Shot Zero
@shotzero.bsky.social
We talk shot design - because shot design isn’t just how it looks and feels, it’s how it works. www.shot-zero.com
Produced by Stu Willis & Mel Killingsworth
Produced by Stu Willis & Mel Killingsworth
Pinned
Shot Zero
@shotzero.bsky.social
· Sep 10
#Andor FrameWithoutFrame 2/5
Through S1, Vel and Cinta had similar ideals, but polar opposite ideas of how they could work together within the Rebellion, and this frame reminds us of this visually.
I’m also interested in how we get *into* this frame, though:
Through S1, Vel and Cinta had similar ideals, but polar opposite ideas of how they could work together within the Rebellion, and this frame reminds us of this visually.
I’m also interested in how we get *into* this frame, though:
More Mirrors!
We take a peek at how The Apartment uses mirrors to further the plot . . . and fakes some reflections, too!
shotzero.substack.com/p/cracked-re...
We take a peek at how The Apartment uses mirrors to further the plot . . . and fakes some reflections, too!
shotzero.substack.com/p/cracked-re...
January 22, 2026 at 11:01 PM
More Mirrors!
We take a peek at how The Apartment uses mirrors to further the plot . . . and fakes some reflections, too!
shotzero.substack.com/p/cracked-re...
We take a peek at how The Apartment uses mirrors to further the plot . . . and fakes some reflections, too!
shotzero.substack.com/p/cracked-re...
During #HowIMetYourMother's iconic episode “The Slutty Pumpkin,” Ted tells of several Halloween costumes past.
There's more blocking setup (full scene on Substack next week!), all in service of the punchline where some dude wanders over and creates this classic "shoulder angel and devil' tableau.
There's more blocking setup (full scene on Substack next week!), all in service of the punchline where some dude wanders over and creates this classic "shoulder angel and devil' tableau.
January 21, 2026 at 11:01 PM
During #HowIMetYourMother's iconic episode “The Slutty Pumpkin,” Ted tells of several Halloween costumes past.
There's more blocking setup (full scene on Substack next week!), all in service of the punchline where some dude wanders over and creates this classic "shoulder angel and devil' tableau.
There's more blocking setup (full scene on Substack next week!), all in service of the punchline where some dude wanders over and creates this classic "shoulder angel and devil' tableau.
Instead of blocking in the devil and angel, or cutting to them already in position, or using SFX, in animation such as this scene from #TheEmperorsNewGroove, you can simply make them POOF! appear!
January 20, 2026 at 11:01 PM
Instead of blocking in the devil and angel, or cutting to them already in position, or using SFX, in animation such as this scene from #TheEmperorsNewGroove, you can simply make them POOF! appear!
The Children's Hour intentionally frames Mary with Martha (Shirley MacLaine) and Karen (Audrey Hepburn) on either shoulder to insinuate angel and devil; in this case, depicting what other characters imagine Martha and Karen as, not what we the audience are meant to see them as.
January 19, 2026 at 11:01 PM
The Children's Hour intentionally frames Mary with Martha (Shirley MacLaine) and Karen (Audrey Hepburn) on either shoulder to insinuate angel and devil; in this case, depicting what other characters imagine Martha and Karen as, not what we the audience are meant to see them as.
Why might you use two split diopter shots, more than an hour apart?
THE CHILDREN'S HOUR is saying something very specific with it!
open.substack.com/pub/shotzero...
THE CHILDREN'S HOUR is saying something very specific with it!
open.substack.com/pub/shotzero...
January 18, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Why might you use two split diopter shots, more than an hour apart?
THE CHILDREN'S HOUR is saying something very specific with it!
open.substack.com/pub/shotzero...
THE CHILDREN'S HOUR is saying something very specific with it!
open.substack.com/pub/shotzero...
#GiriHaji Ep 5 uses bathroom mirrors in three scenes quite close together to show three characters attempting to make decisions . . . or trying to avoid the ramifications of their choices.
(see our Substack 'Roundup' next Wednesday for the full breakdown)
(see our Substack 'Roundup' next Wednesday for the full breakdown)
January 17, 2026 at 11:01 PM
#GiriHaji Ep 5 uses bathroom mirrors in three scenes quite close together to show three characters attempting to make decisions . . . or trying to avoid the ramifications of their choices.
(see our Substack 'Roundup' next Wednesday for the full breakdown)
(see our Substack 'Roundup' next Wednesday for the full breakdown)
this scene from Hell Drivers shifts camera and characters to use the mirror to show Tom and Gino (Stanley Baker and Herbert Lom) in different configurations as they try to figure out what they think of each other, and decide whether they will be enemies or friends.
