Definition
What is a full shot?
A full shot frames a person’s complete body, usually with a little room around it. It balances readable gesture and costume with enough environment to show where the person stands and how they move through a scene.
Compared with a wide shot, the person has more prominence; compared with a medium shot, posture and movement have more room to play. It is particularly useful when physical performance, wardrobe, props, or a character’s relation to a doorway or other landmark matters.
The exact crop is flexible. Avoid treating a measurement as more important than the dramatic purpose: a small adjustment for headroom, movement, or an actor’s eyeline can make the frame feel intentional rather than mechanically full-length.
Example in the edit
A dancer is framed head to toe as they enter a rehearsal room, allowing the audience to read the entire movement phrase.
Why editors use it
Full shots preserve body language that close coverage can hide while keeping the performer visually important.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions about Full shot
Does a full shot always show both feet?
Usually, but slight variations are common when a composition or foreground element calls for them.
What is the difference between a full and a wide shot?
A full shot prioritizes the whole person; a wide shot gives more prominence to the environment and scene geography.
Why use a full shot in dialogue?
It lets the edit retain posture, gesture, distance, and physical behavior that affect how dialogue is understood.