What Is a Pedestal Shot? Why Directors Use This Camera Move Explained

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Published: June 5, 2024 | Last Updated: November 3, 2025

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What is a pedestal shot? Definition & Meaning

In a pedestal shot (sometimes called a boom shot), the camera moves vertically up or down while maintaining a fixed horizontal axis. It maintains the camera-subject distance throughout the shot. Unlike tilting, which alters the camera’s angle, a pedestal shot ensures the lens remains parallel to the ground. It is often achieved using a hydraulic boom arm or jib attached to a dolly or tripod and uses a counterweight system for smooth motion. For large productions, it’s also created using a crane.

First, here’s a brief summary with a couple of examples. I’ll get into more examples in the article below.

Common Uses of Pedestal Shots

Pedestal shots are one of the basic camera movements. In the strictest definition, the camera only moves vertically up and down. In reality, they are often combined with other camera movements, such as subtle panning and tilting.

Here are some common uses of the pedestal shot:

Emphasize Scale

Moving the camera vertically can highlight the size or height of objects or characters, making them appear more imposing or significant.

Notice how the pedestal up makes Buzz Lightyear seem even more imposing, while he’s being slowly revealed.

For example, in Toy Story (2005), Buzz Lightyear is slowly revealed by pedestalling up, making him seem more imposing and confident than the gasping Sheriff Woody.

Reveal Information

Pedestal shots can unveil new elements of the scene. For example, pedestalling slowly from one point of view to another can create suspense.

This is a terrifying scene, where the pedestal down is used to build suspense and trap us with the terrified Dreyfus family under the floorboards.

In Inglourious Basterds (2009), Tarantino uses a boom-down shot to reveal the frightened Jews slowly hiding below the floorboards.

Tracking shot

Pedestal shots can be used for tracking, especially if that character is moving up or down stairs, on an elevator, or changing environmental levels.

This is a creative use of a pedestal shot, which I don’t see too often. Here, it functions as a tracking shot and moves with the elevators.

In True Lies (1994), we are pedestalling up as the camera follows Harry Tasker on a horse and the bad guys moving up in separate glass elevators during the chase.

Shooting Large Crowds

Boom shots are ideal for capturing large crowds or expansive settings. For example, they can show the scale and scope of a large concert crowd or demonstration.

The song “That’s How You Know” in Central Park uses pedestal shots to reveal the huge cast of dancers and singers, and to emphasize Giselle’s vertical movements. It’s often combined with subtle movements in other directions, presumably shot from a crane.

Disney’s Enchanted (2007) uses several pedestal up-and-down shots in Central Park, N.Y.C. scene to transition from focusing on Giselle, Robert, and the crowd to show the size of the larger and larger crowd and even to track Giselle’s movement as she’s carefully put down to the ground.

Closing Shots

Boom shots can be used effectively for close shots. The camera can ascend or descend to provide a final, sweeping view of the scene, creating a memorable and impactful ending that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.

Casablanca (1942) ends with a nice boom-up shot of Rick and Renault walking away into the fog, signifying the unclear road ahead of their “beautiful friendship.”

Stress Emotions

Boom shots can make an emotional moment hit harder. Moving the camera up can make a character feel small or overwhelmed. Moving it down brings us closer, like we’re sharing the moment with them. That simple motion changes how the scene feels.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994) uses boom shots in several places. For example, to stress the liberation and catharsis when Andy escapes through the sewers and into the rain.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994, Columbia) uses boom shots to show big emotional shifts. One example is the scene where Andy escapes through the sewer and stands in the rain; the camera rises above him, emphasizing the catharsis of the moment.

When Hadley grabs Andy and shoves him toward the edge, the camera moves with them. The boom shot makes the drop feel real. It shows how aggressive the guards are, but also how close Andy is to risking everything. He’s not just on the edge of the roof, he’s on the edge of a new path.

Another example is the rooftop scene above.

Camera Movement List

Summing Up

A pedestal or boom shot is a camera movement in which the camera is moved vertically up or down along a fixed axis without changing its angle. It can be combined with other camera movements.

A pedestal shot is often used to reveal information gradually, emphasize scale, or vertically follow a subject’s movement. Pedestal shots often create a sense of discovery, highlight different elements within a scene, or emphasize a specific emotion, such as danger, liberation, uncertainty, or loneliness.

Read Next: Want to master how camera movement affects tone and pacing?

New to camera language? Start with our Camera Shots & Angles FAQ for quick answers and visual breakdowns.

Then explore all camera movement techniques — from tracking shots and whip pans to handheld, Steadicam, and crane setups.

Or return to the Cinematography section to dive into lenses, lighting, and visual composition.