Beginning Video Production
A basic sequence in video consists of the following shots:
1. Establishing shot
2. Medium shot of main character
3. reaction shot/cutaway of secondary character
4. close up (or sometimes medium) of main character
5. reaction shot/cutaway of secondary character (sometimes this can be a medium two shot—both main and secondary characters)
6. wide shot of both characters in their location
Directors make endless variations on this sequence. They extend the sequence from six to eight, ten, or even more shots. They focus on the main character by progressively getting closer to that character with each shot. While they get closer to one character, they move away from another character. Etc.