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Shot editor + 11 shot types

Last updated May 22, 2026 · 4 min read

Occasionally you need to specify a shot (e.g. "close-up on J. Doe's hand", "wide aerial"). Script Studio's shot element lets you mark shots for the director / DP to see.

Slima Script Studio Write editor: scene content can include shot markers and shot types

When to use a shot

Traditionally, scripts don't specify shots — that's the director / DP's job. But sometimes:

  • A close shot emphasising something
  • A POV emphasising a character's view
  • A wide to establish a scene
  • A tracking shot for a moving moment

These shots carry story meaning, so the writer can mark them.

The 11 shot types

The shot element's type dropdown offers a fixed set of 11 industry-standard types. Each one renders with its Hollywood label or its Taiwan-format label, depending on your script format.

Hollywood label Taiwan label
INSERT 插景
CLOSE ON 特寫
ANGLE ON 角度
POV 主觀鏡頭
MEDIUM SHOT 中景
WIDE SHOT 遠景
EXTREME CLOSE UP 大特寫
BACK TO SCENE 回場景
TRACKING SHOT 追蹤鏡頭
SERIES OF SHOTS 連續鏡頭
MONTAGE 蒙太奇

INSERT is one of these 11 types — see Description / Transition / Insert Shot.

Adding a shot in Write view

A shot is a structured element with two parts: a type and its content. On an empty line, type / to open the command menu and pick Shot (or press Ctrl+5). A shot line appears:

  • A type button on the left — click it to open the dropdown and choose one of the 11 types.
  • A content field on the right — type what the shot is on (e.g. "PHOTO OF FATHER", or leave it blank).

In Hollywood format the line reads like INSERT — PHOTO OF FATHER; in Taiwan format it shows a ▲ prefix, like ▲ 插景：父親的照片.

Caveat

Overusing shots makes the script feel like a "shotlist" rather than a screenplay — generally discouraged in screenwriting circles.

Reserve shots for:

  • Shots carrying significant story meaning (a close shot emphasising the antagonist's eyes; a POV showing the protagonist's blind spot)
  • Moments where visual humour / suspense requires it
  • Shots already discussed with the director and agreed to be in the script

For everyday shot design, leave it to the director / DP.

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