Five Shot Rule plus One

Michael Rosenblum’s “five shot” method that he developed training journalists from the NY Times to the BBC. It’s actually something he’s preached since the late 1990s, and those who are fortunate enough to learn it get an insight into shooting better video, immediately.

1. A closeup on the hands of a subject – showing WHAT is happening
2. A closeup on the face – WHO is doing it
3. A wide shot – WHERE its happening
4. An over the shoulder shot (OTS) – linking together the previous three concepts
5. An unusual, or side/low shot – providing story-specific context
Plus1. A creative shot

Rosenblum stresses that this provides usable footage every time, and this sequence always cuts together logically in the editing room.

By mastering the 5 shot plus 1 rule you will learn:

Closeups
Logical sequences
Respecting the line of action
Getting effective B-roll
Editing solutions