An over-the-shoulder shot is classified under which approach category?

An over-the-shoulder shot is classified under the approach category of camera angle because it fundamentally involves the positioning of the camera in relation to the subjects in the frame. This type of shot is typically captured by placing the camera behind one character's shoulder, providing a perspective that includes part of that character's head and shoulder in the foreground while focusing on the subject or action in front of them.

This technique is often used in dialogue scenes to create intimacy and a sense of connection between characters, as it visually aligns the audience with one character’s viewpoint. By doing so, it establishes a spatial relationship between the characters and enhances the storytelling aspect of the scene. The classification as a camera angle emphasizes the importance of perspective and how it influences the viewer's understanding and emotional engagement with the unfolding action.

Other approach categories like shot composition focus on the arrangement of visual elements within the frame, camera movement refers to how the camera is physically moved to follow action or reveal information, and shot size pertains to the framing of subjects (like close-up or wide shot). Although these concepts also play integral roles in film production, the over-the-shoulder shot is specifically characterized by its angle, making it a distinctive type of camera angle technique.