Film Language Tag: insert

A close-up shot of something related to the scene included during editing either as a bridge between two shots that cannot be edited together in a pleasing fashion or to symbolize a thought or idea and help move the story forward. Typical inserts include close shots of inanimate objects such as newspaper clippings, clocks, calendars, etc. Insert shots may be recorded during principal photography or as a pick-up during post-production. USAGE: An insert shot should not be confused with a cutaway, though insert is often used to mean either one. 2. obs. A close-up. USAGE: During the Silent Era (c. 1886-1930), as the formal language of film was developing, the term insert covered any kind of shot that did not show the full action. Since then, closeup has become its own term and insert has taken on a more specific meaning. Kroon, R. W. A/V a to z: An encyclopedic dictionary of media, entertainment and other Audiovisual terms. McFarland, 2014.