ABSTRACT
Over the shoulder shots, also called OTS shots and “dirty singles”, are commonly used to cover dialogue scenes between two or more characters, especially when they are in close proximity to one another. Most often, OTS shots are framed using medium shots and medium close-ups, and are taken from a vantage point that provides a frontal view of the main subject in a way that showcases their facial expressions; this framing allows audiences to more fully connect with the emotions of the character facing the camera and enhances their sense of engagement with the story while maintaining a sense of physical proximity to the other character in the scene. A short focal length can produce the opposite perspective effect, making characters appear to be farther away from each other due to their wider angle of view and demagnification.
