Static Shot (Static Camera)

A Static Shot (Static Camera) is a shot with no camera movement; the fixed camera remains motionless. In most cases, the camera is mounted on a tripod (or a similar support).

Long static shots help the viewers to notice subtle changes in the mise en scène. Depending on the context, static shots can convey calmness and contemplation, or of feeling secure, fixed, or trapped. The frequent use of static shots can become part of a director’s signature style (i.e. directors Jim Jarmusch and Peter Greenaway).