Post 5

Jump Cuts, Over-the-Shoulder Shots, Cutaways and Point of View Shots

Definitions of Key words

• Jump cuts - An instantaneous transition between two scenes that have identical subjects in slightly different screen locations, which makes the subject appear to jump within the screen.

• Over the Shoulder shot - the camera is placed behind one character, looking over that character's shoulder at another character or object. This is a variation of the point of view (POV) shot where the audience's attention is being drawn to the same element that the character is focusing on without the audience being asked to identify completely with the character.

• Cutaway shot - this means we cut away from the primary focus to something else. This can be a reaction shot within the context of the scene or to someplace completely different to give a sense of meanwhile.

• Point of view shot - the camera is seeing something the same way that a character does. This is done to force audience identification with the character.