January 16, 2026 at 11:01 PM
this scene from Hell Drivers shifts camera and characters to use the mirror to show Tom and Gino (Stanley Baker and Herbert Lom) in different configurations as they try to figure out what they think of each other, and decide whether they will be enemies or friends.
Reposted by Shot Zero
GREAT cover art
Thrilled to see Point Blank now coming from @criterion.bsky.social: www.criterion.com/films/32290-...
We just discussed this landmark film on That 70s movie podcast: open.spotify.com/episode/2U26...
We just discussed this landmark film on That 70s movie podcast: open.spotify.com/episode/2U26...
January 16, 2026 at 6:49 PM
GREAT cover art
This week has been all about mirror shots, and we have a real doozy on the long-read today!
Check our Substack for the four ways this scene uses a three way mirror.
shotzero.substack.com/p/two-way-bl...
Check our Substack for the four ways this scene uses a three way mirror.
shotzero.substack.com/p/two-way-bl...
January 15, 2026 at 11:01 PM
This week has been all about mirror shots, and we have a real doozy on the long-read today!
Check our Substack for the four ways this scene uses a three way mirror.
shotzero.substack.com/p/two-way-bl...
Check our Substack for the four ways this scene uses a three way mirror.
shotzero.substack.com/p/two-way-bl...
This short, tense exchange between Mags Bennet (Character Actress Margo Martindale) and Loretta McCready (Kaitlyn Dever) in #Justified 2.13 “Bloody Harlan” uses the thin bar mirror a few different ways.
Subscribe (free!) to our Substack to see the whole breakdown next week.
Subscribe (free!) to our Substack to see the whole breakdown next week.
January 14, 2026 at 11:02 PM
This short, tense exchange between Mags Bennet (Character Actress Margo Martindale) and Loretta McCready (Kaitlyn Dever) in #Justified 2.13 “Bloody Harlan” uses the thin bar mirror a few different ways.
Subscribe (free!) to our Substack to see the whole breakdown next week.
Subscribe (free!) to our Substack to see the whole breakdown next week.
#TenPoundPoms uses a lot of rearview mirrors and three-way mirrors, as well as prism’d glass to reveal a dream [we've looked at all those shots; check our site for closer looks!)
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January 13, 2026 at 11:01 PM
#TenPoundPoms uses a lot of rearview mirrors and three-way mirrors, as well as prism’d glass to reveal a dream [we've looked at all those shots; check our site for closer looks!)
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The Woman in Question is all about different perspectives or a person and a murder — the alternate title is Five Angles on Murder — so it makes sense it would use a lot of mirrors to get different angles on Agnes / Astra (Jean Kent).
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January 12, 2026 at 11:01 PM
The Woman in Question is all about different perspectives or a person and a murder — the alternate title is Five Angles on Murder — so it makes sense it would use a lot of mirrors to get different angles on Agnes / Astra (Jean Kent).
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This week is all about MIRRORS!
Kicking off with a practical breakdown of how to shoot in three-way mirrors.
shotzero.substack.com/p/shooting-i...
Kicking off with a practical breakdown of how to shoot in three-way mirrors.
shotzero.substack.com/p/shooting-i...
January 11, 2026 at 11:00 PM
This week is all about MIRRORS!
Kicking off with a practical breakdown of how to shoot in three-way mirrors.
shotzero.substack.com/p/shooting-i...
Kicking off with a practical breakdown of how to shoot in three-way mirrors.
shotzero.substack.com/p/shooting-i...
A moving shot to reveal an ‘in situ’ #MyLifeisMurder title card is always fun, but it’s really the seagull sounds offscreen and the plop! punctuation of the shot which earn this episode's spot on this list.
January 10, 2026 at 11:01 PM
A moving shot to reveal an ‘in situ’ #MyLifeisMurder title card is always fun, but it’s really the seagull sounds offscreen and the plop! punctuation of the shot which earn this episode's spot on this list.
One of My Life is Murder’s more meta title cards, this cops the 1985 camcorder style of its cold-open flashback!
January 9, 2026 at 11:01 PM
One of My Life is Murder’s more meta title cards, this cops the 1985 camcorder style of its cold-open flashback!
Happy New Year and all that jazz!
Check our website and Substack to see more shots we're looking forward to in the coming year.
open.substack.com/pub/shotzero...
Check our website and Substack to see more shots we're looking forward to in the coming year.
open.substack.com/pub/shotzero...
January 8, 2026 at 11:01 PM
Happy New Year and all that jazz!
Check our website and Substack to see more shots we're looking forward to in the coming year.
open.substack.com/pub/shotzero...
Check our website and Substack to see more shots we're looking forward to in the coming year.
open.substack.com/pub/shotzero...
Before #ThePitt's season 2 premiere, we look back at how the show sets up for events episodes in advance - this scene from Episode 9 had plenty of foreshadowing!
shotzero.substack.com/p/setting-up...
shotzero.substack.com/p/setting-up...
