close shots. It grounds the viewer in space so subsequent closer shots make sense, and is a building block of continuity editing.

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Written & reviewed by
Faran@432
Production Lead & Consultant · Studio432

Faran is the production lead at Studio432 — the studio arm of Club432, the Karachi collective behind 100+ filmed live sessions and concert films. He plans and consults on shoots worldwide, and owns the gear, settings and craft standards behind everything published here.

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