Published: October 6, 2024 | Last Updated: October 10, 2024
An overhead shot is when the camera is positioned directly above the subject, looking straight down, emphasizing geometry, spatial relationships, and object placement. It’s closely related to the bird’s-eye view shot. However, the two differ subtly: a bird’s-eye view typically offers a broader, more distant perspective (often from an aerial vantage), while an overhead shot is closer, more intimate, and generally achieved through ground-based rigs or cranes. The overall principle, however, remains the same: shooting an overview of a scene from approximately a 90-degree angle, looking straight down.
The overhead shot is used for a variety of cinematic purposes, including:
- Capture vertical action or multi-level dynamics
- Provide an objective, omniscient perspective
- Show power dynamics between characters
- Show detailed patterns or arrangements
- Stress the visual style and composition of a shot or scene
This article will provide an overview (see what I did there!?) of overview and bird’s-eye view shots in cinema.
The overhead shot can be considered part of the larger group of high-angle shots.
Overhead Shot vs. Bird’s-Eye-View Shot
Let’s start by looking at the subtle difference between an overhead and an eye-view shot.
An overhead shot maintains closer proximity to the subject, giving a grounded perspective focusing on detailed composition. Overhead shots are great for emphasizing intimacy and details.
In contrast, a bird’s-eye view is much higher, usually from an aerial position like a drone or helicopter, providing a broader, more distant vantage point. Bird’ s-eye views give expansive, wide-scale context.
That said, as the example from Vertigo above shows, there must be a grey zone where shots can be considered both.
Reasons to use an Overhead Shot
Overhead shots are great for capturing scenes where vertical movement or multi-level interactions are central.
For example, they can clarify action on different building levels or present a clearer understanding of spatial layouts, whether in complex action sequences or intricate set designs, as the shot above from The Untouchables shows.
Objective Perspective
Overhead shots are also good for creating emotional distance and presenting characters and events in a detached, omniscient manner.
This viewpoint can lend a sense of objectivity, making the audience observers of the narrative rather than participants.
An Omniscient Perspective
Another common reason is for introducing a third-person, all-seeing omniscient perspective, revealing information that characters are unaware of.
Placing the audience in the dominant position of the observer can create psychological tension because we know something that the characters don’t.
Enter the Void by Gaspar Noe is a great example of a movie that explores the omniscient perspective and challenges us to move between a first-person point-of-view to a third-person omniscient observer in a gigantic out-of-body trip:
Power Dynamic Expression
One of the most potent uses of the overhead shot is its ability to establish power hierarchies. The shot diminishes their stature by looking down on a character, showing vulnerability, submission, or helplessness.
Pattern, Detail, and Stylistic Choice
The overhead shot highlights detailed compositions or organized patterns within a scene.
Good examples are auteur filmmakers like Wes Anderson and Stanley Kubrick, who use overhead shots to draw attention to symmetry and order, making the shot their signature stylistic choice.
As with all camera shots, a bird’s-eye view or overhead shot should only be used for a reason. It has to be motivated! Use it to tell your story because it calls for this particular perspective at that particular time—not just for gimmicks!
How to create an Overhead Shot
The handheld overhead: The most straightforward way to create an overhead shot is also the most intimate. You stand above your subject and point your camera straight down while ensuring that it does not capture your legs and feet. This is great for intimate close-ups – for example, a character lying in bed.
The drone shot: Today, overhead shots are quite easy to achieve with a consumer drone. Everyone can now achieve what used to require a helicopter or a crane. Fly your drone above your subject and point the camera straight down.
The advanced studio setups: Film studios often use specific equipment, such as cranes, jibs, or specialized rigs, to carry heavy cine cameras and lenses. These are often combined with wide-angle or zoom lenses depending on the framing needs.
Lighting and shadows: Lighting can also be challenging, as overhead rigs may cast unwanted shadows. To maintain visual clarity without interfering with the shot, you usually address this using advanced lighting setups, including diffusion techniques and remote-controlled rigs. If it isn’t possible, you remove unwanted shadows in post-production.
Summing Up
This was an introduction to overhead shots in film, and I chose to keep the examples as narrow and close to the definition as possible. However, you can get creative and combine the overhead shots with various camera angles, lenses, and movements to achieve unique effects. These shots can also be merged with extreme close-ups, various point-of-view perspectives, or camera movement to create more dynamic and engaging sequences.
The most important thing is to use overhead shots judiciously. Their unusual perspective can break audience immersion if they are not properly motivated by the story. But when used thoughtfully, overhead shots can create memorable visual sequences and give a unique perspective on the action unfolding.
Up Next: Ultimate Guide to Camera Shots, Angles, and Movement.