January 8, 2026 at 8:01 AM
Before #ThePitt's season 2 premiere, we look back at how the show sets up for events episodes in advance - this scene from Episode 9 had plenty of foreshadowing!
shotzero.substack.com/p/setting-up...
shotzero.substack.com/p/setting-up...
Full disclosure, this #MyLifeisMurder 1.05 “Feet of Clay” title card made our list mostly because I (Mel) have uttered some version of Alexa’s rant*.
I'm also amused they make use of the “don’t walk pants / walk skirt” signals, which actually grace several crossings in the Melbourne CBD.
1/2
I'm also amused they make use of the “don’t walk pants / walk skirt” signals, which actually grace several crossings in the Melbourne CBD.
1/2
January 7, 2026 at 11:02 PM
Full disclosure, this #MyLifeisMurder 1.05 “Feet of Clay” title card made our list mostly because I (Mel) have uttered some version of Alexa’s rant*.
I'm also amused they make use of the “don’t walk pants / walk skirt” signals, which actually grace several crossings in the Melbourne CBD.
1/2
I'm also amused they make use of the “don’t walk pants / walk skirt” signals, which actually grace several crossings in the Melbourne CBD.
1/2
Always love a good A Christmas Carol quote
January 7, 2026 at 12:11 PM
Always love a good A Christmas Carol quote
Reposted by Shot Zero
#Film89ShotOfTheDay
No.2980
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
Director: Sergio Leone
Cinematographer: Tonino Delli Colli
No.2980
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
Director: Sergio Leone
Cinematographer: Tonino Delli Colli
January 7, 2026 at 9:22 AM
#Film89ShotOfTheDay
No.2980
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
Director: Sergio Leone
Cinematographer: Tonino Delli Colli
No.2980
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
Director: Sergio Leone
Cinematographer: Tonino Delli Colli
Reposted by Shot Zero
"I've got passion, and for people who don't, I make them see how trite their lives are."
In memory of the trailblazing John Singleton, legendary Oscar/Emmy-nominated filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer on what should have been his 58th birthday.
He was #BOTD on 1/6/1968
In memory of the trailblazing John Singleton, legendary Oscar/Emmy-nominated filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer on what should have been his 58th birthday.
He was #BOTD on 1/6/1968
January 7, 2026 at 5:23 AM
"I've got passion, and for people who don't, I make them see how trite their lives are."
In memory of the trailblazing John Singleton, legendary Oscar/Emmy-nominated filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer on what should have been his 58th birthday.
He was #BOTD on 1/6/1968
In memory of the trailblazing John Singleton, legendary Oscar/Emmy-nominated filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer on what should have been his 58th birthday.
He was #BOTD on 1/6/1968
In the ‘setup’ shot (0:00-0:04), a doc draws attention to the monitor by pushing buttons; after the jolt, the camera cuts to that monitor in the foreground in focus and newly angled (for more drama!), before heartbeat lines draw in the title card.
#MyLifeisMurder 1.08
#MyLifeisMurder 1.08
January 6, 2026 at 11:01 PM
In the ‘setup’ shot (0:00-0:04), a doc draws attention to the monitor by pushing buttons; after the jolt, the camera cuts to that monitor in the foreground in focus and newly angled (for more drama!), before heartbeat lines draw in the title card.
#MyLifeisMurder 1.08
#MyLifeisMurder 1.08
"My Life is Murder" pilot episode uses not one but two Melbourne icons — Flinders Street Station and a tram — to establish exactly where Alexa is doing her sleuthing!
January 5, 2026 at 11:02 PM
"My Life is Murder" pilot episode uses not one but two Melbourne icons — Flinders Street Station and a tram — to establish exactly where Alexa is doing her sleuthing!
Critic's Choice winner #ThePitt sure knows how to set up a punch.
shotzero.substack.com/p/setting-up...
shotzero.substack.com/p/setting-up...
Setting up a Punch Line: THE PITT
contains minor spoilers for The Pitt season 1, episode 9
shotzero.substack.com
January 5, 2026 at 3:58 AM
Critic's Choice winner #ThePitt sure knows how to set up a punch.
shotzero.substack.com/p/setting-up...
shotzero.substack.com/p/setting-up...
In anticipation of #ThePitt's return, we look at a shocking moment from Season 1 . . . and how the preceding nine episodes set us up perfectly for the punch line.
open.substack.com/pub/shotzero...
open.substack.com/pub/shotzero...
January 4, 2026 at 11:00 PM
In anticipation of #ThePitt's return, we look at a shocking moment from Season 1 . . . and how the preceding nine episodes set us up perfectly for the punch line.
open.substack.com/pub/shotzero...
open.substack.com/pub/shotzero...