Disclaimer: I’ve been meaning to write this post for some time now. I actually sat down to start it on Friday, but two significant things happened that day. First, the second week of our Advanced Filmmakers program came to an end. Emotionally, this time is always tough as we get closer to the end of a wonderful program. It’s especially hard knowing that for some of our students, it was their last week, and we had to say goodbye.
The second thing was a phone call I didn’t expect, and while I’ll save the contents of the phone call for another day, it threw me off greatly, and made it difficult to focus on anything else.
But now, establishing shots:
In the world of visual storytelling, the importance of an establishing shot is often understated. These moments, often overlooked by the casual viewer, serve as the quiet architects of the narrative, laying down the foundation upon which a story is built. For "Under the Lights," which takes place in Wilmington, Massachusetts, these shots are especially critical. They help show what life is like in this small town, giving context to the football players, cheerleaders, and band members. Whether it's capturing the changing seasons or the daily rhythm of Wilmington, these establishing shots orient viewers and immerse them in the setting.
We actually had a meeting before season 2 about the need for establishing shots, and if you watch the first episode, you see many of them. To me and many viewers, that episode had the best flow of any we produced last season. Unfortunately we couldn’t keep it up.
Luckily, Elijah Li joined WCTV as our lead producer and he genuinely gets it about the art that goes into all great productions and the importance of establishing shots.
At their best, establishing shots do more than just set the scene—they evoke a mood, a tone, a feeling. They offer a visual prelude, a breath before the plunge into dialogue and action, and in doing so, they shape the viewer's emotional response to what follows. This is a craft that many filmmakers and showrunners either master or neglect, with significant consequences for the overall impact of their work.
WCTV, with their production of "Under the Lights," has come to understand this craft deeply as they head into their third season. The team has made a conscious decision to emphasize the use of establishing shots, recognizing their power in enhancing the narrative and adding depth to the storytelling. It's a subtle shift, perhaps not immediately noticeable to the untrained eye, but it's there—in the lingering shot of a football field at dawn, the flickering lights of a high school stadium, or the empty stands before a big game. These images speak volumes without uttering a single word.
It’s not just about showing Wilmington; it’s about making it feel alive. By carefully selecting and framing these establishing shots, WCTV is not just setting a stage but also creating a rich, immersive experience. The meticulous attention to detail in these visuals brings depth to the narrative, making Wilmington's small-town charm and the high school’s vibrant life palpable to the viewers.
As "Under the Lights" continues to evolve, the emphasis on these establishing shots underscores a broader vision: to honor and celebrate the community and its traditions. This approach not only enhances the storytelling but also respects the essence of the people it portrays, reflecting their pride, struggles, and achievements.
This year of Under the Lights is all about change: so many great players and kids graduated from last year - 21 seniors. No more Mike Lawler, Ali Aboukal, Christian Febbo, Dempsey Murphy, Nick Iascone, Hunter Sands, Braedan Almas, Ryan Weinstein, Clyde Lambert and so many more.
It’s a year of great transition for the team and one for Under the Lights as well. This year will be about starting anew - new camera work, new equipment, more breathtaking shots, much more emphasis on the cheerleading squads and the band from episode 1, along with the team, as they all give so much and play such a huge role in game day.
And to help make sure we capture as much emotion and beauty as possible, many more establishing shots.
So, as we look forward to the new season, it’s evident that these seemingly simple moments carry profound significance. They are a testament to the dedication and passion behind the scenes, reminding us that every frame, every shot, and every detail contributes to the larger story we strive to tell.
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