Wouldn’t it be great if we could always take a look from above and observe our situation from a different perspective? In films, this is possible – namely, with overhead shots, also known as top angle shots, top shots, top-down, bird’s eye view, or god’s eye view. They are not easy to execute but oh-so-powerful in framing the story. This camera perspective has been around for a long while, yet filmmakers still find creative ways to use it. (If you watched the meticulously choreographed opening shot of the recent film “The Substance” that made a lot of noise, then you know what I mean). Let’s analyze some of the incredible overhead shots together – from the prominent to the newest ones – and find out how they enhance visual storytelling.
Read the full article at CineD - The Creative Use of Overhead Shots – Framing the Story from Above
