Extreme long shot

Definition of an extreme long shot: An extreme longshot is a shot with a wider frame value where the subject is small in the overall image people, if they can even be seen at all, are shown as dots. It can be taken from up to a quarter of a mile away and usually shows an exterior such as the outside of a building or landscape. This makes it perfect for emphasising the background and environment the character is in or against which is why it is often used at the beginning of a film or a scene (as an establishing shot) - to create an atmosphere or set the scene. There is often very little detail visible in the shot, it's meant to give a general impression rather than specific information. Example of an extreme longshot: The first few shots in the opening credits of Sherlock show good examples of an extreme long shot, see below. This shot has been used to set the scene as London and this has the effect of drawing the audience in by giving them their first piece of information about what they are about to see.