What is an Over the Shoulder Shot in Film?

The over-the-shoulder shot (which can be abbreviated to OTS) is one you might have seen already. It is a popular technique! It offers viewers a unique perspective, further immersing them into the story by peering over a character’s shoulder. This angle establishes spatial relationships between characters and conveys emotional nuances and power dynamics within a certain scene. In this day and age, understanding the intricacies of the OTS shot becomes even more pertinent for photographers and filmmakers aiming to better their visual storytelling.

What is the over-the-shoulder shot in film?

It’s a shot done by positioning the camera behind a subject. Also, it focuses on another character or object in the scene. Typically, this composition includes the back of the subject’s head and shoulder in the foreground. It directs the viewer’s attention to the main subject in the midground or background. This framing not only provides context but also immerses the audience into the character’s point of view. Ultimately, it forms a deeper connection with the narrative. 

Its purpose

One of its primary purposes is to show the relationships between characters. When you frame a scene tightly over one character’s shoulder, the audience is drawn into the intimate exchange happening just inches away. On the other hand, a wider OTS shot where the camera steps back to include more context can show distance, not just physical but emotional, between characters. It’s as though the lens is saying, “Look how far apart they really are, despite being in the same room.” This versatility makes OTS shots the director’s best tool when showing the threads of a certain human connection. 

The most popular types of over-the-shoulder shots

1. Standard OTS shot: It frames the back of the character’s shoulder and head on one side of the shot while focusing on the subject in front of them. This is the go-to choice for dialogue scenes, as it provides enough context to show who’s speaking or listening without dominating the frame.
2. Close OTS shot: A shot that brings you right up behind the character, often cutting out the shoulder entirely or keeping just a sliver. This ramps up the intensity, putting the audience in a position where they feel like they’re breathing down the character’s neck.
3. Wide OTS shot: The wide OTS shot steps back, including more of the character’s body and the surrounding environment. This is great for establishing shots or when the setting is as important as the characters themselves.
4. Over-the-weapon shot: The camera captures the scene from behind a character holding a weapon. Could be a gun, sword, or even a bow.
5. Low-angle OTS shot: The camera is placed below the character’s shoulder, looking slightly upward. This perspective can make the subject of the shot seem more imposing or grand.
6. High-angle OTS shot: This shot positions the camera above the shoulder, looking down at the scene. It can convey vulnerability or dominance depending on who or what’s in focus.
7. OTS with reflections: This shot includes a mirror or reflective surface, showing both the character’s shoulder and their reflection in one frame. It’s perfect for moments of introspection or an identity crisis.
8. Reverse OTS shot: After capturing an OTS shot of one character, you flip the angle to show the other character’s perspective. This back-and-forth creates rhythm and balance in dialogue-heavy scenes.

How to capture the perfect over-the-shoulder shot

Start by picking the right lens. It’s a foundational choice that sets the tone of your shot. A standard 50mm lens is often the go-to for this, because of its natural perspective. But if you want to create a sense of intimacy or unease, a wide-angle lens is the one you should use. It can really exaggerate the distance between the shoulder and the subject. So, the viewer feels like they’re peeking in from an unusual vantage point.

Then, there’s depth of field. Using a shallow depth of field, with the shoulder softly blurred in the foreground, creates an elegant sense of focus. It carefully guides the viewer’s eye to the subject. Pair this with a carefully chosen background, a soft bokeh of glowing streetlights or a dimly lit room, and the mood is instantly elevated.

On the other hand, keeping more of the scene in focus (a deeper depth of field) can work beautifully if you’re emphasizing context. It could be a bustling coffee shop or a chaotic battle in the distance. The way you blur or sharpen the world beyond the shoulder speaks volumes about the story you’re telling.

The beauty of the OTS shot

The over-the-shoulder shot may sound like a mere framing technique. But honestly, it’s anything but ordinary. It has a unique ability to forge emotional connections, and it has a knack for revealing subtle power dynamics. Therefore, this shot is a true, versatile cinematic tool.

So, wait for the opportunity to insert an OTS shot and let the lens do the talking. After all, sometimes the best way to tell a story is to see it from someone else’s point of view — literally.