Medium Shot Definition
What is a medium shot in film?
A medium shot frames the subject from the top of the head down to the waist. It is one of the most commonly used shots in film because it is considered a more "neutral" shot. In other words, it is almost a default shot for characters that can work in most scenes. Wider and longer shots are too distant and detached, and tighter shots like close ups are too restrictive. You might also consider the medium shot to be the most "natural" shot size because it approximates our everyday interactions and conversations in real life.
For more, read our full breakdown of the medium shot, including examples that illustrate the various functions.
Before we dive in the medium shot and everything it can do, let's start with some examples to familiarize ourselves with this type of camera shot. Open this visual gallery of medium shots to see the variety and their functions firsthand.
Meanings & Purpose
Medium shot examples
As we mentioned earlier, there is very little "meaning" or "bias" in a medium shot. At either extreme, close ups and wide shots have built-in visual storytelling connotations. But the medium shot is more like a blank slate, waiting for the context of the scene, the lighting and composition, and other techniques to give it significance and value. Here are just a few common attributes and benefits directors get from using medium shots.
Emphasis on background/context
Neutral, realistic presentation
Group compositions
Perfect for conversations
Usages
When to use a medium shot?
The medium shot is very useful shot in most scenarios. When characters are having conversations, the medium shot and medium close up are almost always used. Most likely due to the fact that those shot sizes match our own conversations — we see the other person from the waist or the chest up. Beyond this more neutral and natural usage, there are other benefits to consider when making your shot list.
Conversation
Dialogue, especially more casual conversations, tends to fit most naturally in medium shots. Then, if the scene intensifies, tighter shots can be used.
Character vs. environment
In widescreen aspect ratios, the medium shot allows for compositional opportunities to create dynamic juxtapositions and multi-subject frames.
Group shots
The medium shot is ideal for group shots, especially when the goal is to visually suggest their relationships (friendly, romantic, confrontational, etc.)
Action
A lot of action shots use medium shots. There is enough real estate around the character to clearly register action without losing the character.
Qualities
Medium shot vs medium close up
The difference between a medium shot and a medium close up is determined by where the bottom of the frame lands on the subject. A medium close up ends around the chest but a medium shot extends down to the waist. The decision to use one over the other comes down to whether you want a little more connection (MCU) or want to keep a more neutral perspective (MS).
Wide shot vs medium shot
There is a much greater difference between a wide shot and medium shot. In the wide shot, the character's full body is shown with a greater emphasis on the background around them. With a medium shot (depending on the aspect ratio), you will still get a good amount of background but the focus is clearly on the character.
Case Study
Shot listing a medium shot
To get a more filmmaker's understanding of how to use a medium shot, let's look at a specific mid shot example. In the scene below, the Wachowskis included many purposeful medium shots.
Click the shot list below, to see the full scene broken down, and ask yourself what each medium shot communicates to a viewer.
There is obviously more than one way to use a medium shot. In fact, there are many.
Let's dive into the creative applications of a medium shot (MS) when paired with other directing and cinematography choices.
Unique Pairings
What is the effect of a medium shot when paired with another camera technique?
How to combine the medium shot
As you know, there are many camera techniques, each with their own unique properties and effects. In isolation, they work just fine. But in combination, these camera techniques can take on more nuanced and effective qualities. Let's see what happens when you combine the medium shot with the following camera techniques.
- Low Angle: A low angle medium shot is a great way to give that a character a sense of power and authority.
- High Angle: In the opposite direction, a high angle can diminish the character, suggesting their weakness or vulnerability.
- Crab Shot: Lots of "walk and talk" scenes have the camera crabbing parallel with the actors with the speed dictating the intensity.
- Tracking Shot: Likewise, tracking in front of or behind the characters is an effective way to give those scenes life and movement.
- Tilt: Many character introductions start on a character's feet and tilt up to a medium shot to create a little anticipation of their reveal.
- Pan: Panning between characters during a conversation is a great way to add energy to it instead of straight cuts.
- Deep Focus: Keeping the character and the background in focus helps establish a connection or relationship between them.
- Shallow Focus: On the other hand, keeping the background out of focus keeps the attention on the character alone.
Frequently asked questions about the medium shot
A medium shot frames a character from above the head down to the waist. It is one of the more neutral shot sizes and, therefore, one of the most commonly used.
A medium shot's most popular purpose is to create a neutral baseline presentation. It's not dramatic or emotional like a close up and it doesn't deemphasize the character like a wide shot. Its universality makes it an ideal shot size for conversations — at least until those conversations elevate when tighter close ups take over.
You should use a medium shot when you are trying to keep the emotional pitch of the scene at a more neutral baseline. You should use a medium shot when you're shooting a group of characters and want to visually signify their relationship (whether it's friendly, contentious, romantic, or somewhere in between). And you should use a medium shot when shooting action scenes to allow the extra space for the audience to register the movements without losing their connection to the characters.
